How to Move to Switzerland: Your Guide to Swiss Visas & Immigration

Switzerland is regularly recognised as one of the most desirable countries in the world in which to live, offering political stability, efficient governance, outstanding healthcare and education, and world-class infrastructure. Yet the question of how to move to Switzerland does not have a single answer. Swiss immigration is governed at the federal level but applied through cantonal authorities, meaning that the appropriate Swiss visa or residence permit will depend on your individual circumstances and the purpose of your planned move to Switzerland.

This guide distils the main pathways for residence in Switzerland - short stays on a Swiss Schengen Visa, residence by expenditure via lump-sum taxation, the entrepreneur/founder route for active business owners, the Swiss Work Permit for employed professionals, retirement residence for financially independent over-55s, and family reunification for spouses, partners, and children. For each option, we explain eligibility, evidence, timelines, and how cantonal discretion can shape outcomes - so you can move from first enquiry to Swiss permanent residence with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re a senior executive, a founder, a retiree, or a family planning the next chapter, this is your comprehensive roadmap to Swiss immigration - a clear view of requirements, trade-offs, and next steps on how to live in Switzerland lawfully, securely, and for the long term.

To discuss your move to Switzerland, call our specialist Swiss immigration lawyers on +41 21 588 07 70, complete an enquiry form on our site or email info@richmondchambers.ch

Short Stays: The Swiss Schengen Visa

For individuals who wish to explore Switzerland before making a long-term move, the Swiss Schengen Visa offers a short-stay option. This is a Type C visa permitting non-EU/EFTA nationals from visa-required countries to remain in Switzerland - and other Schengen states - for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

The Schengen visa is intended for tourism, business visits, family visits, cultural or sporting events, short-term study, or medical treatment. It is not a route to residence or employment in Switzerland. Gainful activity is prohibited, save for very narrow exemptions (up to eight days per year outside restricted sectors). Applicants must demonstrate travel insurance, financial means, confirmed accommodation, and an intention to leave the Schengen Area before expiry.

For nationals of visa-exempt countries, no Schengen visa is required for short stays, but entry conditions still apply, including proof of means, purpose, and travel insurance. From late 2025, visa-exempt travellers must also obtain ETIAS travel authorisation before departure.

While the Schengen visa is temporary, it is often the first step for individuals researching how to live in Switzerland before pursuing a longer-term residence route.

Swiss Residence by Investment: Lump-Sum Taxation (Switzerland’s Golden Visa)

For wealthy non-EU/EFTA nationals, one of the most established ways to secure a Swiss residence permit is through the lump-sum taxation scheme, often referred to as Switzerland’s Golden Visa. Under this system, residence is granted in exchange for entering into a negotiated tax ruling with a canton, whereby the individual pays an annual lump-sum tax based on living expenses rather than worldwide income or wealth.

The minimum annual tax liability is typically between CHF 250,000 and CHF 500,000 or more, depending on the canton and lifestyle. Popular cantons for lump-sum taxation include Vaud, Geneva, Ticino, Zug and Valais. Applicants must spend at least 183 days per year in Switzerland, establish their main residence here, and refrain from gainful employment in the country (management of one’s own assets is permitted).

Successful applicants - and their immediate family members - are granted a B Residence Permit. Over time, and with integration, they may qualify for Swiss permanent residence (C Permit) and, ultimately, citizenship. For high-net-worth individuals exploring residency by investment in Switzerland, the lump-sum taxation regime offers predictability, discretion, and an attractive lifestyle base in Europe.

• Who Can Apply for Swiss Residency by Lump-Sum Taxation?

• Is the Swiss Lump-Sum Taxation Scheme Right for You?

Swiss Residence for Entrepreneurs and Business Founders

Switzerland does not offer a stand-alone “entrepreneur visa,” but non-EU/EFTA nationals may obtain residence by establishing or acquiring a Swiss business that demonstrably benefits the economy. This route - often referred to as the Swiss Business Founder or Entrepreneur Permit - requires a quota-controlled work and residence permit sponsored by the applicant’s own business.

