SWISS RETIREMENT RESIDENCE PERMIT (B PERMIT)

The Swiss Retirement Residence Permit (B Permit), also known as the Swiss Retirement Visa, offers retired foreign nationals the opportunity to live in Switzerland and enjoy a high standard of living in one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations. This route is ideal for retirees who are financially independent and who wish to enjoy the stability, safety, and natural beauty that Switzerland has to offer. 

The rules governing retirement residence in Switzerland differ depending on whether the applicant is a citizen of an EU/EFTA member state or a non-EU/EFTA national.

Retirement in Switzerland for EU/EFTA Nationals

EU and EFTA nationals benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP), which provides more favourable conditions for retirees wishing to reside in Switzerland. To qualify, EU/EFTA nationals must generally show:

• Financial Self-Sufficiency: Sufficient financial means to support themselves and any dependent family members without recourse to Swiss social assistance;

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance covering all risks in Switzerland; and

• Main Home in Switzerland: A genuine intention to reside in Switzerland, which normally means making Switzerland their main home for the majority of the year.

Unlike non-EU applicants, EU/EFTA nationals do not need to demonstrate special personal or socio-cultural ties to Switzerland, nor are they subject to the same level of cantonal discretion.

Family Members of EU/EFTA Nationals

Spouses, registered partners, and dependent children are entitled to join EU/EFTA retirees under family reunification rights, regardless of their nationality. Unmarried partners may also qualify if they can evidence a durable relationship. Family members typically receive the same type and duration of permit as the EU/EFTA sponsor.

Retirement in Switzerland for Non-EU/EFTA Nationals

Non-EU/EFTA nationals face stricter requirements when applying for a Swiss Retirement Residence Permit. In particular, applicants must demonstrate that they are:

• Age Requirement: At least 55 years old at the time of application;

• No Gainful Activity: No longer gainfully employed, and prepared to sign a declaration that they will not undertake work in Switzerland or abroad (other than managing their own assets);

• Financial Independence: Financially independent, with sufficient resources to support themselves and any dependents without relying on Swiss public funds;

• Close Links to Switzerland: Able to show close personal or socio-cultural links to Switzerland, established through previous stays, community engagement, family ties, or cultural integration;

• Main Home in Switzerland: Prepared to make Switzerland their main place of residence, spending at least 183 days per year in the country; and

• Health Insurance: Covered by comprehensive health and accident insurance.

Each canton has discretion to admit retired non-EU/EFTA nationals and may impose higher financial thresholds or additional local conditions. The permit is therefore discretionary and requires careful preparation of supporting evidence.

Family Members of Non-EU/EFTA Nationals

Spouses, registered partners, and dependent children under 18 may join a non-EU/EFTA retiree in Switzerland, provided the retiree can demonstrate adequate financial resources, suitable accommodation, and comprehensive health insurance. Family members are usually granted the same type and duration of residence permit as the principal applicant.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy to qualify for a Swiss Retirement Residence Permit may vary depending on your personal circumstances. We recommend consulting an immigration lawyer specialising in Swiss immigration law for expert advice.

Prohibition on Gainful Activity For Swiss Retirees

Swiss Retirement Permit holders are not permitted to exercise any form of lucrative activity in Switzerland or abroad. The only exception relates to the management of one's own assets, which is permitted.

Retirees will be asked to sign a declaration confirming that they have actually retired from economically active life. Applicants for a Swiss Retirement Permit will also be asked to undertake that they will not engage in any gainful activity in the future, in Switzerland or abroad (with the exception of managing. their own assets).

Financial Independence: Proving Self-Sufficiency as a Retired Person

Applicants seeking to relocate to Switzerland under the Swiss Retirement Permit route must be able to demonstrate financial independence. This means having sufficient financial resources to support themselves – and any dependent family members – for the entirety of their residence in Switzerland, without recourse to public funds.

Under Swiss immigration law, financial means are considered sufficient if they exceed the threshold that would entitle a Swiss citizen and their family to receive supplementary benefits. This equates to a minimum annual income of CHF 25,200 for a single applicant and CHF 31,200 for a couple.

