How to Obtain a Swiss Residence Permit: Roadmap

The process of obtaining a residence permit (RP) in the Swiss Confederation is complex, involves numerous nuances, and takes a certain amount of time, but it remains a popular option for foreign applicants. The country's high standard of living, well-developed healthcare system, and stable economic growth attract future residents.

Obtaining an RP in Switzerland allows you to legally reside in the country for the duration of the permit's validity. The residence permit is issued in the form of a plastic card by the cantonal migration service. Residents are granted the right to work, travel within the Schengen Area without additional permissions, study, access healthcare, and enjoy other benefits of living in Switzerland. Citizens of the EU, EFTA, and third countries can all apply for residency.

Switzerland currently offers several types of RPs:

• Short-term – up to 1 year, Category L;
• Long-term – up to 5 years, Category B (up to 1 year for citizens of third countries);
• Permanent – Settlement Permit, Category C (equivalent to permanent residency).

In most cases, a resident may apply for citizenship through naturalization after residing in Switzerland for over 10 years.

You can obtain an RP in Switzerland through employment, business activities, family reunification, investments, or as a financially independent individual. The last two categories are of particular interest to applicants, and we will explore them in more detail. Additionally, we will discuss the benefits of an RP in Switzerland, the required documents, the application process, extending the status, and other important details.

Benefits of a Swiss Residence Permit

Obtaining residency status in any country comes with certain privileges. These are the main benefits of securing an RP in Switzerland:

• Relocation and long-term residency in Switzerland: Applicants have the right to live in the country for the duration of the permit, which is usually issued for one year and can be renewed. The applicant must reside in Switzerland for at least 183 days per year.
• Free travel in the Schengen Zone: With a Swiss RP, you can travel freely within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days out of every 180 (in one or multiple countries) without needing a visa or additional permissions.
• Access to quality education and healthcare: Swiss schools and universities are recognized as some of the best in the world, and healthcare services under Swiss insurance can also be accessed in any Schengen country.
• Path to Swiss citizenship after 10 years: After residing in Switzerland for 10 years without violating the law, and demonstrating integration into Swiss society and financial stability, a resident can apply for citizenship. Switzerland allows dual citizenship, so you may keep your original passport if your home country's laws permit it. For children aged 8 to 18 who have lived in Switzerland, citizenship can be obtained after just 6 years, as one year is counted as two during this period.
• Tax optimization: For financially independent individuals, opting for lump-sum taxation can sometimes be more advantageous than regular income taxation.

General Provisions for a Swiss Residence Permit

A Swiss RP is the first important step in the immigration process. It allows residents to stay in the country for more than 90 days.

Ways to obtain a Swiss RP in 2024:

• As a financially independent individual, supporting yourself through income earned outside of Switzerland. The applicant must also pay an annual lump-sum tax starting from CHF 450,000.
• Employment with a local company through a formal contract.
• Admission to a Swiss university for education.
• Registering and launching a business in Switzerland.
• Family reunification.

The primary applicant can include their spouse and children under 18 in the application. The status can be extended if the applicant and their family continue to meet the chosen requirements, reside in Switzerland for at least 183 days per year, and comply with Swiss law.

In Switzerland, you cannot obtain an RP simply by purchasing property, but after receiving residency, you can rent or buy real estate. Without residency status, it is nearly impossible for a foreigner to acquire property.

Swiss RP by Investment

Swiss authorities encourage applicants who are willing to make significant contributions to the country’s economy. You can obtain a residence permit through investments after passing several checks by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and cantonal authorities. There is no fixed amount specified for investment-based RPs; each case is considered individually. However, meeting certain requirements can help:

• The applicant must hold an executive position in a company with international operations in Switzerland.
• Purchase an existing business in Switzerland, maintaining or creating new jobs.
• Conduct economic activities that significantly benefit Switzerland’s international business relations.

Applicants for an investment-based RP are granted more favorable conditions: there are no language requirements, no need to prove integration into Swiss society, and no professional skills verification.

In addition to the standard documents, the candidate must provide:

• A document confirming the company’s registration;
• A business development plan for three years;
• A resume;
• Employment contracts for staff, specifying salaries.

Investment-based RPs (Permit B) can be issued for 1-5 years and are renewable.

RP for Financially Independent Individuals

Foreign citizens can obtain residency status by paying Switzerland’s lump-sum tax. The applicant and their family can move to Switzerland but are not allowed to work there. They must rely on passive income and may own and operate businesses in other countries. The exact amount of the lump-sum tax is determined on a case-by-case basis and depends on the chosen canton. The tax agreement is concluded for 1-5 years and can be renewed annually. The applicant must spend at least 183 days per year in Switzerland to retain their status.

Main expenses for financially independent individuals:

• Lump-sum tax: This is the main expense, calculated based on the chosen canton, family composition, income, registered assets, and general expenses. For non-EU citizens, this tax can range from CHF 450,000 to CHF 1,000,000 annually. For EU citizens, the amount is lower.
• Contributions to the social insurance fund: This amounts to at least CHF 18,000 per adult family member, paid annually while the RP is in effect or until the individual reaches the age of 65.
• Additional expenses: These include medical insurance, housing rental or purchase, document preparation, and translations.

To obtain an RP for financially independent individuals, the applicant must confirm a stable source of income from abroad, such as interest from savings or royalties. A copy of the lump-sum taxation agreement with the cantonal authorities and a detailed letter explaining the reasons for immigration must also be submitted, along with a criminal record certificate.

Requirements for a Swiss Residence Permit

The specific requirements for applicants vary depending on the basis of their application, but the general conditions include:

• A visa is issued on the same basis as the requested residency.
• Proof of sufficient financial resources for living in Switzerland.
• No previous violations of visa regulations or deportations.
• Submission of a complete application file matching the chosen immigration grounds.
• The applicant must not pose a threat to Swiss society, public order, or the country's international reputation.

For Permit B applications, language proficiency at the A1 level is required, and proof of this must be submitted through a language course certificate.

Stages of Obtaining a Swiss RP

The general stages for obtaining residency are as follows:

1. Choosing the immigration basis: This determines the necessary documents and procedures.
2. Visa application and entry: A national visa (Type D) is required for initial entry.
3. Registration in Switzerland: After entering Switzerland, the applicant must register with the cantonal authority within 14 days.
4. Document preparation and RP application: Documents are submitted to the local cantonal migration office or online.
5. Issuance of RP (Permit B): Processing times vary, but decisions are usually made within 14 days.

Costs of Obtaining a Swiss Residence Permit

The average cost includes visa fees, RP card fees, and document preparation. The visa fee is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6-12. RP fees cannot exceed €99.

Renewal of Residence Permit

To extend an RP, an application must be submitted between 90 and 14 days before the current status expires.

Rejection and Cancellation of RP

Rejection can occur due to insufficient financial proof, legal violations, or submission of incomplete or false information. The status can also be revoked for serious legal offenses, threats to public order, or criminal convictions.

Assistance with Obtaining a Swiss RP

Obtaining a Swiss RP can be challenging without assistance. GARANT.in's international specialists are ready to help you with all stages of obtaining temporary or permanent residency abroad. Let us help make your dream of relocating to Switzerland a reality.