Swiss Private Group

How to Obtain Residence in Switzerland

Switzerland offers several residence routes depending on nationality, personal situation, financial profile, professional activity and canton of residence.

The rules differ significantly for EU/EFTA citizens and non-EU/EFTA nationals, including UK, US, Middle Eastern, Asian and other international applicants.

Swiss Private Group helps international clients understand the practical landscape of moving to Switzerland and, where required, coordinates introductions to qualified immigration lawyers, tax advisors, real estate specialists and other regulated professionals.

Important notice

Swiss immigration, tax and real estate regulations are complex and may change over time. The information on this page is general in nature and should not be relied upon as legal, tax or immigration advice. Before making decisions, clients should consult qualified Swiss professionals based on their nationality, residence status, canton, family situation, tax profile and property objectives.

In this section

Swiss Residence — Complete Guide

Residence Options

Employment, self-employment, retirement, lump-sum taxation and other routes explained.

Lump-Sum Taxation

Expenditure-based taxation for high-net-worth individuals establishing Swiss residence.

By Nationality

How Swiss residence rules apply to EU/EFTA, UK, US, Gulf, Russian and other nationals.

By Canton

Vaud, Geneva, Valais, Ticino, Zug, Schwyz and Zurich — canton-by-canton overview.

Residence and Real Estate

How residence status affects what foreign clients may acquire in Switzerland.

Lex Koller

The Swiss law regulating property acquisition by persons abroad — explained clearly.

Retirees

Swiss residence options for retired individuals and pensioners by nationality.

Entrepreneurs

Residence for founders, business owners and self-employed international clients.

Families

Schooling, housing, canton selection, permit planning and family relocation.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Swiss residence, property and lump-sum taxation.

EU / EFTA Citizens

Free Movement Framework

EU/EFTA nationals benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons and generally have easier access to residence and employment in Switzerland, subject to registration, sufficient means, employment or self-employment conditions and health insurance.

Residence options

Non-EU / EFTA Nationals

Quota and Approval System

Non-EU/EFTA nationals are subject to stricter rules. Residence and work permits are usually limited, quota-based and subject to cantonal and federal approval. For employment, applicants generally need to be highly qualified, and the employer must normally demonstrate that no suitable candidate is available in Switzerland or the EU/EFTA area.

Rules by nationality

Propriétés sélectionnées

Découvrez les propriétés en Suisse

Parcourez notre sélection de propriétés résidentielles à travers la Suisse.

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Private Advisory

Speak with a Swiss Residence Specialist

Our advisors guide private clients through every aspect of Swiss residence — from permit selection and lump-sum taxation to property acquisition and family relocation. All enquiries are handled with absolute discretion.

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Important information

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, tax, immigration, financial or investment advice. Swiss residence, taxation and real estate acquisition rules may change and may vary depending on nationality, canton, permit status, personal circumstances, source of funds and intended property use. Before making decisions, clients should obtain advice from qualified Swiss professionals. Swiss Private Group is not a law firm, tax advisory firm, fiduciary, bank, immigration agency or government authority. Where required, Swiss Private Group may coordinate introductions to independent qualified professionals.