EMIGRATE TO SWITZERLAND
Our team of committed attorneys specializes in assisting individuals seeking to immigrate to Switzerland. Switzerland is a non-EU nation, hence it has distinct immigration laws and procedures for nationals of the EU and non-EU who wish to relocate here. For this reason, we concentrate on providing clients with specialized services according to their nationality.
Clients may find the best solution for their circumstances by working with our immigration lawyer in Switzerland, and they will also receive full assistance in planning and navigating every stage of the immigration procedure.
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We invite you to learn about the several kinds of residency permits that are available in Switzerland below, along with the application process. Regardless of the kind of visa you intend to apply for, you may trust our Swiss immigration attorneys.
We can provide you with advice if you wish to move to Switzerland and get Swiss citizenship.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Entry visa requirement (from EU) | Yes |
| Entry visa requirement (outside EU) | Yes |
| Types of visas available | Travel, student, temporary and long-term residence permits |
| Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.) | Approx. 8 weeks |
| Validity of temporary residence permit | 1 year (in exceptional cases, 2 year validity is available) |
| Time frame for obtaining permanent residence (approx.) | 5 years for EU/EEA citizens, 10 years for non-EU/EEA citizens |
| Investor Visa Availability (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Sponsorship requirement (YES/NO) | No |
| Time frame for obtaining citizenship | 10 years through naturalization, 3 years through marriage |
| Citizenship/Residency by investment scheme availability (YES/NO) | Yes, residency by investment scheme |
| Tax benefits for expats | No |
| Support in obtaining work permit (YES/NO) | Yes, we can help EU and non-EU citizens to obtain Swiss work permits |
| Assistance in applying for Swiss B permits for temporary residency (YES/NO) | Yes, we can assist with applications for B permits in Switzerland |
| Visa renewal services (YES/NO) | Our immigration lawyers can advise on visa renewal matters |
| Support in applying for C permits for Switzerland | Yes, we can help with applications for Swiss C permits for permanent residence purposes |
| Support in gaining citizenship (YES/NO) | Yes, we offer assistance in applying for Swiss citizenship through various means |
| Support in re-applying for citizenship (YES/NO) | Our lawyers can assist with citizenship renewal services |
| Assistance in registration with the local authorities | Yes, we can offer support in registration with federal and cantonal authorities |
| Legalization services (YES/NO) | Yes, we offer legalization services to foreign citizens |
| Assistance in family reunion matters | Our Swiss immigration lawyers can assist with family reunion visa applications |
| Legal services in various cantons (YES/NO) | Our services are available in respect to the cantons to which you want to move |
| Other immigration services (YES/NO) | – Specific relocation support; – personalized services; – legal assistance after relocation. |
Living arrangements in Switzerland outlined by our immigration attorneys
Despite having a special status and particular treaties with the EU and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Switzerland is not a member of the EU. For this reason, individuals considering immigration to Switzerland need to be aware that there are various residence permit types, with visas for EU and EFTA citizens and non-EU and non-EFTA citizens separated into separate categories. This implies that these applicant categories are eligible for various kinds of visas.
It is crucial to remember that, if an applicant satisfies the standards set forth by national law, our immigration lawyer will assist them in acquiring the desired permission or, in the worst case scenario, Swiss citizenship, regardless of their country of origin.
Citizens of the EU and EFTA are permitted to migrate to Switzerland without any limitations and have the same rights with regard to employment, residency, and healthcare thanks to the Freedom of Movement Act. EU/EFTA nationals do not need a visa to enter Switzerland; however, if they plan to stay longer than three months, they must register and apply for a Swiss residence permit.
Our assistance can help those who wish to relocate to Switzerland in the following ways:
information on comprehending the laws and residence permits that apply to them; help in preparing the paperwork needed to get the work permit or residence permit in each specific scenario; submission of the paperwork to the Swiss immigration authorities and updates on its processing; and, if necessary, assistance following the conclusion of the immigration procedure.
You may get answers to all of your questions about the process of immigrating to Switzerland from our immigration lawyer. You can apply for a residence permit in Switzerland with our assistance.
It is a fact that foreigners perceive Switzerland as one of the richest and most exclusive nations in the world, and this has several benefits, including:
excellent living and lifestyle options, many company prospects, and excellent pay and working conditions.
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, so before moving here, people from all over the world are asked to learn about the laws that apply to acquiring different kinds of residency permits. This is a significant difference from other European countries. For this reason, everyone wishing to relocate here must abide by the same set of rules.
Even EU/EFTA nationals who want to move to Switzerland must apply for a residency permit. You apply to the immigration office of the canton where you wish to relocate for a residence permit for Switzerland. Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons, each of which is in responsible of granting foreigners wishing to settle there work authorization and resident permits.
Given these factors, as you can also see in the infographic below, our immigration attorneys in Switzerland are able to offer case-by-case support to people from all over the world who are drawn to this amazing nation:
The following factors should be taken into account when submitting an application for a visa issued by the Swiss migration authorities:
The reasons for immigrating are also very important because of the variety of residence permits available, the documents to prepare in accordance with the status, nationality, and visa requested, and the immigration procedure which can take up to several weeks. The applicant’s country of residence or origin, and if special conditions apply, are also very important factors.
