Relocating from the US to Switzerland

Since Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, the process differs slightly from other European destinations, regardless of the country from which one chooses to relocate. Consequently, the following procedures must be followed in order to immigrate to Switzerland from the USA:

Selecting and submitting the proper visa application; awaiting approval; acquiring the residence permit (typically, temporary residency is gained first); submitting an application for permanent residency in Switzerland.
If you wish to relocate here from the United States and need to familiarize yourself with the primary relocation conditions, our immigration lawyers in Switzerland are available to assist you.

Things to think about when moving from the USA to Switzerland
Since Switzerland is not a member of the EU, as was previously mentioned, there are unique restrictions that apply to those relocating here. But the Swiss government permits certain immigrant quotas for nationals of non-EU and non-EEA countries. In addition, every nation outside of these zones has unique immigration laws and, occasionally, agreements.

Regarding US nationals, Switzerland maintains multiple diplomatic missions throughout the United States, making it simple for individuals to apply for and receive Swiss visas.

The process for entering Switzerland from the United States is the same as that for non-EU/non-EEA citizens; however, since Switzerland is a part of the Schengen area, there are a number of benefits available, including free mobility between the two nations under specific circumstances (such short-term trips). However, US nationals must have a residence visa in Switzerland for extended stays, and vice versa.

The most common visa categories used by Americans relocating to Switzerland are:

business visas, work-based residency permits, and family reunion (the B residence permit is offered for this purpose).
Furthermore, since Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons, a US citizen relocating here must be aware that the local government in the canton in which they choose to reside will issue them a residency permit.

The amount of EU, EFTA, and Schengen nationals who can immigrate to Switzerland each year and be given a resident visa is unrestricted. Three more recent EU members, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania, might be subject to certain restrictions, nevertheless. Citizens of non-EU nations are subject to additional, more stringent regulations.

You can learn more about our immigration lawyers’ customized services for non-EU nationals interested in moving to Switzerland in the infographic below.

visas for Americans relocating to Switzerland
The ability to enter or exit Switzerland without needing to apply for a visa is advantageous for US citizens visiting or relocating there for brief stays. All they require are current passports. If the stay is less than three months, there is no need for a visa. Any duration longer than three months is covered by one of the following visa categories:

Non-immigrant visas are granted for short-term visits beyond ninety days, during which time employment and education requirements are frequently fulfilled; long-term visas are granted to individuals desiring to live permanently in Switzerland.
When coming to this nation, a US citizen may apply for any of these visas, depending on their primary reason for traveling. The documentation that must be completed and submitted before to arriving here can be assisted by our immigration attorney in Switzerland. It’s helpful to know that Switzerland has consulates and representatives in a number of US states, which streamlines the visa application process.

Getting a residence visa for Switzerland can be accomplished by a variety of paths, some of which will be more challenging than others. If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU) or a country that is part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), for example, you will be in a far better position than if you are a citizen of any other country. Similarly, if you already have a job offer in Switzerland, it will be easier for you to obtain legal residence there.

Please ask us any questions you may have on obtaining a residence permit or obtaining Swiss citizenship through investment.

Permits for residence while moving from the US to Switzerland
As previously stated, you must apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit if you wish to immigrate to Switzerland from the United States. There are various kinds of these visas, and their renewability is the primary distinction between them. The two most significant short-term residency permits are the L and B visas; the B visa is the only one that is awarded for a year and is renewable.

The C permit, sometimes known as the settled residency visa because it enables US citizens to relocate permanently to Switzerland, is acquired through the use of a B permission. American nationals have the same rights as citizens of other European countries, and permanent residency in Switzerland requires five years of continuous residence. Unknown to many, a C permit for Switzerland expires after six months of non-residential stay. Nevertheless, under certain conditions, a permission of absence can be submitted to extend the validity of a C permit for a maximum of four years while the applicant is living abroad. For further information on this issue, get in touch with our immigration agents.

