Residence by Investment - Switzerland

Switzerland

Programs Residence by Investment

Ramsay & Partners has developed the Swiss Residence Program specifically for non-EU/EFTA nationals who wish to reside in Switzerland without engaging in gainful employment. This program allows financially independent individuals to acquire a residence permit in Switzerland by agreeing to pay a predetermined minimum amount in annual net taxes, providing an attractive pathway to long-term residence in one of Europe’s most secure and prosperous countries.

Switzerland offers a variety of residence categories, with distinct processes for EU/EFTA nationals and non-EU/non-EFTA nationals. While EU or EFTA nationals may easily obtain a residence permit through employment, self-employment, or by proving financial independence, the process for non-EU/non-EFTA nationals is more complex but achievable under certain conditions.

Under the Swiss Residence Program, non-EU/EFTA nationals who are not employed in Switzerland can obtain residence by committing to pay a lump-sum tax based on their estimated living expenses, rather than their actual income or wealth. This tax agreement, negotiated with Swiss authorities, enables individuals and their families to enjoy Switzerland’s high standard of living, political stability, and excellent quality of life.

In addition to offering residence in Switzerland, the program provides visa-free travel across the Schengen Area. After a prolonged period of residence, typically 10 years, individuals may also be eligible to apply for Swiss citizenship, subject to additional criteria. Switzerland’s advantageous tax system, along with its highly developed infrastructure and robust healthcare and education systems, makes it a premier destination for long-term residence.

The application process for the Swiss Residence Program involves submitting detailed financial documentation and negotiating the tax agreement with local cantonal authorities. Once approved, the applicant and their family will receive residence permits, initially valid for one year, with the option to renew indefinitely as long as the financial requirements are met.

Investment Minimum annual taxes of CHF 250,000

Processing time 1-3 months

Switzerland Residence by Investment

A Gateway to Business in Switzerland with the Swiss Residence Program

Ramsay & Partners’ Swiss offices are ideally positioned to assist you with all matters concerning doing business in Switzerland. Whether you are a private entrepreneur or part of a multinational corporation, we offer tailored legal, administrative, and ongoing support services to help establish operations in Switzerland, a country renowned for its excellent business environment and stability.

Switzerland has become the location of choice for many of the world’s major companies, hosting global, European, or regional headquarters and research facilities. For example, Amgen’s European headquarters in Lucerne and IBM’s research laboratory in Zurich are testaments to Switzerland’s appeal to international corporations.

Switzerland welcomes not only large corporations but also small- and medium-sized enterprises and private entrepreneurs. The business-friendly tradition of the country, combined with its 26 cantons, offers a range of opportunities that can be tailored to your specific needs. Ramsay & Partners helps clients find the ideal business location within Switzerland, taking advantage of the unique benefits offered by each canton.

Switzerland is often considered an expensive destination, but in reality, the cost of living and doing business compares favorably with other European nations like Germany and France. The country boasts first-class infrastructure, from transport and energy systems to state-of-the-art communications, making it a strategic and cost-effective choice for business.

When establishing a business in Switzerland, companies can choose between setting up a branch office or forming a legal entity, such as a limited liability company or a stock corporation. Switzerland’s solid financial system, regulated by strict standards, provides additional assurance to companies operating here. The banking and insurance sectors are globally recognized for their reliability, offering financial privacy and world-class services.

Switzerland’s appeal lies not only in its business advantages but also in the exceptional quality of life. The country offers a stable political and social environment, an attractive fiscal framework, and a healthy lifestyle. Its multilingual and highly skilled workforce ensures companies have access to top talent, and the reliable public services further add to its appeal as a top business destination.

Some of the many advantages of Switzerland include:

Political, social, and economic stability
Multilingual and highly qualified workforce
First-class infrastructure and banking facilities
An attractive lifestyle and healthy environment
Efficient public services and potential fiscal incentives for significant investments

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Minimum annual taxes of CHF 250,000

Funds required
1-3 months

Processing Time

Government license

Ramsay & Partners is a licensed agent for the Switzerland Residency Program. This ensures you are protected from scammers and guarantees professional legal assistance for during the whole application process.

Ramsay Compare

Want to know how this residency program stacks up against other countries? Explore the Ramsay Compare page.

Switzerland

Switzerland Residence by Investment

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