Annual Distribution of Golden Visas Granted to Affluent Overseas Applicants in Switzerland
Get ready to pack your bags, because if you've got the dough, Switzerland might just be your next home!
Despite not being a citizen of the European Union or the EFTA (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), the doors to this pragmatic country are still slightly ajar for you, as long as you're rich enough to live there without working or relying on welfare benefits.
That's all thanks to Article 30 of the Federal Aliens Act, a little-known secret tucked away in the Swiss legal system. This article offers a chance for foreigners from third nations to settle in Switzerland, provided they have enough moolah to fund their stay without any dependency on the state.
In other words, if you can demonstrate that your annual worldwide expenses exceed seven times the annual rental cost of your Swiss housing, and you can provide proof of your legally sourced income and assets, you could be one of the lucky few to call Switzerland home.
These are essentially the so-called "golden visas," a term used to describe residency based on investment in the local economy. In 2024, Switzerland issued 496 such permits, which might seem like a small number, but it represented a 19% increase from the previous year.
The top recipients were Russian citizens, with 94 golden visas, followed by Chinese (51), British (49), and American (38) applicants. The cost of this privilege depends on the canton in which you plan to settle, with Zurich being the most expensive (at a staggering minimum investment of 1 million francs) and Obwalden being the most affordable (setting you back a mere 250,000 francs for a residency permit).
If you've managed to secure a golden visa for Switzerland, we'd love to hear your success story. Email us at news@our website!
Now, it's worth noting that Switzerland does not operate a traditional "golden visa" program that offers residency in exchange for direct investments. Instead, it provides residence permits for wealthy third-country nationals who can prove their financial self-sufficiency and meet strict requirements.
These requirements include being at least 18 years old, having a clean criminal record, living in Switzerland for the last 10 years, providing proof of income and housing expenses, and committing to reside in the chosen canton without employment. You'll also need to demonstrate family eligibility, with specific rules applies to spouses and children.
The process begins with a national D visa application at a Swiss consulate before arrival, followed by canton approval, and submission of additional documentation like proof of income, housing rental agreement, and criminal background checks. The exact investment figures are not disclosed as the permit is based on sustained financial self-sufficiency rather than a fixed investment.
- Even though you're from a third nation not part of the EU or EFTA, Switzerland's doors might still be open to you, as long as you can demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, such as annual worldwide expenses exceeding seven times the annual rental cost of your Swiss housing.
- In 2024, Switzerland issued 496 residence permits, known as "golden visas," marking a 19% increase from the previous year, with the top recipients being Russian citizens, followed by Chinese, British, and American applicants.
- If you've managed to secure a golden visa for Switzerland, you'll need to adhere to strict requirements, including being at least 18 years old, having a clean criminal record, committing to reside in the chosen canton without employment, and providing proof of income and housing expenses, among others.
