Switzerland does not sell residence or citizenship, but it offers wealthy individuals, entrepreneurs, retirees and their families several ways to settle in the country. The articles collected here explain residence permits for people who do not work in Switzerland, permits for entrepreneurs and employees, family reunification, the taxation according to expenditure, the choice of canton, and the path to permanent residence and citizenship. They also cover the practical side of a move, from schools and housing to buying property and bringing assets and companies to Switzerland.
Switzerland sells neither residence nor citizenship, but it grants residence permits to wealthy individuals, entrepreneurs and retirees case by case, usually together with an agreed tax position. The choice of canton, the preparation of the application and the tax ruling decide the outcome, so each step deserves careful preparation.
Citizens of countries outside the European Union and EFTA face stricter admission rules than Europeans. Employed persons are subject to annual quotas and must usually be highly qualified, while persons of independent means may obtain a permit where the canton sees an important public interest, such as a significant tax contribution. Retirees above a certain age can be admitted if they have close personal ties to Switzerland.
A successful relocation starts well before the application is filed. The family should compare cantons for tax burden, schools, language and housing, and it should clarify how income and assets will be taxed after the move. In many cases the tax position is agreed with the cantonal authority in advance, which gives the family certainty before it gives up its residence abroad.
Practical matters deserve equal care. Schools, housing and the transfer of household goods all have their own rules and deadlines. Health insurance is compulsory for residents and must usually be taken out within three months of arrival. Families who hold assets in several countries should also review their estate planning and the tax consequences of leaving their former home before the move takes place.
The articles explain the routes to Swiss residence for families from outside the European Union, taxation according to expenditure, family reunification, the path to permanent residence and citizenship, and the planning of the move itself.
The settlement permit (C permit): permanent residence in Switzerland
When non-European residents can obtain the Swiss C permit, which integration and language criteria apply, and what changes once permanent residence has been granted. Read more Residence · CitizenshipSwiss citizenship: ordinary naturalisation and dual nationality
How ordinary naturalisation works under the Swiss Citizenship Act: residence periods, integration and language criteria, the three levels of procedure and the question of dual nationality. Read more Residence · Family ReunificationFamily reunification: bringing your spouse and children to Switzerland
Under which conditions non-European residents can bring their spouse and children to Switzerland, how the permit type affects the outcome and why deadlines matter. Read more Residence · DepartureLeaving Switzerland: deregistration, taxes, pensions and permits
What residents should arrange before leaving Switzerland: deregistration, final tax assessment, pension capital withdrawals, the fate of residence permits and health insurance. Read more Residence · PracticeMoving to Switzerland: registration, insurance, schools and household goods
Once the residence permit and the tax position are settled, a family moving to Switzerland faces a series of practical… Read more Residence · PropertyBuying property in Switzerland as a foreign national
Many families who move to Switzerland want to buy a home, and many foreign companies want to own their offices… Read more Residence · PermitsWork and residence permits for entrepreneurs and employees from outside Europe
For companies from Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America that set up in Switzerland, the question of who… Read more Residence · TaxLump-sum taxation in Switzerland: taxation according to expenditure
Wealthy foreign nationals who move to Switzerland and do not work here can, in most cantons, be taxed on their… Read more Residence · Private ClientMoving to Switzerland: residence for wealthy individuals, entrepreneurs and their families
Switzerland sells neither residence nor citizenship. There is no investor visa and no passport programme. What Switzerland offers wealthy individuals,… Read more