To qualify, applicants must present a viable business plan showing job creation for Swiss residents, innovation potential, financial sustainability, and broader regional economic benefits. Authorities assess whether the business is “in the interests of the economy as a whole.” There is no fixed minimum investment, but funding must be proportionate to the scale of the venture; well-capitalised start-ups, acquisitions, or subsidiaries are often viewed most favourably.

Entrepreneurs must play an active managerial role in the business; passive investment or shareholding alone is not sufficient. Eligible activities range from launching innovative start-ups in sectors like technology and life sciences, to acquiring established Swiss SMEs, to operating as independent consultants with demonstrable Swiss clients.

Applicants are usually granted an L or B Permit, valid initially for one year and renewable annually. After five or ten years, depending on nationality and integration, entrepreneurs may qualify for a C Permit. This makes the route attractive to founders asking how to reside in Switzerland while building a commercial future.

• Who Qualifies for a Swiss Entrepreneur Residence Permit?

• Types of Business Activities That Qualify for Swiss Residency

• Demonstrating ‘Economic Value’ in a Swiss Entrepreneur Residence Permit Application

Swiss Retirement Residence Permit

For retirees over the age of 55 who are financially independent and no longer engaged in gainful employment, Switzerland offers a Retirement Residence Permit (B Permit). This pathway allows non-EU/EFTA nationals to move to Switzerland if they can demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, secure health insurance, and show particular personal or socio-cultural ties to Switzerland - for example, regular past stays, community involvement, or cultural connections.

Applicants must establish their main home in Switzerland (spending at least 183 days per year in the country) and sign a declaration that they will not take up employment in Switzerland or abroad (with the exception of managing their own assets). Financial resources must comfortably exceed the thresholds for supplementary benefits, with many cantons expecting considerably higher levels of income or assets.

The permit is issued initially for one year and renewable annually. Retirees may bring spouses and dependent children, subject to financial and accommodation requirements. After five to ten years, depending on nationality and integration, retirees may apply for Swiss permanent residence. For those considering how to live in Switzerland after retirement, this route provides a secure and structured legal pathway.

• What Makes a ‘Strong Connection’ to Switzerland for Retirees?

Swiss Work Permit for Employed Workers

For highly skilled professionals with a confirmed job offer, the Swiss Work Permit offers a route to residence on the basis of employment. This permit is available to non-EU/EFTA nationals in shortage sectors such as technology, finance, engineering, education, and healthcare.

Applicants must hold a long-term job offer from a Swiss employer willing to sponsor the application. The employer must prove that no suitably qualified Swiss or EU/EFTA candidate was available (the “labour market test”), and the job must be offered on Swiss market terms, with competitive salary and benefits. Candidates are expected to hold university degrees or equivalent professional qualifications, along with significant relevant experience.

Applications are subject to both cantonal and federal approval and are limited by annual quotas. Successful applicants usually receive a B Residence Permit, valid for one year and renewable. After ten years of residence (or five years for certain nationalities), holders may apply for a C Permit, provided they meet integration and language requirements.

Family reunification is possible for spouses and dependent children, subject to financial and accommodation sufficiency. For skilled workers exploring Switzerland immigration pathways, the Swiss Work Permit is the primary route to residence through employment.

• How to Apply for a Swiss Employed Work Permit (Swiss Work Visa)

• Step-by-Step Guide to the Swiss Work Permit Application Process

Family Reunification in Switzerland

Swiss immigration law protects family unity, but the rules differ by the sponsor’s status: Swiss citizens, EU/EFTA citizens in Switzerland (AFMP), and third-country nationals (FNIA). Across all categories, authorities look at the authenticity of the relationship, suitable accommodation, financial sufficiency, integration expectations, and - where applicable - language ability and timelines. Because procedure and evidential standards vary by canton, careful preparation is essential.

A. Family members of Swiss citizens

Spouses and registered partners: Spouses and registered partners of Swiss nationals benefit from a facilitated route to residence. The relationship must be legally valid and genuine; the couple must intend to live together and the Swiss sponsor must show suitable housing and an ability to support the household without social assistance. While there is no fixed income threshold, cantons assess earnings against local costs. Some cantons expect basic oral proficiency (A1) in the local language from the incoming spouse, either on entry or within a set period. On approval, the foreign spouse is typically granted a renewable B permit with residence and work rights. After five years of continuous, well-integrated residence - without reliance on social assistance and with language at the required level - the spouse may apply for a C permit. Applications are lodged at the Swiss mission abroad or the cantonal migration office; typical processing is two to four months.

