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

Switzerland offers a unique blend of political neutrality, safety, healthcare quality and natural beauty that makes it one of the most attractive retirement destinations in the world. For many retirees seeking stability and quality of life, relocating to Switzerland is a long-held ambition. However, for non-EU/EFTA nationals, securing a residence permit to retire in Switzerland is a selective and discretionary process. Applicants must not only prove financial self-sufficiency, but also demonstrate a strong connection - or as the legal texts phrase it, particular personal ties - to Switzerland.

This post explores how Swiss authorities define and assess these ties, based on the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act (LEI), the Ordinance on Admission, Stay and Employment (OASA), official SEM guidelines, and case law of the Swiss Federal Administrative Court (TAF). It also provides practical advice for applicants aiming to build or demonstrate the depth of their relationship with Switzerland.

Legal Foundations: Article 28 FNIA and Article 25(2) OASA

The legal basis for admitting retired foreign nationals to Switzerland is set out in Article 28 of the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (FNIA). It provides that:

Foreign nationals who are no longer gainfully employed may be admitted if:

a. they have reached a minimum age set by the Federal Council;

b. they have special personal relations to Switzerland; and

c. they have the required financial means.

These three conditions are cumulative - meaning an applicant must satisfy all of them in order to qualify. In practice, the minimum age threshold is interpreted as 55 or older, and the financial means requirement entails proving economic self-sufficiency without reliance on Swiss public funds.

The critical and often most scrutinised element is paragraph b: "special personal relations to Switzerland." This is further clarified in the implementing provision - Article 25(2) of the Ordinance on Admission, Stay and Employment (OASA) - which elaborates on what may constitute such ties.

According to Article 25(2), special personal ties exist in particular:

• When the applicant can prove that they have spent relatively long periods in Switzerland in the past, especially for holidays, training, or gainful employment; or

• When they have close relationships with close relatives in Switzerland, including parents, children, grandchildren, or siblings.

However, the presence of these factors alone does not guarantee a positive outcome. The ultimate decision rests with the cantonal authorities, subject to prior approval by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), and evaluated with reference to both the text of the law and evolving case law.

Interpreting the Requirement for ‘Close Links’ or a ‘Strong Connection’

The SEM Directive offers further guidance, noting that close links are assumed when an individual:

• Has undertaken fairly long or repeated stays in Switzerland in the past, particularly in the context of holidays;

• Maintains close relations with immediate family in Switzerland;

• Or has Swiss origins.

However, the SEM also makes clear that ownership of real estate or the existence of commercial interests is not decisive on its own. These factors, while potentially supportive, cannot substitute for genuine personal or socio-cultural links.

Case law from the Swiss Federal Administrative Court (TAF) has reinforced this strict interpretation. In decisions such as C-6349/2010 and C-797/2011, the court clarified that the required personal ties must be with Switzerland itself, not merely with relatives residing in the country.

As such, individuals must show that they have developed an independent, identifiable relationship with Swiss society, customs, and way of life - beyond familial proximity. This can include engagement with local authorities, participation in community or cultural events, and regular, meaningful contact with local residents.

What Does Not Qualify as a Strong Connection?

Swiss authorities are keen to prevent misuse of the retirement permit as a passive or investment-based residence route. Accordingly, several commonly cited “links” are not sufficient in isolation:

• Property ownership: Owning a home in Switzerland is not enough without personal or cultural engagement.

• Business or investment activity: Commercial interests are not relevant to a retirement application and may even point to the wrong category of residence.

• Relatives alone: Having family in Switzerland can help, but it is not sufficient unless paired with direct personal or socio-cultural links to the country itself.

In short, applicants must go beyond paper ties or economic presence. They need to show that they have been actively involved in Swiss life, or are making genuine efforts to integrate.

Building and Demonstrating Personal and Socio-Cultural Ties

Given the strict interpretation of the “strong connection” requirement, applicants should take a proactive and evidence-based approach. If you are planning to retire in Switzerland, consider the following ways to establish and document your ties over time:

Start by visiting Switzerland regularly and for extended periods. A consistent history of holidays, seasonal stays, or long-term visits demonstrates that you know the country well and have developed an affinity for its regions, culture, and way of life. Keep a detailed travel log showing the duration and nature of your stays.

If you are not already doing so, engage with local communities during your visits. This may include attending village or town festivals, exhibitions, public talks, or concerts. Joining cultural associations or social groups - particularly those that promote integration or connect foreigners with Swiss nationals - can also be a valuable step.

Building relationships with local residents outside your family circle is crucial. Regular interactions with neighbours, shopkeepers, religious communities, or local officials all help to reflect a personal bond with Swiss society. If you’ve developed friendships in Switzerland, consider including letters of support or photos of shared activities with your application.

Learning the local language, or at least showing evidence of efforts to do so, is another important factor. While not a strict legal requirement for retirees, a demonstrated interest in acquiring German, French, or Italian skills helps convey a deeper cultural connection and respect for Swiss civic values.

Finally, if you have Swiss ancestry or past experiences in Switzerland - such as previous work, academic studies, or time spent as a child - these should be clearly documented and included as part of your case. These historical ties can serve as the foundation for your present connection to the country.

Final Thoughts: Proving a Strong Connection Requires Depth, Not Just Duration

The Swiss retirement residence permit offers a unique opportunity for non-EU/EFTA nationals to enjoy a dignified, secure, and culturally rich retirement. But it is granted only to those who can demonstrate that they are not strangers to the country, but individuals who have already developed a meaningful and identifiable connection with Switzerland.

Both the legal provisions (Article 25(2) OASA) and the interpretation by the SEM and Swiss courts demand more than superficial or economic ties. Instead, applicants must prove that they have woven themselves - however gradually - into the cultural and social fabric of Switzerland.

With time, deliberate engagement, and the right legal guidance, it is possible to build the type of genuine connection that satisfies these high standards. For those seriously contemplating a move to Switzerland for retirement, it is never too early to start building the evidence that will one day form the heart of a successful application.

If you would like professional support in assessing your eligibility or preparing a Swiss retirement residence application, our team at Richmond Chambers Switzerland can assist you with tailored, strategic advice.