Switzerland Citizenship by Investment - Ultimate Guide by Experts (2024)

Blessed with incredible landscapes, abundant greenery, and a peaceful way of living, Switzerland offers a highly attractive lifestyle and stable environment for non EU foreign nationals looking to call this beautiful nation home. The Switzerland Citizenship By Investment Initiative offers just that — a window into living in Switzerland with a residence permit, followed by citizenship after a set number of years.

In this guide, you’ll learn about:

• Financial requirements to receiving Swiss citizenship as a non EU citizen
• Benefits of being a Swiss citizen
• Step-by-step guide to securing Swiss residency
• Plus more!

What is Switzerland citizenship by investment?

The Swiss Golden Visa program is aimed at attracting non-EU high-net-worth individuals and foreign investors by granting them residency rights in the nation in exchange for a financial contribution to its economy. Individuals can qualify for Swiss citizenship after residing in the nation for a period no less than 10 years – previously 12 years.

While Switzerland’s citizenship by investment program is more of a residency scheme that leads to a passport by investment, the premise is the same. You must make a minimum investment to the Swiss economy and are only then rewarded with living in Switzerland and eventual Swiss citizenship. Some most notable citizenship by investment programs include Turkey citizenship by investment, Malta citizenship by investment and Bulgaria citizenship by investment.

Permanent residency

A third-party national who wishes to settle in Switzerland may apply for a C-type permanent residence visa. If they do not have familial links to the country, like as a Swiss spouse or parents, or unless they are of particular nationalities, they can only do so after ten years of continuous residence in the country.

Swiss citizenship

Naturalization applications can be submitted after 10 years of legal and continuous presence in the country, which is subject also to cantonal residence requirements. Some residents may be qualified for the expedited naturalization procedure, which eliminates the need to wait 10 years. Applicants must demonstrate integration into Swiss culture and way of life, customs, and traditions, be of good character, and pose no threat to national security. In addition, as Switzerland accepts dual citizenship, individuals are not required to relinquish their present nationality.

Swiss nationals enjoy a handful of benefits and rights under their constitution, including excellent healthcare, freedom of movement within the EU and across the world, tax benefits and more. All of this makes Swiss citizenship all the more appealing. There are other paths to citizenship in Switzerland aside from the Golden Visa scheme, those being by birth or descent, or by marriage to a Swiss citizen.

In Switzerland, there are many sorts of resident categories, with a difference established between EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) citizens and non-EU or non-EFTA nationalities. Citizens of the EU or EFTA can receive a residence permit with no issues if they have a work arrangement with a Swiss employer, if they can demonstrate that they are financially independent with enough income or wealth to support their living costs, or if they can become self-employed in Switzerland. While the process of gaining residency for non-EU or non-EFTA nationalities is more difficult, it is still possible.

Financial requirements for the Switzerland Investor Visa

Under the Swiss citizenship by investment scheme, you have two pathways to residency and becoming a Swiss citizen. Note, if you’re after residency without being allowed to work, then the Swiss Residence Program is for you.

• Option a) Swiss Residence Program also referred to as the Swiss Golden Visa: Under this program one must pay CHF 200,000 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.
• Option b) Swiss Business Investor Program (or Swiss citizenship by investment): 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.

Route 1: Swiss Lump Sum Taxation

The Swiss Lump Sum Taxation provides a relatively quick pathway to residency. If you’re a wealthy individual or retiree, then this option is well suited. For a minimum annual tax fee of

CHF 250,000 or more (depending on swiss canton and excluding Zurich), you can live in Switzerland with your family and there’s no need to declare worldwide income and assets to the tax authorities.

Generally speaking, the lump sum taxation is calculated by multiplying five times your annual rental income or total living expenses (whichever is higher). You must pay this sum to the tax authorities.

The most popular swiss cantons for this program are Appenzler, Bern, Geneva, Fribourg, Graubunden, Jura, Nidwalden, Schwyz, St.Gallen, Vaud ,Valais, Lucerne, Slothurn, Obwalden, Thurgau, Ticino, and Zug.

Route 2: Swiss company formation

You must make a minimum investment of CHF 1 million in a pre-approved business to obtain a residence permit. Note that when setting up a new business or subsidiary in Switzerland, you can choose a branch office or a separate legal entity in the form of a limited liability company or a stock corporation.

While it’s a relatively straightforward process, you have to prove that your investment benefits the Swiss community by either keeping existing jobs or creating full time jobs for Swiss citizens. Your respective investment must be made in the canton where you will live, and be maintained during your residency.

Benefits of Swiss Citizenship

Swiss banking and insurance

Swiss banking and insurance banking are the lifeblood of Switzerland’s financial system, which is one of the best in the world. Since the Swiss financial industry is so regulated, Swiss banks and insurance companies are secure. For foreign investors seeking privacy, investing in Switzerland is a fantastic idea.

Top notch infrastructure

While Switzerland has high living costs, wages are high, and the cost of doing business is worth it. Reliable public services, transport, research and development facilities, communications, energy, and low waste disposal systems directly feed into Switzerland’s high living standards.

Thriving business environment

Switzerland is a fantastic hub for big and small companies, reputable international finance companies, as well as enterprises and private entrepreneurs. As a business-friendly nation, its Swiss cantons offer individuals a range of opportunities, with company registration being a relatively easy process.

Visa free travel

A Swiss passport is sixth best in the world for global mobility. You can visa free travel to 172 destinations including the European Union, USA, Canada, Australia and Japan.

Obtain Swiss real estate

Buying Swiss real estate is usually a headache in Switzerland. However, with a Swiss residence permit, you can acquire real estate property of your choosing in Switzerland. While the approvals for real estate are generally difficult to obtain, it’s relatively easy to buy real estate when you have a Swiss residence permit in your hands.

Family included in application

The Swiss golden visa application can include your direct family members including your spouse and dependent children (under 18).

1.Choose your investment option

Select 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.

2.Acquire approval from Swiss authorities

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 afterwards, are you invited to make an investment.

3.Apply for D Visa category

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.

4.Obtain Swiss residence permit

With a D visa, relocate to Switzerland with your family members and obtain the 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.

5.Apply for Swiss citizenship

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.

Documentation for citizenship by investment Switzerland

You will need the following documents to succeed with your application for the Swiss Residence Program.

• Completed application form.
• Valid ID card or passport.
• Proof of financial resources.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Proof of good character.
• Proof of relationship with family members.
• Undertaking to bear the living expenses of family members, if applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Switzerland Citizenship By Investment Program