SWISS SELF-EMPLOYED (BUSINESS FOUNDER) RESIDENCE PERMIT

The Swiss Self-Employment Residence Permit provides non-EU/EFTA nationals with the opportunity to establish and operate a business in Switzerland. This route is ideal for entrepreneurs, business founders, consultants, and self-employed professionals looking to establish a presence in Switzerland. Whether launching a larger enterprise or working in a specialised field, applicants must demonstrate economic value to Switzerland, such as through job creation, innovation, or specialised industry expertise.

Successful applicants receive a B Permit, with the potential for a C Permit after 5 or 10 years, depending on nationality and integration efforts.

Key Benefits of the Swiss Self-Employed Residence Permit

• Opportunity to establish and operate a business in Switzerland.

• Pathway to long-term residency and potential Swiss citizenship.

• Access to Switzerland’s stable economy, excellent infrastructure, and high quality of life.

• Ability to sponsor dependents (spouse and children) for residency.

• Eligibility for a C Permit (permanent residence) after 10 years, or 5 years for certain nationalities (e.g., USA, Canada, UK and others on a discretionary basis).

• Independence and flexibility to operate as an entrepreneur or self-employed professional.

Eligibility Requirements for a Swiss Self-Employment Residence Permit

In order to qualify for a Swiss Self-Employment Residence Permit (also known as a Swiss Self-Employed Visa) you will need to satisfy the following requirements:

• Nationality:  You must be a non-EU/EFTA national (EU/EFTA nationals have free movement rights).

• Business Viability:  Your proposed business or self-employment activity must provide tangible economic benefits to Switzerland, such as creating jobs or offering specialised expertise.

• Sufficient Investment Capital:  You must have access to sufficient capital to invest in your business, typically at least CHF 100,000 for business founders, though self-employed professionals may not require a fixed amount.

• Business Plan:  You must provide a detailed business plan demonstrating financial projections, job creation, and economic impact.

• Physical Presence:  You must intend to establish a main residence in Switzerland and spend a significant portion of the year in the country.

• Financial Stability:  You must prove financial self-sufficiency for personal and business expenses.

• Compliance with Swiss Laws:  Your business must adhere to Swiss legal and regulatory requirements, including tax obligations and employment laws.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy to qualify for a Swiss Self-Employed Person Residence Permit will vary depending on your personal circumstances. We recommend consulting an immigration lawyer specialising in Swiss immigration law for expert advice.

Business Establishment Requirements for Self-Employed Business Founders

When establishing a business in Switzerland, self-employed business founders must meet several essential requirements.

First, the business must be registered as a legal entity, such as a SARL/GmbH, SA/AG, or sole proprietorship. Additionally, a registered office or premises in Switzerland is required for the business to operate legally.

Importantly, the business should also make a positive economic contribution to Switzerland, which could include creating jobs or driving innovation within its industry. Preference is also given to companies that employ Swiss or EU/EFTA residents.

Lastly, the business must be compliant with Swiss tax regulations, meaning it must be registered with the Swiss tax authorities.

Business Establishment Requirements for Self-Employed Professionals and Consultants

Self-employed professionals and consultants in Switzerland must also meet specific requirements to qualify for the Swiss Self-Employment Residence Permit.

First, they need to demonstrate a genuine self-employment activity, such as working as a consultant, legal advisor, or financial expert, that generates sustainable income.

The business must also be registered in Switzerland, with an official business address. Additionally, the self-employed professional or consultatnt must show that their earnings are sufficient to cover both personal and business expenses.

They must also comply with Swiss tax regulations by registering for VAT if necessary, paying taxes, and contributing to the Swiss pension and social security systems.

Finally, self-employed professionals and consultants are not allowed to take on employment contracts and must solely engage in self-employment.

Individuals considering applying for a Swiss Self-Employed Residence Permit as a professional or consultant should note that approval is highly selective, with Swiss authorities prioritising businesses that provide significant economic benefits, such as job creation, investment, or innovation. Self-employed professionals and consultants must demonstrate how their activities will positively impact the Swiss economy. Without a strong business plan and clear economic contribution, approval is unlikely.

