Switzerland Residency

Switzerland’s renowned stability, diverse society, thriving industries, and presence of global organizations make it an attractive destination for both business and residence.

Switzerland, renowned for its high standard of living, hosts numerous global organizations and boasts political and economic stability, as well as a diverse, multilingual society. The country’s thriving financial services, watchmaking industry, and popular tourist destinations contribute to its global prominence. Bern, Geneva, and Zurich consistently rank among the world’s best cities to live in. Switzerland offers an ideal blend of stability, safety, efficient public services, and relatively low tax rates, making it attractive for both business and residence. Its appeal is further enhanced by the presence of international organizations and the relocation of headquarters by leading corporations, benefiting from Switzerland’s business-friendly environment and diverse opportunities across its 26 cantons.

Processing Time

Three (3) to six (6) months

Investment Requirement

Minimum annual taxes of CHF 250,000 vary depending on the applicant and the canton of residence.

Key Benefits of Switzerland

• Political, social, and economic stability
• Multilingual, skilled, and motivated workforce
• Superior infrastructure and exceptional banking services
• Desirable lifestyle and pristine environment
• Reliable and efficient public services
• Potential fiscal incentives for significant investments

In Switzerland, different types of residence exist, with distinctions made between citizens of the European Union (EU) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and nationals of other countries. EU or EFTA nationals can demonstrate financial independence by either securing employment with a Swiss employer, becoming self-employed in Switzerland, or showing sufficient income or assets to cover living expenses if not engaging in gainful occupation there. Obtaining residence for non-EU or non-EFTA nationals presents greater challenges but remains achievable.

Swiss Residence Program: Gateway to Business Prospects in Switzerland

Non-EU or non-EFTA nationals can acquire Swiss residency through participation in the Swiss Residency Program, which complies with prevailing Swiss immigration and tax regulations.

• A Pristine Business Environment

Many of the world’s leading businesses have selected Switzerland for their global, European, or regional offices, international financial firms, or research and development centers, with examples including Amgen’s European headquarters in Lucerne, Kuehne + Nagel’s international holding in Schwyz, Philip Morris’s European office in Lausanne, Compaq Computers’ European hub in Zurich, and the IBM research lab also located in Zurich.

Switzerland actively attracts major firms, small- and medium-sized businesses, and independent business owners, offering tailored solutions to their requirements and demands, and traditionally fostering a business-friendly environment. The 26 cantons of Switzerland provide a diverse array of opportunities for businesses, each location offering unique benefits to complement Switzerland’s overall advantages.

• First Rate Infrastructure

Switzerland frequently earns a reputation as an expensive destination, seemingly exclusive to affluent individuals and large corporations. However, the overall cost of living and conducting business in Switzerland stands in favorable comparison to Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the USA. State-of-the-art transport, communication, energy supply, and waste disposal systems in Switzerland carry comparable costs to those incurred elsewhere for traffic congestion and environmental degradation.

• Company Types in Switzerland

When setting up a new business or subsidiary in Switzerland, you can choose between establishing a branch office or forming a separate legal entity, such as a limited liability company or a stock corporation.

• Swiss Banking and Insurance

Switzerland boasts one of the most robust financial systems globally, centered on banking and insurance. Swiss banks and insurance firms operate under strict regulations, ensuring exceptional safety. These institutions stand out for providing sophisticated services to businesses and discerning investors, offering financial privacy through their solid reputation, safety measures, and global reach.

If you would like to learn more about the Swiss Residence Program, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Tsavorite as we would love to connect with you.