While there is no direct citizenship by investment scheme in Switzerland, you can apply for residency by investment, which can ultimately lead to Swiss citizenship. Discover below how to do that and how our immigration specialists can help you.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Direct access to citizenship by investment in Switzerland (YES/NO) | No, a residency by investment program is available, however, temporary residence is granted first. |
Nationalities accepted (EU/Non-EU) | The program addresses both EU and non-EU citizens. |
Business investment option (YES/NO) | Yes. |
| Real estate investment option (YES/NO) | No, there is no possibility to obtain residency by investment through real estate acquisition. |
| Other investment options (if any) | – retirement, – the payment of an annual lump sum against residency. |
| Requirement to live in Switzerland (YES/NO) | Yes, applicants must live in Switzerland. |
| Direct immigration with family members (YES/NO) | Yes, the main applicant can bring family members. |
| Family members allowed to join the program | Spouse and dependent children. |
| Residence visa processing time (approx.) | 3 to 6 months. |
| Additional financial requirements for family members (YES/NO) | No. |
| Time frame for obtaining permanent residency by investment | 10 years of living in Switzerland. |
| Time frame for securing a Swiss passport | 12 years of permanent residency. |
| Visa-free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries) | More than 180 countries. |
| Reasons to choose Switzerland | – high standards of living, – economic stability, – living in a Schengen country, – access to excellent healthcare and education. |
| Support in filing for Swiss residency by investment (YES/NO) | Yes, you can rely on our immigration lawyers in Switzerland for accessing the program. |
Table of Contents
Who does the Swiss investor visa address?
The scheme is open to non-EU/EEA citizens interested in long-term immigration to Switzerland with the possibility of obtaining citizenship.
What are my options if I want to obtain citizenship by investment in Switzerland at some point?
You can choose between:
- investing in a business, which requires starting your own company in Switzerland or injecting capital in an existing one;
- paying a lump sum in exchange for the possibility of living in Switzerland.
NOTE: Lump sum taxation is also an excellent choice if you want to retire to Switzerland.
Is there any minimum amount required to obtain an investor visa in Switzerland?
No; however, other economic substance requirements apply as follows:
- if you choose to invest in a company, its turnover cannot be less than CHF 1 million;
- if you choose the lump sum payment option, you will pay between CHF 200,000 and CHF 1 million, depending on the canton you move to.
We have also created an infographic on this subject:
What conditions must I meet to move to Switzerland as an investor?
Foreign citizens who want to enter the golden visa scheme for moving to Switzerland and obtaining a passport by investment must meet certain requirements, among which the most important are:
- to have no criminal records and have good character;
- to have not been employed or have had any other occupation in Switzerland before;
- to be first-time residents in Switzerland (to have not lived in this country in the past 10 years);
- proof of sufficient funds to set up a business, respectively to pay the annual lump tax in the case of retirees.
What are the conditions to move to Switzerland as a retiree under the investor visa?
- you must be more than 55 years old;
- you are in good health;
- you must have sufficient funds to live in Switzerland;
- you can prove the legitimacy of your funds;
- you have a place to stay in Switzerland (it can also be a rental);
NOTE: An annual lump tax is also required for the person retiring to Switzerland (the lump tax is usually 30% of the yearly living expenses).
Our immigration lawyers in Switzerland can perform the necessary verifications in order to ensure you qualify for moving to this country.
Do I get direct permanent residency through the Swiss investor visa?
No, you will be issued a one-year residence permit (type B permit) with the possibility of extension.
Can I immigrate to Switzerland with my family through this program?
Yes, you can relocate to Switzerland with your family; however, they can also join you later based on the family reunification visa.
How long does it take to obtain a Swiss investor visa?
The issuance of the investor visa, which can lead to Swiss citizenship by investment, takes between 3 and 4 months depending on how soon the applicant files the documents. For this purpose, you can rely on our immigration lawyer.
How long must I live in Switzerland to obtain citizenship?
Swiss citizenship is available for foreign citizens after living at least 10 years in this country. The period depends entirely on the Swiss government, which decides the timeframe based on specific factors.
For assistance in moving to Switzerland and obtaining citizenship by investment, please contact our local lawyers.
