Updates:Second Citizenship & Residency by Investment | Global Citizen Investment Partners
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Switzerland Residency by Investment
Switzerland has no golden visa or direct “buy a permit” scheme. However, two established routes can lead to Swiss residence for non‑EU/EFTA high‑net‑worth individuals: (1) residence without gainful activity paired with a lump‑sum tax agreement, and (2) entrepreneur/investor residence via a Swiss operating company that creates local economic value.
1) Lump‑sum taxation (residence without gainful employment)
- Who it suits: Financially independent individuals who will genuinely reside in Switzerland and not take Swiss employment. You may manage your own wealth and conduct business abroad; active work for a Swiss employer or managing a Swiss company day‑to‑day is generally not allowed under this status.
- How it works: You negotiate a forfait fiscal (tax based on living expenses) with a canton that offers the regime. Federal law sets a minimum taxable base (commonly at least CHF 400,000 for federal tax) and cantons apply their own higher baselines and a control calculation for Swiss‑source income/assets. Availability is canton‑specific (some cantons have abolished the regime).
- Outcome: Typically a renewable B residence permit covering spouse and dependent children, with Schengen short‑stay mobility (90/180). Genuine residence is expected (plan on making Switzerland your primary home). Private health insurance and clean background are required. Typical timeline: ~2–6 months from complete file to approval.
2) Entrepreneur/Investor (self‑employment with economic interest)
- Who it suits: Founders and owners prepared to operate a Swiss company that creates jobs and contributes to the regional economy.
- How it works: Submit a robust business plan, capital commitment, evidence of premises and governance, and job‑creation projections. The canton must find an overriding economic interest; SEM then authorizes a B permit for the managing principal.
- Outcome: Renewable B permit with family reunification after issuance; switch to a C (permanent residence) is possible after sustained residence (generally 10 years; some nationalities may qualify after 5) subject to integration and language.
- Switzerland is in Schengen but not the EU. Residence permits allow Schengen short‑stay travel, not EU free movement.
- Taxes, thresholds, and processes are canton‑specific. Obtain tailored legal and tax advice before committing.
BENEFITS
- Safe, stable, high‑quality lifestyle in an AAA jurisdiction with Schengen mobility (90/180), world‑class healthcare/education, and family reunification.
- Optimized, predictable taxation via lump‑sum agreements in eligible cantons or through a Swiss operating company; strong banking and infrastructure.
- Clear long‑term track: renewable B permit and potential C (permanent residence) after sustained residence (generally 10 years; some cases 5) with integration/language.
REQUIREMENTS
- Non‑EU/EFTA applicant with clean criminal record, valid passport, Swiss‑compliant private health insurance, sufficient means, accommodation, municipality registration, and biometrics.
- Lump‑sum route: no Swiss gainful employment; negotiate a forfait fiscal (tax base) with a participating canton, satisfy federal/cantonal minimums and control calculations, and remain a genuine resident.
- Entrepreneur route: establish/capitalize a Swiss operating company with premises, governance, and a robust business plan; demonstrate overriding economic interest (job creation/investment); obtain cantonal approval and SEM authorization; maintain payroll/tax compliance.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS
- Lump‑sum taxation residence (forfait fiscal): relocate to a canton offering the regime and agree a taxable base (federal baseline often ≥ CHF 400k; cantonal minimums typically higher); no Swiss employment.
- Entrepreneur/investor residence: found or acquire and actively run a Swiss company that creates local jobs and economic value; commit sufficient capital and real substance.
- No golden visa: buying real estate or bonds alone does not grant residence; routes are taxation‑based residence or operating a company with proven economic interest.
What GCIP Offers You
GCIP navigates Swiss residence: eligibility, route selection (lump‑sum taxation or entrepreneur company), canton and forfait negotiation, business plan and economic‑interest case, cantonal/SEM approvals, filings and biometrics, family reunification, banking and relocation setup, compliance monitoring, renewals, and integrated tax planning support.