A residence permit is one of the steps on the path to citizenship. It will not be easy to obtain this status in Switzerland, which is so prestigious and popular even among celebrities. Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world, and also requires wealth from its potential residents. But if you do not have millions of accounts in Swiss banks, then do not rush to get upset. There are other ways to become a Swiss resident. Let's talk about them.
Migration policy
For 2021, Switzerland has the following principles regarding immigrants from other countries:
- Any citizen from the European Union can obtain a residence permit, subject to employment.
- Citizens of all other countries can apply for a residence permit only if their qualifications in any professional field are high enough that it is impossible to find a replacement for them among specialists from EU countries.
In Switzerland, there are political parties that conduct anti-migration activities, accusing foreign immigrants of distributing drugs in the country and making up more than half of the prison population.
Immigrants in Switzerland can be roughly divided into three groups:
- Political refugees. The country provides political asylum to citizens of other countries, but the state does not allow the abuse of its social policy.
- Prosperous immigrants. Receiving a Swiss education, working as highly qualified specialists, living for wealthy foreigners solely at the expense of their available funds.
- Disadvantaged immigrants. This is the category that Swiss government authorities try most to control. Low-class specialists who come to enjoy the benefits of this country and qualify for high Swiss salaries. As of 2021, there are already a lot of them in the state. These are mainly Italians, Portuguese and residents of the northern part of Spain.
Categories of citizens who have a long-term residence permit in Switzerland
Depending on the residence permit that was received, there are several categories of subjects who can reside in Switzerland for a long time. These categories include:
- Students of educational institutions;
- Entrepreneurs who have opened their own business in the country;
- Rentiers who receive income from large capitals and pay taxes;
- Investors;
- Pensioners;
- Spouses of Swiss citizens.
For each of the above residence permits there is a specific list of required documents.
Study permit
Education in Switzerland is given great attention. During their studies in the country, students are provided with a student residence permit.
The main requirements to obtain it include:
- Certificate of enrollment from the educational institution;
- Contract for renting housing for the duration of study;
- Confirmation of financial solvency;
- Sufficient level of preparation to undergo training (at the discretion of the migration commission);
- Among the unspoken requirements is age less than thirty years. However, this is not indicated anywhere in official sources. The maximum period of study should be limited to eight years.
For apprenticeships aged 10-20, each year spent in the country counts as two years. Thus, you can study for five years and apply for a residence permit under category C.
Business immigration
This is one of the most popular residence permits among Russian citizens. And, accordingly, there is a lot of unreliable or simply implausible information on the Internet.
For example, there is information that purchasing a hotel in Switzerland gives you the right to a residence permit. This is far from true. If we talk about business immigration as a plan for obtaining a residence permit in Switzerland, then its essence is as follows: this is one of the most labor-intensive and costly, but at the same time the most reliable ways to obtain a residence permit in Switzerland.
The indicative list of documents includes:
- Create an investor resume;
- Provide a business plan for the proposed enterprise for a period of at least three years of operation;
- Prove the financial viability of this project and the availability of the necessary funds for its implementation;
- Certificates of rent or purchase of a place of service or production (warehouse, office, store, etc.);
- Employment contracts with residents of Switzerland.
It is immediately necessary to have an idea that the right to a residence permit for a business is granted only by a truly operating business that involves Swiss citizens in its business processes and pays taxes annually. If the company goes bankrupt, it will be impossible to renew the residence permit.
This can be absolutely any type of commercial activity, such as opening a new company or registering a Swiss branch of an existing one.
The cost of obtaining such a residence permit is the highest, as it requires the participation of highly qualified lawyers, economists and, probably, other specialists in the process.
The easiest way to implement business immigration is to buy an existing business. However, it will still be necessary to draw up a business plan.
Rentier
Switzerland has always attracted wealthy people with its high comfort of life. The possibility of providing a residence permit for wealthy individuals with capital is discussed. Capital is considered large if it exceeds 2,000,000 francs. In this case, the payment of taxes by these citizens in favor of Switzerland is formalized on the income received from the investment of this capital. Accommodation is obtained without specified completion dates.