The Swiss authorities must be satisfied that it is virtually certain that the applicant, as well as any accompanying family members, will not require social assistance at any point in the future. Financial self-sufficiency can be established through stable income streams, such as pension payments or investment income, or by demonstrating access to substantial liquid assets.

In situations where an applicant's personal financial resources are deemed insufficient, it may be possible for a family member who is already resident in Switzerland to provide a formal guarantee of support. However, Swiss authorities scrutinise such arrangements carefully and will require clear evidence that the guarantor is both willing and financially capable of supporting the applicant for life.

Cantonal Approval: Navigating Swiss Regional Variations

It is important to note that the grant of a Swiss Retirement Permit is discretionary. Each canton has its own approach and may impose additional requirements over and above the federal minimum thresholds. Some cantons, for example, may require applicants to demonstrate higher levels of income or capital to reflect local costs of living, including accommodation and health insurance. The cantonal authorities also retain discretion to consider broader socio-demographic factors when determining whether to approve a residence application.

At Richmond Chambers Switzerland, we can provide expert guidance to help applicants navigate the complex and often variable requirements imposed by different cantonal authorities. We can advise on the financial documentation required to evidence self-sufficiency, liaise directly with cantonal migration offices to confirm local expectations, and ensure that all aspects of the application are tailored to meet both federal and cantonal criteria. Our bespoke support can significantly enhance the chances of a successful application and a smooth transition to retirement in Switzerland.

Demonstrating Personal Links to Switzerland in Retirement (Non-EU/EFTA Nationals Only)

A key requirement for non-EU/EFTA nationals to obtain a Swiss Retirement Permit is the ability to demonstrate a close connection to Switzerland. This condition arises from the discretionary nature of the permit and the expectation, as established in both legislation and case law, that non-EU/EFTA nationals applicants maintain genuine personal or socio-cultural ties to the country - beyond financial means or family affiliation.

Non-EU/EFTA applicants are expected to provide evidence of personal or socio-cultural links with Switzerland. These connections may be demonstrated in several ways, including:

• Regular and long-term stays in Switzerland in the past, such as repeated holidays, study, professional placements, or extended visits;

• Sustained engagement with Swiss society, including participation in local cultural events, community activities, or charitable initiatives;

• Ongoing relationships with local individuals or institutions, such as friendships, club memberships, or involvement in civic organisations;

• Demonstrated efforts to integrate, such as learning a national language, attending cultural or civic courses, or engaging directly with local authorities;

• Residential property ownership, while not sufficient on its own, may provide contextual support when combined with other integration indicators;

• Close family ties with Swiss nationals or residents - such as parents, children, or siblings - may add weight but cannot alone satisfy the requirement.

The Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (FNIA), in conjunction with Article 25(2) of the Ordinance on Admission, Residence and Employment (OASA), refers to “particular personal ties with Switzerland.” However, Swiss legal authorities, including the Federal Administrative Court (TAF), have interpreted this requirement to mean that the connection must be with Switzerland itself - not merely with relatives residing in the country. Case law (notably TAF decisions C-6349/2010 and C-797/2011) confirms that links must extend beyond familial relationships and encompass independent personal or socio-cultural integration.

At Richmond Chambers Switzerland, we work closely with our non-EU/EFTA clients to build a strong, well-evidenced case that meets the expectations of cantonal migration authorities. We assess each applicant’s personal circumstances to identify and document all relevant connections to Switzerland. Our team provides strategic guidance on gathering supporting evidence, drafting personal statements, and liaising with local authorities to address cantonal preferences.

For clients who are not yet able to satisfy the personal connection test, we can advise on two alternative pathways. One option is to build up the required connections gradually, through successive short-term stays in Switzerland, with a view to applying once a sufficient link has been established. For high-net-worth individuals, another option is to pursue the lump-sum taxation route, which provides a recognised basis for residence without the need to demonstrate personal ties.

Whether you are a non-EU/EFTA national with longstanding links to Switzerland or you are in the process of deepening your engagement, we can help present your case in the most compelling and compliant manner.

