Switzerland is known around the world for its exceptional quality of life, built on remarkable political and economic stability, a pristine environment, efficient public services and attractive tax rates. Through lump-sum taxation, financially independent investors who don't work in Switzerland can make one of its 26 cantons their home and pay tax based on their living expenses rather than their worldwide income.
Beyond its famous natural beauty, Switzerland is a haven of history and culture, with charming cities and towns rooted in tradition, and chocolate that is loved the world over.
Switzerland is a small, mountainous, landlocked country in the heart of Europe, covering 41,285 square kilometres. It borders France, Italy, Austria, Germany and Liechtenstein, and links northern and southern Europe.
Most people live on the wide plateau between the high peaks of the Alps in the south and the Jura mountains in the north. The southern mountain region is thinly populated, a peaceful escape for anyone who wants to reconnect with nature. The federal city is Bern.
Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. German, French and Italian are official languages of the Confederation, and Romansh is official for dealings with Romansh speakers.
Switzerland has long been a meeting point of traditions and cultures, making it a cosmopolitan hub in the heart of Europe. Its cultural life blends the traditional and the modern, from classical music to contemporary art. The currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF).
Switzerland is a member of the United Nations, the European Free Trade Association and the Schengen Area. It is not a member of the European Union.
Investing in a second residency can offer various benefits, including better global mobility, access to education and healthcare, retirement planning, a pathway to citizenship and a Plan B for the family.
A Swiss residence permit lets you travel without a visa across the countries of Europe's Schengen Area.
Switzerland does not restrict dual citizenship, so you never have to give up your current nationality.
Enjoy low tax rates, and a lump-sum tax based on your living expenses rather than your worldwide income or wealth.
Include your spouse and children as dependants in a single application.
You and your family can live and study in Switzerland, with a high standard of living and access to world-class infrastructure, banking and education.
Every main applicant must meet the conditions below.
Instead of paying tax on your worldwide income and wealth, you pay an annual tax based on your living expenses. Applicants commit to paying at least CHF 250,000 a year, and the exact amount depends on your profile and your canton of residence.
The application process for Switzerland residency by investment is straightforward, and it may take up to 6 months from starting the process to receiving your residence documents. The process can be divided into the following stages.
Residence through lump-sum taxation rests on Swiss federal tax and immigration law, with each canton setting its own rules within that framework.
Financially independent people who don't work in Switzerland can agree to pay an annual tax based on their living expenses instead of their worldwide income and wealth. Applicants commit to paying at least CHF 250,000 a year, and the exact amount depends on your profile and your canton.
The process typically takes 3 to 6 months from start to receiving your residence permit.
No. Lump-sum taxation is only available to people who are not gainfully employed in Switzerland. You can still manage your own assets and investments.
Most cantons offer it, but some, including Zurich, have abolished it. Each canton sets its own minimum amounts, so your advisor will help you choose the right canton for your profile.
Yes. A single applicant can include their spouse and children as dependants.
Yes. Switzerland places no restrictions on dual citizenship.
A thirty-minute consultation with our advisory team will tell you whether Switzerland is the right programme for you, and if it is not, which of our other programmes is.