Swiss authorities carefully check the origin of capital. If the source of finance is revealed to be unreliable, the residence permit may be cancelled.
Residence permit for investors
Suitable primarily for Russians, since investments do not provide the right to long-term residence in Switzerland for residents of European Union countries. There is one more limitation. Pensioners cannot act as investors.
Investments sufficient to apply for an investor residence permit:
- To the welfare of one of the regions of Switzerland;
- Acquisition of shares of Swiss enterprises;
- Provide loans to Swiss enterprises.
The investment volume must be at least 250,000 francs per year. The residence permit applies to all members of the investor's family. There is a restriction on the period of residence in the country - at least 181 days per year.
Residence permit for pensioners
As would be expected, Switzerland at the legislative level confirms its readiness to accept for permanent residence pensioners who can confirm the presence of sufficient funds in their accounts. The account must have at least 1,000,000 francs, or an annual income of at least 100,000 francs must be guaranteed. A residence permit for pensioners does not provide a work permit. The pensioner's age must exceed 55 years.
Purchasing real estate in Switzerland
The purchase of real estate in Switzerland by foreigners is not possible in all cantons. This option may be available after obtaining a residence permit of categories B, C, but is not guaranteed throughout the country. When contacting a real estate agency, it is important to immediately find out whether the canton in which you intend to make a purchase has restrictions on real estate transactions for foreigners.
Real estate itself, however, does not provide any grounds for obtaining a residence permit. Can only be used as an argument for obtaining a multiple-entry Schengen visa.
Switzerland, although it has very strict requirements for applicants for a residence permit, nevertheless offers a number of opportunities for adaptation on the spot for highly qualified personnel, gifted children, or simply very wealthy people. Having carefully studied all the available methods, the likelihood of getting a positive decision on your case and enjoying a quiet life in an Alpine country becomes much higher.
What does a residence permit in Switzerland give?
Having a Swiss residence permit opens up many opportunities for its holder, including permanent residence in a safe and economically and politically stable country.
Switzerland has a good environmental situation and developed infrastructure, a low crime rate and a mild climate.
After obtaining a residence permit, foreigners have access to visa-free entry into the countries of the Schengen area and a simplified procedure for obtaining visas to a number of other countries.
Another advantage is the provision of the opportunity to use the banking system of the Confederation.
Also, persons with permission can purchase real estate (in a number of cantons).
Study in Switzerland
Students and schoolchildren who decide that education in Switzerland is better have a special temporary residence permit. If a child comes to Switzerland between the ages of ten and twenty, then one year of study counts towards two years of residence in the country. Simple arithmetic: instead of ten years, the child must simply study for five years, after which the main category of residence permit will become available to him (this is an example, the numbers may vary slightly, but the meaning will remain the same).
Studying in Switzerland is the key to obtaining a residence permit
Procedure for obtaining a Swiss residence permit
- Obtaining a visa category D It gives the right to stay in Switzerland for no more than 90 days within six months. When applying for a visa for the first time, you must personally visit the Swiss diplomatic mission in the country of departure or a visa center.
- Registration of place of residence After crossing the border, within 8 days you need to register your place of residence with the local community office. In large cities there are separate structures - residence registration departments. Registration is required even if you are staying at a hotel.
- Request for a residence permit Documents are sent to the cantonal authorities, who make a decision on issuing a residence permit.
- Receiving a decision You will receive a response within 3 months from the date of submission of the application. After receiving a positive decision and obtaining a residence permit, you are required to stay in the country for at least 181 days a year.
Stages of obtaining a residence permit
Now, after studying the legal framework and insider information, let’s turn to the successful experience of wealthy Russians moving to Switzerland. Here are some tips.
