SWISS RESIDENCE PERMIT BY BUSINESS OR INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT

The Swiss Investment-Based Residence Permit (B Permit) via the Business or Infrastructure Investment Route allows non-EU/EFTA nationals to obtain Swiss residency by business investment, making a substantial economic contribution to Switzerland. The business investment pathway is ideal for entrepreneurs, business owners, and high-net-worth investors who wish to reside in Switzerland while actively investing in or managing a Swiss business, creating jobs, or funding infrastructure projects.

Successful Swiss Business Investor Visa applicants receive a B Permit, with eligibility for a C Permit after 5 or 10 years, depending on nationality and integration.

Individuals considering Swiss residence via business investment may also wish to consider the Swiss residence permit by lump-sum taxation as an alternative Swiss investment residence permit option.

Key Benefits of the Swiss Business Investment Route

• Residency through direct business investment or infrastructure funding.

• Opportunity to start, acquire or expand a business in Switzerland.

• No requirement to pay lump-sum taxation based on living expenses.

• Potential for Swiss permanent residence (C Permit) after 5 or 10 years.

• Access to Switzerland’s stable economy, security, and high standard of living.

  
  

Eligibility Requirements for a Swiss Residence Permit by Business Investment

In order to qualify for a Swiss Investor Visa via business investment or infrastructure funding, you will need to satisfy the following eligibility criteria:

• Nationality: You must be a non-Swiss, non-EU/EFTA national (EU/EFTA nationals have rights of free movement under EU Treaty Law).

• Business Plan: You must present a viable business or investment plan demonstrating significant economic benefits to Switzerland.

• Substantial Economic Investment: You must be willing and able to invest a significant sum (typically at least CHF 1 million or more, depending on the canton and type of investment) in a Swiss business, infrastructure project, or economic development initiative.

• Lawful Origin of Investment Funds: You will need to provide evidence of the lawful source of the investment capital.

• Approved Investment Types: Your investment must be a qualifying investment. Qualifying investments include investments in:

  • Swiss Business Ventures: Investment in or expansion of Swiss businesses, including start-ups, acquisitions, or company expansion where there is a clear focus on creating economic value.

  • Real Estate Development (for business purposes):  Investments in hotels, office buildings and mixed-use properties.

  • Infrastructure Projects: Contributions to roads, renewable energy, and public infrastructure.

  • Local Enterprise Funding: Support for tech, life sciences, and high-growth industries aligned with regional economic development.

• Investment Maintenance: You must maintain your investment throughout the residency period.

• Job Creation: Your investment should contribute to job creation and economic growth in the local canton.

• Active Business Involvement: You must play an active role in managing or overseeing the investment.

• Demonstrated Financial Stability: You must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to sustain residency and business operations.

• Clean Criminal Record: You must have no serious criminal convictions.

• Integration into Swiss Society: Language proficiency and community involvement may strengthen your application.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy in order to qualify for a Swiss Residence Permit by Business Investment or Infrastructure Funding will vary depending on your personal circumstances. We recommend consulting an immigration lawyer specialising in Swiss immigration law for expert advice.

Qualifying Business Investments for Swiss Residency

To qualify for a Swiss residence permit through business investment, applicants must invest in an existing or new Swiss business, infrastructure, or development project.

The minimum investment typically starts at CHF 1 million, although requirements vary by canton and investment type. The investment must create a positive economic impact, such as job creation or supporting strategic industries.

Certain cantons, including Zug, Geneva, Vaud, and Ticino, offer tailored investment residency programs with specific incentives for foreign investors.

Additionally, the business investment must be actively managed or supervised by the applicant, ensuring their direct involvement in the business or project.

However, not all types of business investments qualify for a Swiss residence permit. The following non-qualifying investments do not meet the criteria for Swiss residency by investment:

• Residential real estate for personal use or passive rental income, unless linked to a business venture (e.g., hotel or commercial property).

• Investments outside Switzerland.

• Passive financial investments (e.g., stocks, bonds, or other securities)

Physical Presence Requirement for Swiss Residency by Business Investment

To meet the physical presence requirement for a Swiss residence permit through business investment, the applicant must establish their main residence in Switzerland and obtain a B residence permit, which is renewable annually. Switzerland must also be the applicant’s primary place of residence for tax purposes.

In most cantons, investors are expected to spend at least six months (183 days) per year in Switzerland to maintain their residency status. Additionally, the applicant must demonstrate a long-term commitment to residing in Switzerland and actively conducting business or managing their investment within the country.