Although citizens traveling from outside the EU, including the US, can obtain additional visas, the residency permits listed above are the most in demand.

Individuals who wish to relocate to Switzerland can get instructions on how to apply for all types of visas. We can also offer advice regarding Swiss nationality.

Records pertaining to the immigration of Americans to Switzerland
When leaving the United States of America, a number of documentation must be prepared and submitted to the Swiss embassy or consulate. The following typically comprise the paperwork, which need to be created with immigration purposes in mind:

the application form (various forms are required depending on the type of visa requested); the applicant’s valid passport and two current passport-sized photos;
health insurance is necessary regardless of how long the stay is expected to last;
For visitors planning brief stays in Switzerland, additional documentation depending on the type of visa needed (such as a work offer or proof of enrollment in a Swiss educational institution) may also be needed.
It should be mentioned that US residents are welcome to relocate to Switzerland for retirement or business as long as they can support their family and themselves financially. Both of these choices are good ways for applicants and immediate family members to obtain Swiss citizenship or permanent residency in this nation.

For US citizens interested in relocating here, our immigration lawyer in Switzerland can help with every step of the visa application process.

When US citizens relocate to Switzerland, they need the L residency permit
The L residence permit, sometimes referred to as the short-resident visa, is valid for one year and may be renewed twice for a total of three years. For temporary workers in Switzerland, this is a good alternative, and they can use it to work for the company for whom they have the visa. Put differently, it cannot be altered without a new permit application by a US person who enters the nation to work for a Swiss business.

This is one of the key reasons that, if you choose to immigrate to Switzerland, selecting the right kind of residence permit the first time around is crucial. You may also depend on our attorneys to supply you with the most crucial information on moving here.

The immigration permit for Switzerland is the Swiss B residence permit.
An other choice for first-time US immigrants to Switzerland is the B residency permit. It is valid for a year and is issued for a brief visit. One may, however, seek for permanent residence here after this is renewed for a maximum of ten years.

Considering all the opportunities this country has to offer, this is one of the best options for US citizens interested in moving to Switzerland for an extended period of time or perhaps permanently.

After ten years, anyone who have had a B permit for Switzerland, with the exception of citizens of the US, Canada, and EU/EFTA nations, can apply for a C permit (permanent residency) after just five years. Candidates for permanent residency must also fulfill additional conditions, which our attorneys can clarify.

Swiss residency by investing
As with any exclusive location favored by affluent people, US citizens are able to relocate to Switzerland under its investor visa program.

Moving from the United States to Switzerland on the basis of an investor visa entails establishing a business or retiring here.

If they select the first choice, they must fulfill the following conditions in order to register a company:

The applicant must not have resided in Switzerland for the previous ten years, and they must create a legal entity that has been authorized by Swiss law (a private limited liability corporation is typically chosen).
The minimum share capital required to establish a Swiss limited liability company is 20,000 CHF, and foreign nationals must possess this amount in order to do so.

The second option, retirement, requires the applicant to be at least 55 at the time of application and to be able to support themselves financially. In this regard, bank statements will be needed as documentation.

The Swiss investor visa also allows for the purchase of real estate, but only with previous approval from the Land Register. Additionally, you can view our movie below:

After Relocating to Switzerland: What to Do?
The chosen applicant must register with the local Residents Registration Office within 14 days of arriving in Switzerland after migrating from the United States. Next, it’s necessary to register for taxes, health insurance, and even to create a bank account with a Swiss bank.

When it comes to taxes, it’s crucial to remember that foreign nationals have to register with the Federal Tax Administration Office and take the following into account:

Individuals in Switzerland are subject to progressive levies that range from 0% to 8%; the lowest annual income for which personal income is exempt from taxes is 28,300 CHF; taxpayers are required to file tax returns in cantons where their employment income exceeds 120,000 CHF; tax returns must be filed by March 31st, depending on the canton in which they reside.
Please get in touch with our immigration attorney if you need help traveling from the United States to Switzerland.