Select a location
Think carefully about which region you would like to live in. In Switzerland, everywhere is beautiful, clean and safe, but there are big differences in lifestyle, climate and infrastructure. If you plan to travel a lot and frequently, the optimal location is close to the two largest airports, Zurich and Geneva. If you prefer nature and silence, choose one of the cute villages in the Alps or among the lakes, of which there are many. Remember that residency will be granted to you by the cantonal authorities and not by the state. And if you choose lump-sum, you won't be able to move easily. This scheme is only valid for the canton in which the transaction took place. And elsewhere your case may be treated completely differently, in particular without the lump-sum option at all, because it may be prohibited by law (as in Zurich and Basel).
Examples of residential real estate in Switzerland
Penthouse in Bern, Switzerland €2,666,000 Area 154 m2, 5 rooms SIMA Immobilien GmbH
Apartment in Ticino, Switzerland €2,550,000 Area 208 m2 SIMA Immobilien GmbH
Apartment in Ticino, Switzerland €2,102,000 Area 140 m2, 3 rooms SIMA Immobilien GmbH
Villa in Montreux, Switzerland €4,900,000 Area 375 m2, 9 rooms Victoria Gaillard sarl
Apartment in Ticino, Switzerland €2,484,000 Area 191 m2 SIMA Immobilien GmbH
Apartment in Montreux, Switzerland €1,500,000 Area 116 m2, 3 rooms Victoria Gaillard sarl
Villa in Lugano, Switzerland €3,900,000 Area 244 m2, 6 rooms RT ASSET
House in Switzerland €4,879,812 7 rooms Barnes
Apartment in Switzerland Price on request Area 130 m2, 6 rooms Barnes
House in Switzerland €1,350,984 Barnes
House in Switzerland €6,777,516 Area 360 m2, 9 rooms Barnes
House in Verbier, Switzerland Price on request Area 912 m2 Barnes
House in Verbier, Switzerland €3,253,208 Area 176 m2 Barnes
Apartment in Switzerland €1,310,319 Area 230 m2, 5 rooms Barnes
Apartment in Geneva, Switzerland €3,569,492 Area 191 m2 Barnes
Apartment in Switzerland €1,527,200 Area 91 m2, 4 rooms Barnes
House in Switzerland 6,867,883 € Barnes
House in Switzerland €2,241,098 Area 276 m2, 9 rooms Barnes
House in Switzerland €2,250,135 Area 340 m2, 8 rooms Barnes
Apartment in Switzerland €1,698,897 Area 253 m2, 7 rooms Barnes
View 539 more similar properties
Propose an investment project
To have a chance of success, you must offer a specific form of investment. You are free to choose within the above criteria: economic utility, jobs, taxes. Depending on your funds and risk appetite, this could be a commercial real estate project, a private equity investment, or even venture capital funding for a start-up company. In any case, buying a private villa alone, regardless of its high cost, will clearly not be enough.
Make a business plan
Prepare a professional business plan, if possible with two or three different options. You will really need this document later for negotiations with the canton. If you already have active businesses outside Switzerland, it may be advantageous to merge them into a new Swiss company, say a holding company or an international trading house. Take a look at Gazprom and its North Stream AG or the Evraz Group's East Metals AG - both domiciled in the canton of Zug... At the latest, you should secure the support of Swiss investment experts with know-how in this type of business and experience in successful negotiations with the authorities .
Submit your documents
As mentioned at the beginning, two different cantonal institutions will be involved in the process: the migration office (Amt für Migration), which decides on your residence permit, and the department of finance (Finanzdepartement), which is responsible for taxes and processes applications for lump -sum. Since their decisions are closely related to each other, negotiating with each party alone will be tedious and time-consuming and may even lead to conflicting results.
Convince that your plans are serious
Fortunately for investors, Switzerland has a well-established and very effective method that allows all parties involved to discuss all aspects of the project, including residence permits, in an open and collaborative manner. Each region has an official agency or administrative department that is responsible for promoting economic development and attracting investors. In large cantons these are their own specialized legal entities; in small towns or villages this work is carried out by mayors. The first and most important step is to convince the institution of your investment. Because it is they who will judge the economic benefits of the project and they have the political connections within the cantonal administration necessary to make your business work.
