Question 1

Can I obtain Swiss residence by buying property?

Accepted Answer

No. Switzerland does not offer residence rights in exchange for property purchase. Buying property in Switzerland does not grant residence rights. Residence must be obtained through a qualifying immigration route (employment, self-employment, family reunification, lump-sum taxation, etc.) separately from any property acquisition. The two processes are independent.

Question 2

Does Switzerland have a golden visa?

Accepted Answer

No. Switzerland does not have a golden visa or investor visa programme that grants residence in exchange for investment. The lump-sum taxation route is sometimes described informally as a "golden visa" but this is misleading — it is a tax arrangement for individuals who already qualify for residence on other grounds (typically residence without gainful activity). It is not automatic, not guaranteed and requires individual cantonal and federal approval.

Question 3

Can Americans move to Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in principle, but US citizens are treated as third-country nationals and are subject to the non-EU/EFTA quota and approval system. The most common routes are employment (with a Swiss employer), self-employment, family reunification or residence without gainful activity. US citizens also have ongoing US tax reporting obligations (FBAR, FATCA) that continue regardless of Swiss residence. Both Swiss and US tax advice is strongly recommended.

Question 4

Can UK citizens move to Switzerland after Brexit?

Accepted Answer

UK citizens are now treated as third-country nationals for new applications. They are subject to the non-EU/EFTA quota and approval system. UK nationals who were resident in Switzerland before 1 January 2021 may hold protected status under the Swiss-UK Citizens' Rights Agreement. Individual legal advice is recommended to assess the applicable rules based on personal circumstances.

Question 5

Can UAE residents obtain Swiss residence?

Accepted Answer

UAE nationals are treated as third-country nationals. Residence may be possible through employment, self-employment, family reunification or residence without gainful activity (including lump-sum taxation in certain cantons). Each case requires individual cantonal and federal review. Swiss Private Group can coordinate introductions to qualified Swiss immigration lawyers and tax advisors for clients considering this route.

Question 6

Can Russian citizens obtain Swiss residence?

Accepted Answer

Russian citizens are treated as third-country nationals and are subject to the non-EU/EFTA quota and approval system. Additional banking, compliance and sanctions review may apply depending on individual circumstances, source of funds and applicable regulatory requirements. Clients should obtain specific legal and compliance advice before initiating any Swiss residence process.

Question 7

What is lump-sum taxation?

Accepted Answer

Lump-sum taxation (forfait fiscal / Pauschalbesteuerung) is a Swiss tax arrangement available in certain cantons for foreign nationals who establish Swiss residence for the first time and do not carry out gainful activity in Switzerland. Tax is assessed on the basis of expenditure (typically a multiple of annual rental value or living costs) rather than worldwide income and assets. It is not a golden visa, not automatic and requires individual cantonal and federal approval. Tax treatment differs significantly by canton. Qualified Swiss tax advice is essential.

Question 8

Can I work in Switzerland with a residence permit?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the type of permit and its basis. Employment-based B and C permits generally allow the holder to work for the sponsoring employer. Self-employment permits allow the holder to carry out the registered self-employment activity. Permits issued on the basis of residence without gainful activity (including lump-sum taxation) generally prohibit gainful activity in Switzerland. The specific conditions of each permit must be reviewed carefully.

Question 9

Can I buy a house in Switzerland with a B permit?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your nationality and the type of property. EU/EFTA B permit holders resident in Switzerland can generally acquire a primary residence. Non-EU/EFTA B permit holders face more restrictions under Lex Koller. Holiday homes and investment properties are subject to additional restrictions for all B permit holders. Individual legal review is required before any property acquisition.

Question 10

What is Lex Koller?

Accepted Answer

Lex Koller (Bundesgesetz über den Erwerb von Grundstücken durch Personen im Ausland, BewG) is the Swiss federal law regulating the acquisition of real estate by persons abroad. It restricts the ability of non-resident foreign nationals and certain permit holders to acquire Swiss residential property. It applies to individuals, companies and structures. Lex Koller analysis must be performed before any transaction involving a foreign buyer.

Question 11

Which canton is best for Swiss residence?

Accepted Answer

There is no single "best" canton — the appropriate canton depends on individual circumstances including professional activity, family situation, tax profile, lifestyle preferences, property objectives and nationality. Cantons differ significantly in tax rates, lump-sum taxation availability, property markets, international school provision, language and lifestyle. Canton selection should be reviewed with qualified Swiss tax, legal and relocation professionals.

Question 12

Do I need a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

For any Swiss residence application, property acquisition or tax arrangement, qualified professional advice is strongly recommended. Swiss immigration, tax and property law is complex, varies by canton and changes over time. Swiss Private Group does not provide legal, tax or immigration advice. Where appropriate, we can coordinate introductions to qualified Swiss lawyers, tax advisors, notaries and other professionals.

Question 13

Can Swiss Private Group help with the process?

Accepted Answer

Swiss Private Group does not replace regulated legal, tax or immigration professionals. Where appropriate, we coordinate introductions to qualified Swiss lawyers, tax advisors, fiduciaries, real estate specialists and other professionals who can review the client's specific situation. We help international clients understand the practical landscape of moving to Switzerland and navigating the relevant professional relationships.

Swiss Residence FAQ

Découvrez les propriétés en Suisse