Project introduction
ECG's Swiss Residence Program offers two unique ways for high-net-worth individuals from around the world to obtain a Swiss residence permit. These routes not only offer clients and their families the opportunity to settle permanently in Switzerland, but also enjoy the convenience of free movement within the Schengen area. Whether through EU free movement laws or customized tax agreements with state governments, Switzerland's residency policy can help you achieve your dual goals of identity planning and wealth management. Our team will provide you with a one-stop service, from initial consultation to signing an agreement and applying, until you and your family successfully obtain a Swiss residence permit. ECG's Swiss Residence Program strive to create a safe and secure future for our customers.
Switzerland Overview
Switzerland, located in the heart of Europe, is surrounded by France, Germany, Italy and Austria. This picturesque country is known for its strong financial system, political stability, and world-leading quality of life. Whether you are looking to settle in Europe or are looking for an ideal location where you can optimize your tax burden, Switzerland offers unique opportunities for you and your family. Switzerland not only has the world's leading banking and financial system, but also with its efficient healthcare system and top educational resources, it has become one of the world's high net worth individuals.
Population：8.5 million
Location：Located in the heart of Europe, with direct access to the main markets of the European Union
Languages：German, French, Italy and Romansh (multilingual environment creates an international atmosphere)
Capital：Bern
Climate：Temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons, fresh air and beautiful environment
Currency：Switzerland Franc (CHF)
Detailed explanation of residence mode
Method 1: Apply for residence in Switzerland through the Free Movement of EU Citizens
law by acquiring EU citizenship, you can apply for residence in Switzerland using the Free Movement Agreement (AFMP) between Switzerland and the EU. Eu citizens have the right to work and reside in Switzerland without the need for an additional work permit. This method makes the process of obtaining Swiss residence easy and fast and is suitable for high-net-worth individuals who already have or plan to obtain citizenship through investment in an EU country.
• Eu-Switzerland Free Movement Agreement：
allows EU citizens and their families to live and work freely in Switzerland.
• Residency requirements：
You must prove that you have sufficient financial means in Switzerland or have been offered a formal job in Switzerland.
• Applicable to：
customers who are already EU citizens or who have acquired EU citizenship through, for example, citizenship by investment.
• Approval time：
Usually, the approval process is relatively fast, and the residence permit can be obtained within 6-9 months.
Method 2：Obtain residence in Switzerland through tax negotiation
The fixed tax method is a tax optimization scheme tailored for high-net-worth individuals, and the applicant can negotiate with the Swiss local government to obtain residency through a pre-determined tax burden. This allows you not to declare your global income, but to agree on a fixed tax based on your living expenses in Switzerland. This approach is particularly suitable for applicants who want to reduce their global tax burden and enjoy a high quality of life in Switzerland.
• Lump-Sum Taxation：
Tax is estimated on annual living expenses rather than global income. Taxes are negotiated with the state government and are usually based on the standard of living.
• Suitable for：
High net worth individuals and their families, especially those who plan to live in Switzerland for a long time without having to conduct substantial business activities in Switzerland.
• Residency requirements：
The applicant must have a physical residence in Switzerland and can apply for a Swiss Permanent residence (C Permit) upon completion of the residency period.
• Approval time：
Usually approval time is 6-12 months, depending on the processing time of the state government.
Switzerland Residency advantages
Free movement within the Schengen Area
With a Swiss residence permit, you and your family can travel freely throughout the Schengen Area without an additional visa.
High standard of living
Switzerland is known for its world-leading education, healthcare and quality of life, making living here an exceptional experience for you and your family.
Family reunification
The Swiss residence permit allows the applicant's spouse and minor children to obtain joint residence, so that family members can enjoy a high quality of life together.
International Schools and healthcare
Switzerland has one of the world's top international schools and healthcare systems to ensure that you and your family receive the highest quality services.
Tax optimization
With a fixed tax agreement, you can effectively optimize your tax burden and avoid complex global income reporting systems.
Investment requirements and tax policy analysis
Investment requirements
• Eu citizenship：No additional investment required, only legal status through EU member states.
• Tax determination：do not need to declare global income, need to negotiate with the state government based on Swiss living expenses to determine the tax, to ensure that both parties reach a tax agreement.
Advantages of fixed tax policy
• No global income declaration required：ax amounts are estimated based on living expenses in Switzerland, and there is no complicated income declaration process.
• Tax benefits：Swiss tax policy is very friendly to high-net-worth individuals, and the fixed tax policy will bring you the maximum tax optimization.
Swiss lifestyle with high-end service
Luxury Homes
Assisting clients in purchasing or renting high-end homes in Switzerland.
International education
Arrange for your child to attend one of Switzerland's leading international schools with excellent educational resources.
Medical Services
Provide private medical services to ensure that you and your family enjoy the highest standards of health management.
High-end life customization
Including personal butler, travel planning, catering arrangements, etc., to ensure customers enjoy a worry-free life.
Tax optimization and financial advantage
The Swiss tax system is very favorable to high-net-worth individuals:
•Fixed Tax Agreement：Tax estimates based on living expenses, no need to declare global income, for individuals who want to reduce their global tax burden.
• Exemption from estate and gift taxes：Many states offer exemption from estate and gift taxes for high-net-worth individuals.
• Financial security：Switzerland has a world-leading financial system and banking network to ensure your wealth is safe.
Legal support and compliance security
ECG works with leading Swiss law firms to ensure that clients' identity applications, tax planning and investment are compliant. We will provide our clients with full legal support to ensure that the application process is completed smoothly and in accordance with Swiss law.