Negotiate
If your plans are approved, the investment department will invite the remaining parties, namely the tax and immigration offices, for a series of round table meetings with the investor. At them, the project will be discussed in great detail until a final solution is found. The big advantage of this procedure is that each party can express their opinion in a relaxed atmosphere, various options can be analyzed, and the necessary changes or amendments are possible without a large number of official documents. For an investor, this is a one-window system, without the need to run from one department to another. For the administration, it also saves time and effort due to the lack of internal control requests.
Final document
The result will be a so-called Binding Advance Ruling (we call it a “Determination”), which states what decision the authorities will make after the investor formally submits his application. It is mandatory for authorities, including tax authorities, as long as the investor provides correct data about his business and does not change anything in the future. Definition is a unique Swiss tool designed specifically for corporations and high net worth individuals to clarify complex investment and tax issues.
You can move!
After receiving a positive Determination, you can fill out the documents, confidently begin implementing the project and plan the details of the move. All subsequent legal steps will be a pure formality without any unpleasant surprises.
Types of VZHN
Residence permit in Switzerland - granting access to residence for foreigners, provided by cantonal migration services.
In accordance with the type of residence permit, a citizen of another country acquires the opportunity to stay in Switzerland for an indefinite period or for an approved term and/or for a specific purpose.
Also, depending on the category of residence permit, the likelihood of working is assumed.
| Temporary residence permit (B) | The term is issued for 1 year with an annual renewal for 10 years under the same conditions. The recipient of this residence permit must reside in the canton that was determined by this residence permit |
| Permanent residence permit (C) | Issued after 10 years of life under a temporary residence permit. The recipient of this residence permit has the right to choose the canton of residence, workplace, carry out business, and after 2 years - receive a passport of a Swiss citizen |
| Type G | Provided to citizens of neighboring countries (Italians, Austrians, Germans, French) who have a place of work within the Swiss border |
| Type L | Generally provided for a period of up to 1 year with the possibility of extension. This type of residence permit is issued to students of language schools, trainees, seasonal workers, construction workers, employees of hotels or entertainment establishments. When the duration of access expires, the recipient must leave Switzerland |
| Type F | Provided to foreign citizens working within the Swiss state |
It should be noted that in most cases, the move of Russian citizens to Switzerland is accompanied by the registration of a lump-sum tax agreement, which is characterized by the absence of work activity in the country. Russians are also engaged in establishing a new business or purchasing an existing one.
Design features for different methods of obtaining a residence permit
Next, we propose to consider in detail each method of obtaining a residence permit for Russian citizens.
Worker residence permit
As for the states that are members of the EU/EFTA group, Switzerland has entered into international agreements under which participating countries have access to a special regime for obtaining a residence permit for the purpose of employment. That is, the EU/EFTA in terms of economic rights in most cases are equal to Swiss citizens. In practice, this circumstance means that they have the right to search for work in the state, and when they find a suitable option, they can easily count on obtaining a work permit. However, it is worth taking into account the fact that those persons who have an EU passport are obliged to have the necessary amount of financial resources for their legal stay in the country.
As for citizens who are not members of the EU and do not have the status of candidates for EU membership, they are subject to a number of requirements and restrictions regarding obtaining a working residence permit. For example, this may include: knowledge of the state language at a sufficient level; the ability to “merge” into society, etc.
Obtaining a work residence permit in Switzerland is only possible for those specialists who have certain experience and/or skills. For so-called administrative units (secretary, courier) or working professions that do not require abilities (janitor, cleaner), the issuance of a work residence permit is not provided.
If a candidate for a job meets all the mandatory requirements that are enshrined in law, he may be issued a short-term or regular residence permit.
Student residence permit
To obtain a student residence permit, a person must meet certain requirements:
- Confirm the fact that he is enrolled as a student in a particular educational institution.
- Have a place of residence.
- Have the financial means necessary for training (in Switzerland there are quite strict requirements for this point).
