Permanent residency in Switzerland

Switzerland is not a destination for passive residency; it is a nation that seeks skilled professionals, dynamic entrepreneurs, and financially independent individuals who can contribute meaningfully to its economy and society.

The journey progresses hierarchically, from temporary L and B permits to the C permit, which signifies permanent residency. Holding a C permit is a mandatory prerequisite for most naturalization routes, cementing its status as the most critical milestone for any long-term resident.

The Swiss immigration philosophy is clearly based on “real” immigration, which brings a value to Switzerland, there is neither a way through just investment, nor through tax payments (except the lumpsum taxation concept), nor through setting up a company (unless you can employ at least 5 Swiss residents right from the beginning) or just a job application (unless you are EU citizen). This makes the process merit-based and highly selective.

Who can we help achieve residency

• Highly skilled professionals (managers, specialists, graduates with professional experience) who have already been offered a job from a Swiss company to obtain a work permit.
  
• Entrepreneurs establishing and managing companies in Switzerland with measurable economic benefit, i.e. who can employ at least 5 Swiss residents right from the beginning.
  
• Financially independent individuals using recognized routes such as lump-sum taxation (and are prepared to pay an annual tax of at least 200’000 CHF).

Switzerland is not a realistic option for individuals without advanced qualifications, business activity, or strong financial independence.

How can Prism assist foreign citizens to obtain a Swiss passport

We work with clients strategically and over the long term. Our step-by-step approach ensures compliance with federal and cantonal rules and prepares you for each stage of the journey:

1. Assessment: Identifying the right route to residency based on your profile.
   
2. Preparation: Gathering documentation, business plans, and language or integration requirements.
   
3. Application: Coordinating with cantonal and federal authorities and monitoring quotas.
   
4. Long-term guidance: Supporting you through renewal, permanent residency, and ultimately naturalization.

Advantages of residency in Switzerland

For qualified individuals, the advantages are extensive:

• Economic strength: IMF projects GDP per capita at CHF 104,900 in 2025, among the highest worldwide.
  
• Quality of life: Zurich, Geneva, and Bern ranked among the world’s top cities in Mercer’s 2024 Quality of Living survey.
  
• Human development: Switzerland consistently ranks highly on the Human Development Index, backed by world-class healthcare, education, and social stability.
• Security and infrastructure: Low crime rates, efficient transport, and a commitment to sustainability.

How to obtain a Swiss passport as a foreign citizen

The Swiss residency system is a hierarchical framework of permits designed to manage the integration of foreign nationals. The journey from temporary to permanent residency is structured, with the C permit as the decisive milestone.

The work permit route for highly skilled professionals

The most common path for non-EU/EFTA nationals is via an employer-sponsored work permit. This route is strictly limited to highly qualified individuals. The employer must prove:

• the role cannot be filled by a Swiss, EU, or EFTA citizen, and
• the employment is in the economic interest of Switzerland.

Applications are initiated by the employer at cantonal level and subject to national quotas (4,500 B permits and 4,000 L permits for non-EU nationals in 2025).

Requirements for non-EU/EFTA nationals (investors / Swiss company formation)

• Lump-sum taxation: Available to high-net-worth individuals relocating to Switzerland without employment. Tax liability is based on annual living expenses, usually at least CHF 200,000 per year, with significant cantonal variation.
  
• Business investor permit: For entrepreneurs actively managing a company in Switzerland. Requirements include:
  
  • assuming an executive or senior management role,
    
  • demonstrating measurable economic benefit (e.g., job creation, innovation),
    
  • proportional financial investment, and
    
  • proof of personal financial independence.
    

Passive investment alone is not accepted.

Requirements for citizens of the EU/EFTA without a work permit

EU/EFTA nationals benefit from free movement, but still must:

• Register with cantonal authorities.
  
• Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves.
  
• Hold valid health insurance.
  
• Comply with integration requirements to progress from temporary residency to the C permit and eventually naturalization.

Take the next step towards a Swiss citizenship with Prism

Prism combines local presence with international expertise to guide qualified individuals through Switzerland’s demanding residency and citizenship process. If you are a skilled professional, entrepreneur, or financially independent individual, contact us to discuss your eligibility and start planning your long-term future in Switzerland.