Unmarried partners: Unmarried or de facto partners do not enjoy an automatic right to reunification. Discretionary admission may be possible on humanitarian or compelling personal grounds where the partnership is stable and marriage-like - often evidenced by years of cohabitation, joint finances, and shared obligations - and where separation would cause serious hardship. Evidence should be comprehensive (joint leases, bank accounts, correspondence, travel history; medical/psychological reports if dependency is claimed). Permits are time-limited and renewed only with continued cohabitation and integration. Given the legal and evidentiary complexity, expert representation is strongly advised.

• Family Reunification for Unmarried Partners of Swiss Citizens: What You Need to Prove

Fiancé(e)s of Swiss citizens: A national visa for the purpose of marriage (valid up to 90 days) allows entry to complete civil formalities in Switzerland once the civil registry has confirmed capacity to marry. After the wedding, the foreign spouse transitions to a B permit. Timing is critical: failure to marry within the visa window, or overstaying, risks removal and re-entry bars.

Minor children of Swiss citizens: Unmarried children under 18 may join a Swiss parent, provided accommodation and financial means are adequate. On arrival, children must be enrolled in local schools; cantons provide integration support (language bridges, welcome classes). Evidence of a continuing parental relationship may be required where there has been separation. Time limits apply: generally within five years of the sponsor becoming Swiss or within twelve months of the child’s twelfth birthday, with late filings accepted only where justified or to avoid disproportionate hardship contrary to Art. 8 ECHR.

Dependent adult relatives of Swiss citizens: Admission is exceptional and strictly hardship-based. The sponsor must prove the relative’s significant dependency (age, illness, disability) and the absence of adequate care in the home country, supported by medical reports, social-service statements, and proof of the sponsor’s ongoing caregiving role. Outcomes, when positive, are often limited or humanitarian in nature and conditioned on continued need.

B. Family members of EU/EFTA citizens living in Switzerland (AFMP)

Spouses and registered partners: EU/EFTA citizens lawfully resident in Switzerland on a B or C permit have a treaty-based entitlement to be joined by a spouse or registered partner, subject to proof of a valid relationship, cohabitation intent, and adequate accommodation. Financial self-sufficiency is required but applied less stringently than for third-country sponsors. Language is generally not a precondition for admission, though it may arise at C-permit stage. The family member normally receives a B permit aligned to the sponsor’s status, with residence and work rights, and may seek a C permit after five years, subject to integration.

Unmarried partners of EU citizens: Durable partners do not have an automatic right but can be admitted discretionarily where a stable, marriage-like relationship or significant dependency is proved. Evidence must be broad and persuasive (cohabitation history, joint finances, travel records; medical/psychological assessments for dependency). Permits are usually time-limited and renewed based on continued cohabitation and integration. Well-structured, evidentially rich submissions are critical.

Fiancé(e)s of EU citizens: A time-limited visa for the purpose of marriage permits entry for up to 90 days to complete civil marriage formalities. After the wedding, the spouse applies under the AFMP for a residence permit with work rights. Non-compliance with timeframes risks removal and entry restrictions.

Minor children of EU citizens: Biological, adopted, and step-children under 21 have a recognised right to join; older children may qualify if financially dependent. The child must reside with the EU sponsor in Switzerland. Proof of relationship, accommodation, and means is required; consent from the other parent may be needed. Cantons must ensure school enrolment and offer integration support. Observe AFMP time windows where applicable; late cases must justify the delay or demonstrate disproportionate interference with family life.

Dependent adult relatives of EU citizens: Elderly parents or adult children may be admitted where genuine prior dependency is shown (financial, physical, or emotional), supported by medical and social-service documentation and proof of the EU sponsor’s caregiving role. Decisions are discretionary; permits, if granted, are often limited or humanitarian.

• Bringing Your Family to Switzerland as an EU/EFTA Citizen: What Are Your Rights?