Main Home in Switzerland: Transferring the Centre of Your Interests

All applicants for the Swiss Retirement Permit must be prepared to establish Switzerland as their principal place of residence. This means transferring the centre of their personal and economic interests to Switzerland and residing in the country for a minimum of 183 days per calendar year.

The requirement is not merely a formal declaration of intent; Swiss migration authorities will assess whether the applicant has genuinely and effectively made Switzerland their main home.

Factors considered may include:

• Actual days spent in Switzerland;

• Location of primary residence and daily life;

• Place where key social and familial relationships are maintained;

• Management of financial affairs and healthcare arrangements.

If, over time, it becomes apparent that the applicant has not genuinely established their centre of life in Switzerland, the cantonal authorities may refuse to renew the residence permit. The commitment to reside primarily in Switzerland must therefore be real, consistent, and demonstrable.

At Richmond Chambers Switzerland, we support our clients in understanding and fulfilling this requirement. We can advise on how best to structure your relocation, including the timing of your move, property arrangements, and practical steps to demonstrate the shift of your main residence. Our comprehensive guidance will ensure that your application is not only compliant at the time of submission, but also sustainable in the long term for permit renewals.

Application Process for a Swiss Retirement Residence Permit

The process of applying for a Swiss Retirement Residence Permit varies depending on nationality:

EU/EFTA nationals usually follow a simplified procedure, registering with the cantonal authorities and providing evidence of financial resources and health insurance.

Non-EU/EFTA nationals must undergo a more detailed and discretionary process, which involves several stages, each of which must be approached with care and thorough preparation. While the exact requirements and procedures may vary between cantons, the general process typically includes the following steps:

1. Preliminary Enquiry

Before submitting an application, it is advisable to contact the migration office of the canton where you intend to reside. Each canton has discretion over whether to admit retired foreign nationals and may impose specific requirements in addition to federal criteria.

2. Document Preparation

Applicants must gather a comprehensive set of supporting documents, which typically include:

• Valid passport or national identity document;

• Evidence of financial independence (e.g., pension statements, investment income, or bank assets);

• Proof of comprehensive Swiss health insurance;

• Documentation demonstrating strong personal ties to Switzerland;

• A signed declaration confirming the intention to make Switzerland the main place of residence (minimum 183 days per year);

• Evidence of accommodation in the canton (e.g., property lease or purchase agreement).

3. Application Submission

The complete application must be submitted to the relevant cantonal migration authority. Application fees apply and vary depending on the canton. Incomplete or inconsistent applications may delay the process or result in rejection.

4. Cantonal Assessment

The cantonal authorities will review the application to ensure that both federal and cantonal criteria are met. They may request further documentation or invite the applicant for an interview. The assessment will include a review of financial self-sufficiency, connection to Switzerland, and the applicant’s intent to establish their main home in the country.

5. Decision and Permit Issuance

If the application is approved, the applicant will be granted a residence permit - usually a B Permit - allowing them to reside in Switzerland as a retired person. The permit is typically issued for an initial period of one year and may be renewed annually, subject to continued compliance with all relevant conditions.

At Richmond Chambers Switzerland, we guide our clients through every stage of the Swiss Retirement Permit application process, from liaising with the relevant cantonal authorities and preparing robust supporting documentation, to managing the submission and follow-up of the application. Our tailored assistance can helps minimise delay, reduce risk, and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Swiss Retirement Residence Permit Type and Duration

Whether an EU/EFTA citizen or non-EU/EFTA citizen, retired foreign nationals admitted to Switzerland under the retirement route are typically granted a B Permit, a renewable residence permit initially issued for a period of one year. Subject to continued compliance with the permit conditions—such as financial independence, health insurance coverage, and primary residence in Switzerland—the B Permit may be renewed on an annual basis.

Over time, holders of a B Permit may become eligible to apply for permanent residence (C Permit). Eligibility generally arises after five or ten years of continuous residence in Switzerland, depending on the applicant’s nationality and their level of integration, including language proficiency and participation in Swiss civic life.

