Residency by Investment in Switzerland: Requirements and Benefits

Introduction: Investment as a Pathway to Swiss Residency

Switzerland has long been regarded as one of the most desirable destinations for wealthy individuals and internationally mobile families. With its political stability, world-class healthcare and education systems, sophisticated financial infrastructure, and high quality of life, the country offers an unparalleled environment in which to live. Against this backdrop, many high-net-worth individuals ask whether there is a Swiss golden visa or a residency by investment programme in Switzerland.

Unlike certain EU countries, Switzerland does not operate a standardised citizenship by investment or golden visa scheme. However, Swiss law does provide clear pathways through which individuals may obtain Swiss residence by investment. These are primarily the lump-sum taxation route, also known as forfait fiscal, and the business investor residence permit, sometimes described as the Swiss investor visa. Both options allow applicants and their families to secure lawful residence in Switzerland, though the legal basis and requirements differ significantly.

What Is Residency by Investment in Switzerland?

When lawyers and consultants refer to residency by investment in Switzerland, they are describing the process by which a foreign national obtains a residence permit in exchange for making a recognised financial contribution to the Swiss economy. In practical terms, this contribution takes one of two forms. Either the applicant commits to paying an agreed fixed annual tax to the canton in which they will reside, irrespective of worldwide income and assets, or the applicant establishes or acquires a business in Switzerland that demonstrably benefits the local economy.

It is important to stress that Switzerland does not grant residence simply in exchange for depositing a certain sum of money or purchasing real estate. Instead, Swiss authorities expect applicants to demonstrate ongoing financial commitment, whether in the form of negotiated tax payments or entrepreneurial activity. For this reason, Switzerland residency by investment is best understood as a structured and legally supervised arrangement, rather than a transactional golden visa.

The Lump-Sum Taxation Route

The first option for residency by investment in Switzerland is the lump-sum taxation system. This route is available exclusively to non-EU and non-EFTA nationals who wish to live in Switzerland without engaging in gainful employment. Applicants must negotiate with cantonal tax authorities to agree on the amount of tax they will pay each year. The calculation is not based on global income or net worth but rather on estimated living expenses, often determined as a multiple of the annual rental value of the applicant’s Swiss home.

In practice, most cantons set a minimum annual tax liability, which typically ranges from CHF 100,000 to CHF 200,000 or more, depending on the canton’s policies and the applicant’s lifestyle. Some cantons, such as Zurich, do not offer lump-sum taxation at all, while others actively encourage it to attract wealthy residents. This route is particularly attractive to retirees, celebrities, and internationally mobile individuals with significant wealth who wish to benefit from Swiss residence by investment without running a business in Switzerland.

The Business Investor Permit

The second major pathway is the Swiss investor visa, often referred to as the business investor permit. This option is open to both EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals, provided that the applicant intends to establish or acquire a Swiss company that creates jobs and contributes to the local economy. Swiss law requires that such a business must serve the “economic interest” of the country or canton.

In practice, this means that the applicant must submit a detailed business plan showing how their enterprise will be sustainable, competitive, and beneficial to the Swiss economy. Authorities will typically expect job creation for Swiss or EU nationals, payment of corporate taxes, and evidence that the business addresses a real market need. This route is particularly relevant to entrepreneurs in fields such as life sciences, technology, hospitality, and financial services, where Switzerland already has a strong international reputation, although businesses operating in other sectors may also qualify. Successful applicants may be granted an initial residence permit, normally valid for one year, which can be renewed annually subject to compliance with business obligations.

Eligibility Requirements and Investment Thresholds

Each route for Swiss residency by investment has its own eligibility requirements. For the lump-sum taxation regime, applicants must be non-EU/EFTA nationals, must not take up employment in Switzerland, and must demonstrate sufficient wealth to sustain themselves and to pay the negotiated annual tax. The minimum tax thresholds vary from canton to canton, but in many cases applicants should expect to commit to paying at least CHF 100,000 to CHF 200,000 annually, with potentially higher contributions in more desirable cantons.

For the business investor route, eligibility is not restricted by nationality, but the applicant must present a convincing business plan and show that their investment will generate tangible benefits for the canton. There is no statutory minimum investment amount, but in practice cantonal authorities will look for evidence of significant financial input, genuine job creation, and the ability to sustain operations over the long term.

Benefits of Swiss Residency by Investment

The benefits of securing residency by investment in Switzerland are substantial. The primary benefit is, of course, the right to reside lawfully in one of the world’s most desirable countries. Successful applicants are permitted to bring their immediate family, meaning that spouses and dependent children can also live in Switzerland and, in many cases, study or work.

Holding a Swiss residence permit also facilitates travel throughout the Schengen Area without the need for additional visas. Beyond mobility, residency offers access to Switzerland’s high standard of living, world-renowned healthcare, and excellent international schools. Over time, residence by investment can also serve as a pathway to long-term settlement. Non-EU/EFTA nationals who have resided in Switzerland for five or ten years (depending on nationality and integration) may be eligible to apply for a C permit, which grants permanent residence rights. In certain cases, this can ultimately lead to an application for Swiss citizenship.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite its attractions, Switzerland residency by investment is not without its challenges. The most significant limitation is that Switzerland does not operate a straightforward golden visa programme. Each application is assessed individually, and there is considerable discretion at cantonal level. Requirements and procedures vary widely between cantons, with some welcoming wealthy applicants under lump-sum taxation, while others decline to participate.

For business investor permits, the challenge lies in persuading the authorities that the proposed business will genuinely contribute to the local economy. Applications are scrutinised in detail, and cantons often seek input from chambers of commerce, tax administrations, and economic development agencies.

Applicants must also be prepared for careful examination of their financial affairs, particularly in lump-sum cases where tax structuring is central. It is also important to note that while residency offers many benefits, it does not exempt individuals from international tax obligations, and careful coordination with tax advisers is essential.

Application Process for Swiss Residence by Investment

The application process for Swiss residency by investment depends on the chosen route. In lump-sum taxation cases, the process begins with confidential negotiations with cantonal tax authorities to determine the annual tax liability. Once agreement has been reached, the applicant may proceed to submit a residence permit application to the cantonal migration office.

For business investor permits, the process begins with the preparation of a comprehensive business plan, supported by financial evidence and market analysis. The application is then filed with the cantonal authorities, who will assess its merits before forwarding it to the State Secretariat for Migration where appropriate. In both cases, successful applicants are normally granted an initial residence permit valid for one year, renewable on an annual basis provided conditions continue to be met.

How Richmond Chambers Switzerland Can Assist

Residency by investment in Switzerland is one of the most attractive immigration options available to high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs, but it is also one of the most complex. There is no automatic or guaranteed golden visa. Instead, applicants must negotiate with cantonal authorities, present convincing evidence of their financial or entrepreneurial commitment, and ensure that their affairs are structured in compliance with both Swiss law and international tax obligations.

At Richmond Chambers Switzerland, we specialise in advising clients on precisely these matters. Our lawyers combine deep expertise in Swiss immigration law with practical experience of negotiating with cantonal authorities and preparing robust applications. Whether you are considering residency in Switzerland by investment through the lump-sum taxation route or are planning to establish a business under the Swiss investor visa, our team can provide strategic advice, prepare your application, and guide you through every stage of the process.

Contact our Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland

If you are considering applying for Switzerland residency by investment, contact Richmond Chambers Switzerland. We will be pleased to provide you with tailored, expert advice to maximise your chances of success and to ensure that your move to Switzerland is smooth, legally secure, and fully compliant with all requirements.