Switzerland ranks among the world’s top countries due to its notable, high quality of life. An ideal combination of political and economic stability, a clean and safe environment, efficient public services, and relatively low tax rates makes the country an excellent choice for both business and residence. The Swiss Residence Program offers foreign nationals the opportunity to live in any one of the country’s 26 cantons.
SWITZERLAND
((Residence Program))
VISA FREE DESTINATIONS:
190
PASSPORT INDEX RANK:
5th
OVERVIEW:
PROCEDURE:
There are different categories of residence permits available, with a distinction between permits for EU or EFTA nationals and non-EU or non-EFTA nationals. Applications from EU or EFTA nationals are straightforward and usually handled within just two–four weeks, due to a Free Movement of Persons Agreement between Switzerland and the EU. Procedures for non-EU or non-EFTA citizens are far more complex. For wealthy persons with no intention to execute gainful occupation in Switzerland, the Swiss Residence Program is a straightforward option.
MINIMUM CAPITAL REQUIREMENT:
Minimum annual taxes of CHF 250,000, dependent on the applicant and the canton of residence
MAIN APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:
The applicant must:
- Be older than 18.
- Be of good character, have no criminal record, and provide the relevant documentation, such as copies of passports, CVs, and information on financial standing.
- Not be gainfully occupied in Switzerland but may administer their own worldwide investment portfolio in Switzerland and may be active outside of Switzerland.
- Undertake to pay a certain annual lump sum tax amount, dependent on various factors such as their financial standing, the standard of living in Switzerland, and which canton and municipality they reside in, ranging from CHF 250,000 to over CHF 1 million per year.
- Pay the fixed one-time application fee for the residence permit(s).
PROCESSING TIME:
3-6 Months
KEY BENEFITS:
- Visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area
- Political, social, and economic stability
- Multilingual society, with English widely spoken
- First-class infrastructure and excellent banking facilities
- An attractive lifestyle and healthy environment
- World-renowned schools and excellent education system
- Favorable taxation system