At Richmond Chambers Switzerland, we assist clients not only in securing their initial B Permit, but also in maintaining their compliance year after year, positioning them for a successful transition to long-term settlement in Switzerland.

Accompanying Family Members

Family members of Swiss retirement residence permit holders are generally able to accompany the principal applicant to Switzerland, but the rules differ depending on whether the retiree is an EU/EFTA national or a non-EU/EFTA national.

For retirees from EU or EFTA countries, the right to family reunification is broadly protected under Swiss and European law. Spouses, registered partners and dependent children are entitled to join the retiree in Switzerland, regardless of their own nationality. Unmarried partners may also be admitted, provided they can show evidence of a durable and committed relationship. In most cases, family members are issued the same category of residence permit as the retiree and for the same duration, ensuring that the family can remain together in Switzerland under a single legal framework.

For retirees from outside the EU/EFTA, the right to bring family members is more limited and subject to stricter conditions. Spouses, registered partners and dependent children under the age of 18 may qualify for residence, but only where the retiree can demonstrate that they possess sufficient financial resources to support their family in Switzerland without recourse to the Swiss welfare system. They must also provide proof of suitable accommodation and comprehensive health insurance coverage. Where these conditions are met, family members are usually granted the same type and duration of permit as the main applicant.

It is important to note that the exact requirements for family reunification may vary depending on individual circumstances, and cantonal authorities may exercise discretion in their interpretation and application of the rules. Retirees seeking to relocate to Switzerland with their families are therefore strongly advised to obtain tailored legal advice. An experienced immigration lawyer can help navigate the relevant legal framework, assess eligibility, and guide applicants through the process to maximise the chances of securing the appropriate residence permits for both the retiree and their accompanying family members.

Advantages of the Swiss Retirement Residence Permit

Switzerland offers retirees a range of compelling benefits:

• Exceptional quality of life in a safe, stable, and well-organised society.

• Access to world-class healthcare and excellent public infrastructure.

• Family reunification opportunities, allowing retirees to live with their spouse or partner and children.

• Pathway to permanent residence, with the option to apply for a C Permit after 5–10 years.

• Stunning natural environment, from the Alps to lakes and vibrant cultural cities.

Challenges of the Swiss Retirement Permit for Non-EU/EFTA Applicants

While EU nationals benefit from relatively straightforward procedures, non-EU/EFTA retirees should be aware of the additional challenges:

• High financial thresholds, often exceeding federal minimums depending on the canton.

• Requirement to prove genuine personal ties to Switzerland, which can be difficult without prior engagement.

• Cantonal discretion, leading to variation and unpredictability in outcomes.

• Administrative complexity, with detailed supporting documentation required and potential delays in processing.

At Richmond Chambers Switzerland, we help our clients overcome these challenges by offering clear, strategic advice tailored to their personal circumstances. We work closely with cantonal authorities, prepare comprehensive applications, and assist clients in building the strongest possible case to support their residence in Switzerland.

How Richmond Chambers Switzerland Can Assist

Whether you a non-EU national or an EU national, navigating the Swiss Retirement Permit application process can be complex. At Richmond Chambers Switzerland, we specialise in guiding clients through the Swiss immigration system with a focus on clarity and efficiency.

Our professional service for Swiss Retirement Permit applicants includes the following:

• Eligibility Assessment: We will review your financial resources, ties to Switzerland, and overall eligibility for a Swiss Retirement Visa.

• Document Preparation: Our team will assist you in gathering and organising the necessary documentation for your Swiss Retirement Permit application.

• Cantonal Requirements: We will liaise with the authorities in your chosen canton to ensure you meet the specific requirements of the canton, including financial thresholds and residency obligations.

• Ongoing Support: From initial inquiries to the final approval, we will provide ongoing support to ensure your Swiss Retirement Permit application is processed smoothly.

  
  

Contact Our Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland

For professional advice and expert assistance with an application for a Swiss Retirement Residence Permit, contact our immigration lawyers in Switzerland on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.