Citizens of different nationalities can contact our immigration law office in Switzerland for assistance with these and other related vital problems.
Finding a place to stay is something else to think about before coming here. Renting an apartment or house is the best alternative for this reason; in this case, our lawyers may assist with the tenancy contract or lease preparation.
Due to the variety of visas available to them, the immigration process may appear complex to many foreign nationals; nonetheless, there are typically three key parts in the process:
requesting a temporary residency permit, acquiring a permanent resident permit, or applying for a visa that allows them to enter the nation.
It is true that each case is different when it comes to the visa application process, but our Swiss lawyers can offer guidance and support in this regard.
The most straightforward reasons to relocate to Switzerland are for business, work, family reunification, and education. Additionally, both EU and non-EU citizens have access to all alternatives.
EU/EFTA nationals wishing to relocate to Switzerland must fulfill a number of conditions before being granted one of the residence permits allotted to this group of immigrants.
In general, EU/EFTA nationals who wish to come to Switzerland must meet the following requirements:
They are self-employed and able to support themselves; they have employment contracts with Swiss businesses; and they can demonstrate their independence to Swiss authorities.
Citizens of the EU and EFTA who immigrate to Switzerland and get a residence permit may apply for the following kinds of visas:
the B permit, which is given to EU/EFTA citizens who stay in Switzerland for longer periods of time and has a validity of 5 years; the C permit, also known as a settlement permit, which is granted after living in Switzerland for 5 to 10 years. The L permit is a short-term residence permit with a limited duration of 3 to 12 months. In Switzerland, the equivalent of permanent residency is the C permit. This permit holder is free to work independently or change occupations without authorization. One of the best things about this kind of visa is that the C permit does not restrict work to a certain canton.
EU/EFTA citizens working for governmental agencies, along with their wives and children under 25, are eligible for the Ci permit. Cross-border commuters from adjacent countries can apply for the G permit if they have a work contract that lasts at least three months.
For comprehensive support if you intend to apply for any of the aforementioned residence permits, you may count on our immigration attorney in Switzerland.
Non-EU/EFTA nationals are also able to immigrate to Switzerland, and our immigration lawyers can assist them in acquiring the required permits, even though the process may appear more difficult. The primary resident permit categories in Switzerland for citizens outside the EU and EFTA are as follows:
the B permit, which is a normal residence permit for individuals looking to relocate to Switzerland for a longer period of time; and the L permit, which is a short-term residence permit available for non-EU/EFTA residents. The intended audience for the B permit for Switzerland is foreign nationals, either EU or non-EU, who wish to temporarily reside in Switzerland. B permits are typically granted for a period of one year to non-EU nationals and five years to EU nationals entering Switzerland. Because it indicates permanent residency, the C permit is different from the B permit.
the G permit, which is available for non-EU citizens living in an EU country and traveling to Switzerland for work; the F permit, which can be obtained by non-EU/EFTA citizens who have been provisionally admitted to Switzerland; the N and S permits, which are issued to foreign citizens of non-EU/EFTA states asking for asylum or in need of protection. The C permit is the same as that of EU citizens seeking to settle in Switzerland.
Please do not hesitate to contact our immigration lawyer, regardless of your circumstances, for advice on applying for any of the aforementioned residency permits or Swiss citizenship.
The most popular relocation routes to Switzerland are shown above, and while the procedures for each will need finishing the same fundamental steps, there are some notable differences in terms of documentation.
Every kind of visa has specific requirements, along with a number of supporting documents. Their sole similarity is that they all need to present a current passport and identity documents.
Apart from that, the following circumstances hold true:
Work contracts must be obtained in order to be eligible for a work visa. Students must also obtain an acceptance or invitation letter from a Swiss university or other prestigious educational institution in order to apply for a residence permit. Finally, individuals seeking residence permits in order to reunite with family members must be citizens or lawful permanent residents of Switzerland.
Spouses, parents, and kids of Swiss nationals or residents may also relocate here in the event of a family reunion.
In order to receive a work permit for founding a business with the intention of emigrating to Switzerland, the applicant must be an owner or director of the company.
Our Swiss immigration attorney can provide a detailed explanation of these criteria as well as guidance on preparing and submitting the necessary paperwork to the appropriate authorities.
Notifying the local authorities and registering for taxes with the Tax Administration are required steps after the applicant has finished the full immigration process, signed the rental agreement, and arrived in Switzerland. We would like to remind visitors that there are 26 cantons in Switzerland, and they are free to relocate to any of them. This is also the place where you have to register with the national authorities.
Our post-immigration services assist you in fulfilling all the obligations that a lawful resident must adhere to, since these things must be taken into consideration as soon as possible. Our legal staff can assist you with moving to Switzerland if that’s your desire.
When the time comes, support for temporary residents to renew their permits can be given. Additionally, our immigration attorneys will assist locals in bringing family members to Switzerland.
Though living costs in Switzerland are comparable to those in Germany and the Netherlands, prospective immigrants from other countries may find this country pricey. Furthermore, as was already said, Switzerland boasts an excellent immigration system that permits foreign nationals to apply for a variety of visa categories. It also has a very good healthcare system.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to learn more about our specialized immigration services for acquiring a residence permit in Switzerland, regardless of the reasons behind your consideration of coming here.