Digital nomads are welcome in Switzerland, even if at the moment there is no specific visa program under which these can relocate here. The most important aspect to take into account, however, is that no matter your country of residence you need an entry visa.
Below, our immigration lawyers explain the alternatives you have to a digital nomad visa in Switzerland. You will also find interesting facts about living in one of the most beautiful European countries.
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Switzerland and the digital nomad visa program for remote workers
Just like other European countries, Switzerland attracts people who have the possibility of working remotely for a limited or unlimited time. However, there is no digital nomad visa in Switzerland yet, which means that the easiest way to move here is by applying for a short-term stay visa or a residence permit.
In order to understand why a remote worker visa is so appreciated, here are the main requirements, as adopted by other European countries:
- the applicant must work for an employer located elsewhere than Switzerland;
- the applicant can also be a freelancer or business owner with activities/company outside Switzerland;
- he or she must be able to complete this activity remotely;
- the person must ensure a minimum income for the duration of stay in Switzerland.
So, moving to Switzerland under a digital nomad visa is possible through other means that meet these requirements. However, the main difference between obtaining such a visa and applying for a short-term stay visa is related to taxation. Specifically, a remote worker visa does not imply being taxed in Switzerland, while another type of visa could lead to this.
Tax residency rules in Switzerland are different meaning that a digital nomad can become liable for taxation if:
- he or she lives and work in Switzerland for more than 30 days in a year;
- lives in Switzerland without any occupation for more than 90 days in a calendar year.
By comparison, a digital nomad visa in Switzerland would imply living here for up to 90 days without being taxed on one’s activity, if following the model of other countries.
We are also at your disposal if you want to immigrate to Switzerland permanently. If you have plans to move to Switzerland, employment is one of the simplest ways, as there are several types of work visas you can obtain. Please bear in mind that you must first secure a job here and then apply for a work and residence permit. These are usually issued for limited periods of time.
We can also help you apply for a Swiss residence permit. From document preparation and to keeping track of your application, you can rely on our immigration lawyers. Feel free to get in touch with us and obtain all the necessary information you need for moving here as soon as possible.
Personnel relocation is also available in Switzerland, however, specific conditions must be met in this sense. The Swiss B permit, nevertheless, can be obtained under different conditions, as it has a longer validity than an intra-company transfer visa. For details about them, please refer to our lawyers.
Alternatives to a digital nomad visa in Switzerland
The main alternative to a Swiss digital nomad visa is a short-term residence permit that enables a person to live here for 90 days in a period of 180 days. Citizens from EU and EEA countries only need a valid travel document (passport) to enter Switzerland, while those from non-EU/EEA states must apply for visas.
Both types of applicants must also meet other requirements. Among these, having a place to stay, health insurance, and sufficient money to sustain themselves here. Bank statements, money in cash, or credit/debit cards can be used to demonstrate financial worthiness.
If you want to obtain a digital nomad visa in Switzerland, you can send your inquiries to our specialists who will help you apply for the right type of visa.
Our immigration lawyers in Switzerland are at your service if you want to move here in a long term. As a non-EU citizen, you must live in the country for 10 uninterrupted years to qualify for a Swiss C permit. If you need support in moving here and gaining permanent residency, contact our immigration specialists. They can also advise on the other conditions to meet in this case.
How much does it cost to live in Switzerland as a digital nomad?
Switzerland is a more expensive country compared to other European destinations, however, it is also more exclusive. When consider moving here as a digital nomad, you should consider the following:
- Bern is one of the most appreciated destinations, as living costs can go up to 4,600 USD per month, according to data here;
- Zurich is another great city to live in, however, the costs here can exceed 5,300 USD per month;
- Basel is one of the cheapest cities in Switzerland, with living costs of nearly 5,500 USD per month.
If you want to apply for a digital nomad visa in Switzerland, contact our lawyers for assistance.