C. Family members of non-EU/EFTA nationals living in Switzerland (FNIA)

Spouses and registered partners: Holders of L, B, or C permits may reunite with a legally married spouse or registered partner if the relationship is genuine and the couple will cohabit. The sponsor must show suitable housing and adequate means (payslips, contracts, tax records). Since 2019 reforms, cantons may require A1 oral language on entry or an integration agreement to reach A1 soon after arrival (FIDE or recognised certificates). On approval, the spouse generally receives a B (or L) permit, normally with work authorisation. After five years of continuous, integrated residence - subject to language, good conduct, and no social assistance - the spouse may apply for a C permit. Processing typically takes two to six months.

Unmarried partners: There is no standard right for de facto partners of third-country nationals. Discretionary admission may be available on humanitarian/personal hardship grounds where a stable, marriage-like relationship or compelling dependency exists, evidenced by cohabitation history, financial interdependence, and - if relevant - expert medical/psychological assessments. Grants are rare, time-limited, and closely monitored.

Fiancé(e)s of third-country nationals: Fiancé(e)s do not have reunification rights but may obtain a marriage-preparation national visa (typically 90 days) to marry in Switzerland once civil capacity is confirmed by the registry. After marriage, the spouse applies for residence. Strict adherence to timelines and documentation is vital.

Minor children: Unmarried children under 18 may join a parent holding a B or C permit (and, in defined circumstances, an L of sufficient duration). The sponsor must prove accommodation and means and, where relevant, custody/consent. Children must be enrolled in school on arrival; cantons provide language and integration support. Deadlines apply: within five years of the sponsor obtaining residence, or within twelve months of the child’s 12th birthday for older minors. Late filings require justification or hardship arguments.

Dependent adult relatives: Admission is possible only in serious hardship cases where the relative is genuinely dependent and adequate care is unavailable abroad. Robust medical evidence, social-service attestations, and proof of the sponsor’s caregiving role are mandatory. Positive outcomes often lead to limited or humanitarian status with conditions.

• Family Reunification for Third-Country Nationals in Switzerland: What Are the Rules?

Practical notes, integration and next steps

Across all family reunification categories, Swiss authorities expect credible documentation and consistency: genuine relationships, cohabitation plans, suitable housing, financial sufficiency, health insurance, and compliance with language/integration expectations where applicable. Children must enter schooling promptly; adults moving toward long-term settlement should plan for language proficiency aligned with cantonal practice and eventual C-permit requirements.

From Temporary Residence to Permanent Settlement

Obtaining an initial Swiss residence permit - whether through employment, entrepreneurship, retirement, family reunification, or lump-sum taxation - is often only the first stage. Long-term stability comes with the Swiss permanent residence permit (C Permit).

The C Permit is usually available after ten years of continuous lawful residence (or five years for certain nationalities with bilateral agreements, such as the US and Canada), provided the applicant has integrated into Swiss life and can demonstrate proficiency in a national language. A Fast-Track C Permit may also be available to certain well integrated individuals. Holders of a C Permit enjoy stronger rights in the labour market, fewer restrictions on residence, and a greater sense of permanence. For many, the C Permit is also the gateway to Swiss citizenship through naturalisation.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Pathway to Live in Switzerland

The question of how to move to Switzerland has many different answers, depending on personal circumstances. Professionals may qualify for a Swiss work permit, entrepreneurs can secure residence by founding or acquiring a business, wealthy individuals may enter under Switzerland’s Golden Visa (lump-sum taxation), and retirees can apply for a retirement residence permit. Others join family through family reunification.

Each pathway has specific requirements, from demonstrating economic benefit and financial sufficiency to showing integration and language skills. Because Swiss immigration is federal and cantonal, rules and practice vary significantly between cantons. Careful planning and professional advice are essential to select the right route and to prepare a persuasive application.

Contact our Swiss Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland

If you are considering how to live in Switzerland and would like tailored advice on the most suitable Swiss residence permit for your circumstances, contact Richmond Chambers Switzerland. Our experienced Swiss immigration lawyers will provide clear guidance, manage your application, and support you on your journey from initial residence to Swiss permanent residence and beyond.