Everything You Need To Know About Switzerland’s Golden Visa

If you’re looking for a new start, you might be wondering whether Switzerland has a golden visa.

The good news – it does!

Switzerland is regularly cited as one of the best places to live globally. It has a low crime rate, good health care, amazing nature and a great economy. In fact, Switzerland has one of the highest levels of GDP per capita in the entire world.

Not only that, but the country’s political stability and strong government make it an appealing place for both investors and entrepreneurs.

It’s no surprise then that so many people want to move there.

 

Why Is Switzerland So Desirable?

 

Switzerland regularly gets featured as a great place to live. Some of its accolades include:

GDP: Switzerland has a GDP per capita of $99,564 in 2023. (World Bank)

Quality of life: Switzerland holds the 7th position globally in the Quality of Life Index 2024, with a score of 186.7. (Numbeo)

Healthcare: Switzerland’s healthcare system is ranked 1st in the 2024 World Index of Healthcare Innovation, with a score of 66.19. (Freopp)

Safety: Switzerland is among the top ten safest countries for expats in 2025, due to its low crime rates and political stability. (William Russell)

 

What is the Swiss Golden Visa?

 

The Swiss Golden Visa, also known as Swiss Residency by Investment, allows non-EU nationals to get Swiss residency by making an investment in the country.

The visa gives the investor residents status, which can later be converted into citizenship. There are two main types of investments that can be made to qualify:

Lump Sum Tax – Paying an annual tax to a Swiss canton (the area that they live in)

Business Investment – Creating or investing in a Swiss business.

 

Who Can Apply For The Swiss Golden Visa?

 

To qualify for the Swiss Residency by Investment programme, you must:

• Be from a non-EU country.
• Be between 18 and 55 years old.
• Have a clean criminal record.
• Be in good health.
• Show proof of a an income source with supporting documents.
• Rent or own a residential property in Switzerland.

Applicants can also include immediate family members (spouse and children under 18) if they want to. However, these family members must also have clean criminal records and good health.

 

Investment Options For Switzerland’s Golden Visa

 

Lump Sum Taxation

Applicants must pay an annual tax payment in a single lump sum, starting at CHF 200,000 (£177,000) but can go up to CHF 600,000 (£531,000) or even higher, depending on the canton.

This must be paid to their canton every year to retain the visa.

Under this programme, investors are not allowed to work in Switzerland.

 

Swiss Business Investor Programme

If you do want to work, then the Business Investor Programme might be better.

The applicant must either invest in an existing Swiss company or start a new business that generates new jobs for Swiss people.

The business must have a minimum annual turnover of CHF 1 million.

 

 

How To Apply For A Swiss Golden Visa

 

The process to get Swiss residency through investment usually takes up to 5 months. However, preparing the right documents and having everything in order means the process could be a little faster. Or at least, it helps prevent any unwanted delays.

Here’s what you need to do:

 

Step 1: Choose Your Investment Option

Decide between lump sum taxation or the business investor route, based on your financial situation and whether you plan to work in the country or not.

Make sure you have the finances ready to go.

 

Step 2: Get Approval From Swiss Authorities

Submit an application with the documents requested. These documents, as well as your own personal data will go through due diligence.

Once approved, you’ll have to sign agreements with the Swiss Authorities to kick off the process.

 

Step 3: Apply For A D Visa

Once your investment is approved, apply for a D visa, which allows you to enter Switzerland.

The documents you will need for this include:

• Your passport
• Bank statements proving you have the necessary finances for the visa.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Proof of a clean criminal record.

 

Step 4: Move To Switzerland and Get A Residence Permit

After getting your D visa, it’s time to move to Switzerland. You must do this with all family members that you included in your application.

When you arrive in Switzerland you can apply for a residence permit. To do so, you’ll need to finalise your investment either by setting up a company or paying your canton.

 

Step 5: Apply For Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Once you’ve lived in Switzerland for a period of time, you can apply for more permanent residency status.

After 10 years, you can apply for permanent residency.

After 12 years, you can apply for Swiss citizenship – however you will have to take citizenship tests as part of this, which include language learning.

 

Is the Swiss Golden Visa Right For You?

 

The Swiss Golden Visa is a great way to gain residency in one of the world’s most desirable countries.

The Visa is perfect for high net worth individuals who want a safe, secure and high standard of living. However, it does come with a high investment threshold, making it inaccessible to most people.

With the right preparation and information, if you want to, you can kick start your life in Switzerland within the year.

Good luck! Or should we say Viel Glück Alles Gueti!

Source: William Russell