Who Can Qualify for a Swiss Self-Employment Residence Permit?

The Swiss Self-Employment Residence Permit is typically available to the following individuals:

• Entrepreneurs launching businesses that create jobs (e.g., tech startups, financial advisory firms).

• Highly skilled professionals in specialised fields (e.g., legal advisors, IT specialists, financial consultants).

• Individuals transitioning from employment in Switzerland (e.g., switching from a work visa to self-employment).

Who is Unlikely to Qualify for a Swiss Self-Employed Visa?

You may not qualify for the Swiss Self-Employed Visa if you are:

• A freelancer working online for foreign clients (e.g., digital nomads, remote workers).

• A small sole trader with minimal economic impact (e.g., operating a small café with no employees).

• An applicant without a strong business plan or financial backing.

Application Process for a Self-Employment Residence Permit in Switzerland

The application process for the Swiss Self-Employed Residence Permit typically involves the following steps:

1. Business Plan Submission – Prepare a detailed business plan outlining the economic viability and impact of your business in Switzerland

2. Company Registration – Register the business with Swiss authorities.

3. Permit Application Submission – Submit your application along with supporting documentation, including financial proof, business registration, and business plan.

4. Cantonal Review & Approval – Swiss authorities will review the business’s viability and impact on the local economy.

5. Approval & Permit Issuance – After approval, you will receive a B Residence Permit for self-employed business founders or professionals.

   
   

Self-Employment Residence Permit Outcome

• B Permit: This initial self-employment residence permit is typically granted for 1 year and can be renewed annually.

• C Permit: After 5 years (for certain nationalities, such as USA, Canada, UK and some others on a discretionary basis) or 10 years (for other non-EU nationals), you may be eligible for permanent residency.

  
  

Key Advantages of a Swiss Self-Employment Residence Permit

• Business Opportunity: Establish and operate a business in one of the world’s most stable economies.

• Path to Permanent Residency: Eligibility for a C Permit (permanent residence) after 5 or 10 years.

• High Standard of Living: Access to Switzerland’s excellent healthcare, infrastructure, and security.

• Family Sponsorship: Ability to bring spouse and children under family reunification rules.

• Lower Investment Threshold: for self-employed professionals..

Key Challenges of Switzerland's Self-Employed Residence Permit

• High Initial Investment: Business founders must ensure sufficient financial backing for their ventures.

• Stringent Business Plan Requirements: Swiss authorities require a clear, viable business plan for approval.

• Physical Presence Requirement:  Self-employed permit holders must spend a significant amount of time in Switzerland managing their business.

• Regulatory Compliance: Permit holders must adhere to Swiss employment laws, tax regulations, and business rules.

• Status Linked to Business Success: Business performance directly impacts permit renewal and permanent residency eligibility.

How Richmond Chambers Switzerland Can Help

Navigating the Swiss immigration system for self-employed business founders and professionals can be challenging. At Richmond Chambers Switzerland, we offer expert guidance to help self-employed applicants successfully secure Swiss residence permits.

Our professional service for Self-Employed Residence Permit applicants includes:

• Legal & Immigration Advice – We provide expert advice on the best residence permit option based on business model and personal circumstances.

  
  

• Business Plan Development – We assist with drafting and refining business plans that meets Swiss immigration requirements.

  
  

• Company Formation Assistance – We help with business registration, legal structuring, and tax compliance.

  
  

• Permit Application Support – We prepare and submit Swiss residence permit applications with comprehensive supporting documentation.

  
  

• Ongoing Compliance & Renewal Guidance – We ensure our clients remain compliant with Swiss regulations for permit renewals and permanent residence eligibility.

Our team of experienced immigration professionals is committed to providing tailored solutions to entrepreneurs, business founders, and self-employed professionals looking to establish themselves in Switzerland.

Contact Our Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland

For professional advice and expert assistance with an application for residence in Switzerland as a self-employed person, contact our immigration lawyers in Switzerland on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.