Gainful Activity Allowance – Business Ownership in Switzerland

Under this scheme, investors are permitted to establish, own, and manage a business in Switzerland. Their investment must contribute to the Swiss economy, typically through job creation or economic activity. Unlike the lump-sum taxation route, this scheme does not allow passive investment; instead, investors must actively participate in the management of their business or infrastructure investment.

Swiss Ties – Strengthening Your Residency Application

Although not mandatory, having strong business and financial ties to Switzerland can enhance the application. You may improve your application for a Swiss Investor Visa by:

• Owning commercial property in Switzerland.

• Hiring local employees and contributing to the Swiss labor market.

• Supporting local charities or community initiatives.

• Demonstrating prior business engagements, investments, or partnerships in Switzerland.

Application Process – How to Apply for a Swiss Business Investor Visa

The application process for the Swiss Business Investment Residence Permit typically involves the following steps:

1. Initial Consultation – Assess eligibility and preferred canton.

2. Business Plan Submission – Present an investment or business plan for approval.

3. Cantonal Approval – Obtain endorsement from the relevant cantonal economic authority.

4. Residency Application Submission – File documents and financial proof (4-6 weeks process).

5. Approval & Permit Issuance – Obtain Swiss B Residence Permit.

   
   

Swiss Residence Permit by Business Investment – Permit Outcome

• Permit B (initial residency for 1 year, renewable).

• Permit C eligibility after 5 or 10 years, depending on nationality and integration efforts.

  
  

Key Advantages of Swiss Residency by Business Investment

1. Active Business Involvement: Investors can establish, acquire or expand a Swiss business, unlike the lump-sum taxation route, which prohibits employment or business activity.

2. No Lump-Sum Taxation Requirement: Residency is granted through direct economic contribution rather than pre-agreed tax payments.

3. Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship: Long-term presence in Switzerland and economic contributions can lead to a C Permit and eventual citizenship.

   
   

Challenges of the Swiss Investment Visa Route

1. High Investment Threshold: The minimum investment requirement (typically CHF 1 million or more) can be a barrier for some applicants.

2. Business Viability Requirement: Applicants must provide a detailed business or investment plan that demonstrates tangible benefits to Switzerland.

3. Strict Oversight and Compliance: Investors must actively manage or oversee their investment, ensuring compliance with Swiss business regulations and economic policies.

How Richmond Chambers Switzerland Can Assist

Securing Swiss residency through business or infrastructure investment requires careful planning, regulatory compliance, and a strategic approach. Richmond Chambers Switzerland provides expert legal guidance to investors, entrepreneurs, and business owners seeking Swiss residency through investment.

Our professional service for Swiss Investor Visa applicants includes:

• Eligibility & Investment Strategy Assessment:  We will evaluate your eligibility and advise on the most suitable investment approach based on your financial objectives, business experience, and preferred canton.

  
  

• Identification of Investment Opportunities: We will help you explore suitable business or infrastructure investment opportunities that are aligned with local economic development priorities. Through out network, we will connect you with trusted partners who specialise in supporting investments in these areas.

  
  

• Business Plan & Investment Structuring:  Having identified a suitable investment opportunity, we will assist in preparing a robust business or investment plan that meets Swiss economic benefit requirements, ensuring alignment with cantonal policies and expectations.

  
  

• Cantonal Approval & Regulatory Compliance: We will liaise with Swiss cantonal authorities to secure approval for your investment, ensuring compliance with residency and business regulations.

  
  

• Application Submission & Documentation Support: We will guide you through the Swiss B Permit application process, helping compile and submit the necessary financial, business, and legal documentation.

  
  

• Coordination with Swiss Financial & Legal Experts: We will work alongside leading Swiss tax advisors, business consultants, and legal professionals to ensure that your investment is structured efficiently and adheres to Swiss laws.

  
  

• Ongoing Compliance & Residency Maintenance: We will provide continued support to help you maintain your investment, meet regulatory obligations, renew your B Permit, and transition to a C Permit when eligible.

  
  

With extensive experience in Swiss immigration law, Richmond Chambers Switzerland offers a seamless and strategic pathway for high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs seeking to secure Swiss residency through business or infrastructure investment.

Contact our Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland

For professional advice and expert assistance with an application for Swiss Residence by Business or Infrastructure Investment, contact our immigration lawyers in Switzerland on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.