About Switzerland Citizenship and Residency

Switzerland offers citizenship by investment programs. Its golden residence program is aimed at educated and wealthy individuals, and it grants Swiss residency for you and your family in just 4-5 months.

Switzerland Residency Requirements And Qualifications

– There are different types of residence categories in Switzerland, and a distinction is made between EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) citizens and non-EU or non-EFTA nationals.

– EU or EFTA nationals can obtain a residence permit without difficulty if they have an employment agreement with a Swiss employer if they become self-employed in Switzerland, or, if no gainful occupation in Switzerland is intended, they can prove that they are financially independent with sufficient income or wealth to cover their living costs.

– Two pathways to residency and becoming a Swiss citizen. Note that the Swiss Residence Program is for you if you’re after residency without being allowed to work.

• Swiss Lump Sum Taxation (For Retirees):

Under this program, one must pay CHF 250,000 as lump-sum tax to the swiss canton where you live. Depending on the canton this amount could go from CHF 400,000 to CHF 600,000 per year. You cannot work under this program.

Requirements for Non-EU/EFTA nationals (under cantonal lump-sum taxation for retirees)

 

• Applicant must have annual revenue of at least CHF 600,000 depending on the canton of choice.
• The applicant must not have worked in Switzerland under this program.
• First-time residents in Switzerland and foreigners shouldn’t have resided in Switzerland for the last 10 years.
• Requirement of rented or purchased residence in Switzerland.
• Must be above 55 years of age and prove adequate financial means.
• Persons applying for this program need to produce a long list of identification documents, besides having a clean criminal record and good moral character.
• Valid passport copy;
• Proof of address;
• Certificate of criminal record;
• Valid insurance policy in Switzerland;
• Detailed CV;
• Declaration stating that the applicant will not carry out any business activity in Switzerland;
• An agreement was concluded with Tax Administration.

 

NOTE: Generally speaking, the lump sum taxation is calculated by multiplying five times your annual rental income or total living expenses, whichever is higher.

• Swiss Company Formation (For Corporates):

Non-EU nationals must establish a new Swiss company or invest in an existing Swiss company, provided that the turnover is no less than CHF 1 million. 

Requirements for Non-EU/EFTA nationals (Investors/Swiss company formation)

 

• Minimum investment of CHF 1,000,000.00 turnover of the company
• The applicant must not have worked in Switzerland under this program.
• First-time residents in Switzerland and foreigners shouldn’t have resided in Switzerland for the last 10 years.
• Persons who apply for this program should be above 18 years of age.
• Persons applying for this program need to produce a long list of identification documents, besides having a clean criminal record and good moral character.
• Incorporation of a Swiss company (SA form);
• Creating new jobs for local nationals;
• The applicant must be appointed as director of the company and has signed the employment agreement;
• Foreign nationals may be permitted to work only if it is proven that no domestic or EU/EFTA application has been suitable;
• The applicant must possess educational and professional qualifications, work experience, language level, and other skills required for the position.

 

• Permanent residency

If a third-party national intends to settle in Switzerland, they can apply for a C-type permanent residence permit. If they do not have family ties to the country, i.e. Swiss spouse, parents, or unless they are of certain nationalities, they can only do that after having continuously lived in the country for 10 years.

• Swiss citizenship

Naturalization applications can be made after 12 years of legal and continuous residence in the country (subject also to cantonal residence requirements). Some residents, by marriage or birth, can be eligible for the accelerated naturalization process, without waiting for 12 years. The applicants must show integration with the Swiss society and the way of life, customs, and traditions, be of good character, and not pose risk to national security. Knowledge of the language when applying for citizenship.

Switzerland allows dual citizenship, so you don’t have to renounce your current nationality.

Benefits Of The Switzerland Residency By Investment Program

It is one of the most advanced economies in the world, with the highest nominal wealth per adult. Switzerland stands at or near the top in several metrics of national performance as compared to other countries, including government transparency, quality of life, economic competitiveness, etc.

• Easy to do business
• Thriving banking sector
• One of the lowest tax rates among developed economies
• Developed transport infrastructure
• A highly skilled, multilingual, and productive workforce
• Low unemployment rate
• High living standards
• High level of education and healthcare
• Low crime rates
• Easy transport connections to the whole world
• Visa-free travel to 155 countries
• Residence permits for the whole family

 

Steps And Timeline

• STEP #1: Choosing the investment option
• STEP #2: Getting approval from Swiss Authorities before investment
• STEP #3: Applying for D Visa Category
• STEP #4: Obtaining a Swiss residence permit
• STEP #5: Applying for Swiss Citizenship

Firstly, delect your investment route to a Swiss passport. While it’s optional to seek assistance from an immigration service, they’ll be able to provide advice on the best route to Swiss citizenship as foreign citizens.

To invest in the Swiss economy, signing treaties with the Swiss authorities is mandatory. You must also collect all the necessary documents to pass a stringent due diligence check. Only afterward, are you invited to invest.

Following the Swiss government seal of approval, you can apply for a D visa category. Submit the required documents, issue bank statements, obtain a health insurance policy, and prepare confirmation of your excellent personal and business reputation, in line with Swiss law.

With a D visa, relocate to Switzerland with your family members and obtain a residence permit in Switzerland. To do this, prepare your paperwork for Swiss Canton authorities and register with the local state bodies. Establish a company or pay the necessary tax, then wait between two to four months until you receive your Swiss residence permit.

Renew your Swiss residence permit until after a ten-year stay in Switzerland, you can receive Swiss citizenship. To obtain a Swiss passport, you must prove proficiency in one of the official languages and demonstrate that you’ve successfully integrated into Swiss society.

 

Our Services

Privacy World offers its services to anyone, not only looking to obtain residency and/or citizenship processes but our experts figure out legal ways to:

• Find the best solution for your needs.
• Identify and deploy a strategy to help you accomplish your goals.
• Activate our network of people in the country where you need help without having you search for the best solution or lawyer. We only work with licensed people in every country whom we carefully vet and pass the guidelines and principles of privacy we stand for.
• Focus on cutting through the red tape and expedite your process.
• Provide proper communication with you about your case.
  …. and above all: Offer you legal strategies to provide additional layers of privacy for your identity, while obtaining your residency or citizenship!

Privacy World can also help you with incorporating your company in Switzerland, assisting in getting you settled in the country, and coordinating with you so that this experience will be less of a hassle.

Want Privacy World to handle your case? Have any questions? Contact us!

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