- Readiness (suitability) for learning. This requirement is independently verified by the migration authorities. Confirmation of a person’s enrollment in an educational institution will already be an argument of readiness to study.
As a rule, a student residence permit in Switzerland is granted to persons under 30 years of age. The total time of education cannot be more than 8 years. However, there are exceptions that will need to be justified at a sufficient level.
Migration authorities in the country, consulates and embassies have a list of countries whose citizens most often wish to study in Switzerland. Such a system exists in order to promptly monitor possible abuses.
For pensioners
Foreign residents can apply for a residence permit in Switzerland upon reaching the age of 55 years.
The main condition for pensioners to obtain a residence permit is confirmation of the availability of financial resources. Thus, a person must have at least 1 million francs in his account or prove that he will receive funds in the amount of 100 thousand francs annually.
It is immediately worth noting that cases of obtaining such permits are quite rare. The reason for this is not even the fact that people of retirement age need to confirm the presence of significant financial savings, but the new restrictive practice of the country's administrative court. It is for this reason that each individual case, at the stage before filing documentation, is studied in detail by lawyers.
Another feature in this case is the fact that pensioners who have received a residence permit in the state will not be able to work.
Residence permit for financially independent persons
It is literally impossible to “buy” Swiss citizenship. However, for foreigners with significant savings, the possibility of relocation opens up if they manage to interest the authorities of a particular region of the country that the benefits from new tax deductions will be good.
In the vast majority of cases, the authorities enter into a special agreement with a foreign entity on the so-called lump-sum taxation, that is, a fixed fee, the amount of which does not depend on certain economic events.
If we talk about the conditions for obtaining a residence permit in this way, they are not very clearly established at the legislative level, which gives migration authorities a lot of opportunities for “maneuver”. Therefore, obtaining permission is considered in each individual case personally.
Grounds for extradition
It is legally established that in order to acquire a residence permit a person must have certain grounds.
For a foreigner they are:
- stay in the country under a temporary residence permit for 12 months;
- availability of a source of livelihood. Monthly income must be more than the subsistence level of a Russian citizen;
- availability of a place to stay;
- high qualifications (if the applicant works in the Russian Federation);
- availability of a certificate confirming the status of a native speaker of the Russian language;
- marriage with a Russian man/woman;
- presence of Russian children;
- mother/father are Russian;
- investments in the Russian economy exceed 100,000,000 rubles, tax deductions exceed 6,000,000 rubles;
- Ownership of a company whose turnover exceeds RUB 10,000,000.
For stateless persons the grounds are as follows:
- there is a RVP;
- stay in the Russian Federation for more than 12 months;
- the applicant was born in the Russian Federation or the RSFSR;
- mother/father – Russians;
- marriage with a citizen of the Russian Federation;
- having a son/daughter with Russian citizenship;
- availability of a source of income.
Grounds for accelerated acquisition of a residence permit:
- availability of high qualifications;
- presence of refugee status;
- the applicant is a native speaker of Russian;
- presence of Turkmen/Belarusian citizenship;
- participation in the state program “Compatriots”;
- registration of a residence permit on the basis of a marriage.
Study permit
Education in Switzerland is given great attention. During their studies in the country, students are provided with a student residence permit.
The main requirements to obtain it include:
- Certificate of enrollment from the educational institution;
- Contract for renting housing for the duration of study;
- Confirmation of financial solvency;
- Sufficient level of preparation to undergo training (at the discretion of the migration commission);
- Among the unspoken requirements is age less than thirty years.
However, this is not indicated anywhere in official sources. The maximum period of study should be limited to eight years.
For apprenticeships aged 10-20, each year spent in the country counts as two years.
Thus, you can study for five years and apply for a residence permit under category C.
Permanent residence permit in Switzerland (permanent residence)
Citizens of EU countries, as well as Canada and the USA, have the right to obtain a permanent residence permit after five years of residence in Switzerland.
