Swiss Residence Permit by Investment

Switzerland is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, known for its economic and political stability and status as a major global financial hub. Many aspire to live in this country, but obtaining legal residency requires an official residence permit. One of the most popular ways to secure it is through investment. Lawtter Solutions offers professional assistance in obtaining a Swiss residence permit under favorable conditions.

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Benefits

Benefits of a Swiss Residence Permit

A Swiss residence permit obtained through investment provides numerous advantages. Below are some of the most valued benefits according to our clients:

Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area

As a member of the Schengen Zone, Switzerland allows residence permit holders to travel freely to other Schengen countries without additional documents.

Economic and political stability

Switzerland is one of the most stable nations globally, with minimal financial or political disruptions.

Business-friendly environment

The country offers opportunities to establish offshore companies and conduct business under advantageous conditions.

High standard of living

Switzerland provides exceptional education, healthcare, and overall high quality of life.

Reliable banking services

The country is a global leader in the banking sector, ensuring top-tier financial security.

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Requirements

Legal Requirements for Obtaining a Swiss Residence Permit

Switzerland has a dual system for granting residence permits, meaning the requirements differ for EU and non-EU residents, including variations in the required documentation. However, the investment thresholds remain the same for all applicants.

It is essential to note that Switzerland is a confederation consisting of 26 cantons, each with significant autonomy in self-governance. As a result, the specific residency requirements may vary from one canton to another. Below, we outline the minimum general requirements applicable across all cantons. Contact the Lawtter Solutions team for more detailed information on specific cantonal regulations.

Applicant Requirements

To obtain a Swiss residence permit through investment, applicants must meet three key criteria:

Age: The applicant must be over 18 years old.
Employment restrictions: The applicant cannot be employed in Switzerland under a work contract.
Criminal record: The applicant must have no criminal convictions (confirmed by a certificate of no criminal record).

Investment Requirements

The required investment amount varies depending on the canton. The minimum investment threshold is CHF 1,000,000. However, taxation is another crucial factor to consider.

A lump-sum tax payment is a key requirement for obtaining a Swiss residence permit. The amount of tax payable ranges from CHF 250,000 to CHF 1,000,000 annually, depending on the canton, the applicant's lifestyle, business operations, and other financial factors.

What Type of Visa Do Investors Receive?

The Swiss residence permit obtained through investment is known as Permit B. This is a temporary document issued for five years, with the possibility of renewal. However, renewal is subject to specific requirements, including payment of the lump-sum tax and meeting residency obligations, which vary by canton.

As for family members, non-EU investors cannot include relatives in their initial application. However, residence permits for family members can be obtained through the cantonal immigration authorities. To qualify, the investor must demonstrate financial capability to support their relatives and provide sufficient living space for their accommodation.

How to

How to Obtain Swiss Citizenship?

How to get Swiss citizenship? This is the central question for many investors. The first step is obtaining permanent residency (Permit C), granted after residing in Switzerland for at least 10 years while consistently paying the lump-sum tax.

After 12 years of continuous residence, investors can apply for naturalization, acquire a Swiss passport, and gain full citizenship rights.

It is important to note that permanent residency and citizenship requirements vary significantly across cantons. Some regions may impose longer residency periods, require local language proficiency tests, or establish additional conditions for applicants.

Required Documents for a Swiss Residence Permit

Documents

The application package for a Swiss residence permit differs by canton. However, the standard set of documents includes the following:

Proof of identity – national and international passport.
Certificate of no criminal record.
Proof of legal origin of funds.
Proof of residential address.
Educational documents of the investor.
Medical certificates.

Swiss federal and cantonal authorities may also request additional documents on a case-by-case basis.

How to get Swiss citizenship?

Steps to Obtain a Swiss Residence Permit

The process of securing a Swiss residence permit consists of four main stages:

Agreement with the Canton. The investor must sign an investment agreement with the canton where they intend to reside and invest.
Visa D Application. This visa allows entry into Switzerland to proceed with the residence permit application.
Submission of Application. The investor must personally apply and send all required documents to the cantonal immigration authorities.
Due Diligence and Background Check. The verification process takes 30 to 120 days and applies to the applicant and all adult family members. Upon successful completion, the investor may proceed with the investment and obtain the residence permit.

Lawtter Solutions provides comprehensive support for investors seeking a Swiss residence permit. Our team assists with document preparation, application submission, due diligence procedures, and obtaining residence and permanent residency permits. Contact us to schedule an individual consultation and learn more about the process!

Kateryna Ozerova

Managing Partner, Co-Founder

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