After six years of visiting Valais, a Dutch family decided to make Switzerland their home. Prism helped them navigate the Swiss residence permit process with clear guidance, English-speaking support and full application management through to approval.
For this Dutch family, moving to Switzerland was not a sudden decision. After six years of regular visits to Valais, they were ready to make the region their home. We spoke with the father, Piet, after the move was successfully completed.
“As a family, we have been in love with Switzerland for years, and Valais in particular, where we have been visiting regularly for the past six years.”
But turning that decision into a real move required more than finding the right place to live. To purchase a home and settle in Switzerland, the family first needed an approved residence permit.
“Of course, to actually live there and purchase a home, a residence permit is essential.”
Trying to understand the Swiss residence permit process alone
Before contacting Prism, Piet tried to understand the Swiss residence permit process himself. He searched online, read what he could find, and tried to work out what would be required.
“Unfortunately, there is very little clear information available online about how to properly approach the residence permit process.”
For a foreign applicant, the process quickly became difficult to navigate. It was not only a question of forms and documents. It was also about understanding the requirements, knowing how to present the application correctly, and avoiding unnecessary delays.
“I initially tried to navigate it myself, but quickly realised that for a foreigner it is extremely time-consuming, time that I could put to much better use in my work.”
That was when Piet decided to look for professional support.
Choosing Prism for Swiss residence support
When he found Prism, the first impression mattered. The website felt professional, the information was structured, and the pricing was clear.
“The website came across as professional and well-structured, and the pricing was fair and transparent.”
For a family planning an international move, that transparency made a difference. Piet and his family were not only looking for someone to submit paperwork. He needed a partner who could assess the situation properly, explain the process, and manage the case with care.
“That combination gave me the confidence that I was dealing with a serious and reliable partner.”
One of the client’s biggest concerns was whether he would actually meet the conditions for a Swiss residence permit.
“My main concern was whether I would actually meet the requirements for a residence permit based on my profession and income.”
Prism addressed that concern early. The team reviewed his situation carefully and gave clear feedback before moving ahead with the application. That first step helped remove much of the uncertainty.
“Prism addressed this early in the process by reviewing my situation carefully and giving me clear feedback, which took away a lot of the uncertainty.”
Full support from application to approval
Once the process started, Prism guided Piet and his wife through the Swiss residence permit application from the first step to the final decision.
When asked which part of the process Prism made easier, the client did not point to one single moment. He pointed to the whole experience.
“Honestly, the entire process, from the initial application all the way through to the final approval. Having one partner handle every step meant I never had to figure out the next move on my own.”
For someone balancing relocation with work and family life, this made a practical difference. Time that could have been spent on bureaucracy could instead be spent on work, planning, and preparing for the move.
Fast, personal and professional communication
Throughout the process, communication was one of the things the client valued most. Emails were answered quickly, and the contact felt both personal and professional.
“The support was excellent throughout. Responses to emails almost always came within a day, and the contact felt informal and friendly without losing its professionalism.”
Language also played an important role.
“My German is reasonable, but in matters like these the legal and administrative language quickly becomes complex, so it was a real advantage that everything with Prism could be handled in English.”
Being able to manage the process in English made the application easier to follow and reduced the risk of misunderstandings.
Keeping the client informed during the waiting period
For many applicants, the waiting period can be one of the most stressful parts of a residence permit process. Not knowing where things stand often creates unnecessary worry.
“After submitting the application, they reassured me that I would meet the conditions and that everything would work out, which made the waiting period much easier.”
In this case, the client did not have to chase updates himself.
“They also proactively followed up on the status of the application with the authorities, so I never had to wonder where things stood.”
When asked how the communication and guidance felt throughout the process, his answer was clear:
“Excellent, it really could not have been better.”
An approved Swiss residence permit and the next step for the family
The application was approved. The residence approval is also the first step in a larger family relocation. Later this year, Prism will support the residence process for the client’s family as they continue preparing for life in Switzerland.
“It means we can move forward with our emigration and pursue our dream as a family in Switzerland, something we have been working towards for a long time.”
Moving to Switzerland can be an exciting decision, but the residence permit process is not always easy to manage alone. For foreign applicants, unclear information, complex requirements, language barriers, and communication with authorities can quickly become time-consuming. At Prism, we are happy to support families and individuals going through the relocation process.
“If you are looking for a reliable partner who takes the entire Swiss residence permit application off your hands, Prism is simply the perfect choice.”
Applying for residence in Switzerland?
If you are planning to move to Switzerland, professional support can help you understand your options, prepare your application correctly, and avoid unnecessary stress during the process.
Prism supports individuals, families, and entrepreneurs with Swiss residence permit applications, relocation planning, and long-term settlement needs.
Get in touch with Prism to discuss your move to Switzerland.
Read our guide: Residency permits in Switzerland (2026 edition)
We can also assist with your Swiss tax return through our trusted partner, Tax Plus. From gathering documents to filing your declaration, you get expert support tailored to your residency status and permit type.
