Wealthy foreigners can get a Swiss residence permit by paying a lump-sum tax.
The residence permit implies that the investor and their family will move to the country but will not work there. They are allowed to manage capital or business in another country.

The lump-sum tax amount depends on the canton and the family’s expenses in Switzerland and abroad. The tax is calculated individually. A residence permit for paying a lump-sum tax can be obtained in any canton except for Zurich, Appenzell-Ausserodden, Basel-Stadt, Basel-Land, and Schaffhausen.

The tax agreement is signed for 1 or 5 years, depending on the canton, and the residence permit is renewed annually. One must spend at least 6 months a year in the country to maintain residency.

1. Moving to Switzerland
   The investor and their family acquire the right to reside in Switzerland while the residence permit is valid. Residence permit cards are usually valid for a year. It can be extended if you live in the country for 183 days a year.
2. Visa-free travel to Schengen countries
   Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area. Thus, Swiss residents visit other Schengen countries and spend up to 90 days out of 180 there without visas.
3. Access to Quality Education and Medicine
   Swiss schools and universities are considered among the best in the world. The investor’s children can get a good education there.
   A Swiss residence permit allows the holder to receive medical treatment at local clinics or institutions in other Schengen countries without obtaining a medical visa.
4. Citizenship after 10 years of living in the country
   The investor and their family can obtain citizenship after 10 years of permanent living in Switzerland. The country’s legislation allows dual citizenship, so you will not have to give up the first one unless it is mandatory under the law of the first-citizenship country.
   A year counts for two for children who live in Switzerland between the ages of 8 and 18. They must have lived in Switzerland for at least 6 years to apply for citizenship.
   Swiss citizenship allows you to travel without visas to 186 countries and live in EU countries without obtaining a residence permit.
5. Tax optimisation
   In some cases, paying a lump-sum tax is more beneficial than a tax on global income. However, their source country and Switzerland must have a Double Taxation Treaty.

1. Lump-sum tax – ₣450,000+
   A lump-sum tax is the main item of the investor’s expenses. The amount is calculated based on income, property, worldwide family expenses, and the requirements of the selected canton. The tax is paid annually as long as the residence permit is maintained.
   The tax for non-EU citizens ranges from ₣450,000 to ₣1,000,000 per year. For EU and EFTA citizens, tax payments are lower.
2. Social security contributions – ₣18,000+
   Social security contributions are paid per adult family member. They are born before the residence permit expires, or the person reaches the age of 65.
3. Additional expenses
   Additional costs include medical insurance, legal services, and translation of documents. The exact amount depends on the circumstances, such as the investor’s family composition.

The process takes 6 months.