Citizens of other countries have the right to obtain permanent residence after 10 years of residence in Switzerland (and during the last five years, residence must be continuous). However, if certain conditions are met, such as knowledge of one of the state languages, compliance with local laws and a high level of integration, they can obtain permanent residence after five years of residence in the country.
Permanent residence after five years of residence is granted to foreigners - spouses of Swiss citizens and citizens of EU countries. This status gives the right to work throughout Switzerland. A permanent residence permit must be renewed every five years.
Business immigration
This method is suitable for any type of business activity. For example, opening your own company or even just a branch of an existing business entity from another state.
The price of the method is not cheap, but businessmen who confirm the start of their business are immediately granted a residence permit, which after 10 years turns into permanent residence, and after another 2 years into full citizenship (if the immigrant wishes). However, simply registering a company is not enough.
It is necessary for it to really develop further, demonstrating positive dynamics. Moreover, the following are required:
- creating vacancies for local citizens;
- correct tax deductions;
- positive impact of the company on the economy of the local region.
If the enterprise turns out to be lame or unprofitable, there will be no permission for a long life in the land of banks.
Availability of large financial resources
Holders of sufficiently large capital - it is considered such from several million local currency - who have already proven themselves in any industry, can draw up a special “tax agreement”.
You just pay your annual taxes and don't worry about your business.
True, there is a danger of termination of the agreement if the place where your money comes from becomes unclear or the procedure for verifying that the money is still there becomes too complicated.
Residence permit for investors
For investors, obtaining a category also involves certain difficulties. You do not have to have a certain citizenship (specifically, an EU member state), you must become an investor in one of the regions in which you have previously looked at a house (and the purpose of financing is the financial well-being and growth of the company).
And there is no need to withdraw investments until you leave the country. With all this, you do not have to be a pensioner - otherwise, you should go up a point and consider slightly different conditions for obtaining the desired category. Investments come in different forms: some purchase shares, others provide loans. You can do everything at once - this is also practiced.
Another condition is that it must be a real company that really needs financing. Real full-time employees must work - otherwise you will most likely lose your treasured document very quickly.
After you have completed all the necessary documents and passed the verification, you must stay in the country for at least 181 days per year.
No concessions or exceptions, including for Russian citizens. Taxes have also not been canceled - you will pay them in full.
What does a residence permit give?
To the question of why issuing a residence permit in Switzerland is attractive for Russian citizens, many answers can be given. But they will all replicate the same benefits that citizens of any country in the world receive when they move to live in one of the most developed countries in Central Europe.
Having settled in one of the cantons, a foreigner gets the opportunity to live surrounded by thousands of lakes, alpine meadows, and medieval cities. The climate is mild, crime is kept to a minimum, and the population is protected by the state at various levels. According to environmentalists' reports, Switzerland leads the ranking of countries with a clean environment.
Considering the level of requirements for candidates, as well as the prestige of moving to this European state, the number of Russians who have received a residence permit here is small. Those who are lucky enough to be legalized here receive the following benefits:
- visa-free travel within EU countries;
- employment opportunity;
- the right to buy real estate for any purpose;
- use of the most reliable banking system;
- After 10 years of official residence in the country, you can apply for a Swiss passport.
Before you start collecting documents for a residence permit, you should select the basis and choose the type of permit. All types of residence permits (permits) are provided for receipt by different categories of citizens, which affects the requirements and list of documents:
- Residence permit for citizens from the EU/EFTA. It’s easier to apply for, since you don’t need a work permit or other certificates.
- Residence permit for immigrants from “third countries” - Belarusians, Russians, Ukrainians. It has a number of restrictions and strict requirements for candidates.
This approach to documentation is called the “dual system”. We are not talking about ambiguity here; the country’s authorities really have an ambivalent attitude towards emigrants from different countries.
In addition to the impressive advantages, moving to Switzerland also comes with a number of disadvantages. IDPs face serious language problems. In one canton they speak German, in another they speak Romansh, in the next they speak French.
While receiving social protection, all the benefits of civilization and a wonderful climate, you have to pay with impressive expenses for a lot of taxes, fees, and insurance.
