Permanent residency for Switzerland

Permanent residence permit is also called C Permit. Permanent residence permit allows foreign nationals to permanently settle in the country. Most EU/EFTA citizens will be issued this permit after a continuous period of 5 years spent in the country. Though, this does not apply to people from Cyprus, Malta, and the Eastern European EU member states. Citizens of all other countries are required to have lived in Switzerland for 10 years to qualify for a C Permit, while this may vary depending on other factors. After an alien has been issued the right to settle in Switzerland, he/she is no longer limited to the requirements of his/her work permit with regards to his/her choice of employer.

Citizenship for Switzerland:

Switzerland advises foreigners to take up Swiss nationality once they’re considered to be well integrated in their society. You can apply for a regular naturalization or a facilitated naturalization. In Switzerland dual nationality is accepted, so you won’t lose your previous nationality after taking up Swiss citizenship, unless the country of your previous nationality doesn’t allow you to have dual citizenship.

To apply for naturalization in Switzerland, you must get an application form from the cantonal authorities. If you live abroad, the application can be submitted to the embassy or consulate of Switzerland in your country of residence.

Regular naturalization

To apply for regular naturalization in Switzerland, you must have been a resident for at least 12 years and the Swiss government examines if applicants are integrated into the Swiss society. If you pass this examination based on cantonal and communal reports, the Federal Office for Migration will give you a federal naturalization permit.

The second stage of the naturalization process is to be naturalized by a community and a canton. You should satisfy the community and canton requirements of additional residence you reside in.

Facilitated naturalization

Facilitated naturalization benefits foreign spouses and children of Swiss nationals. To apply for facilitated naturalization, you must have lived in Switzerland for at least five years three for which married. You can also apply for facilitated naturalization from abroad if you have been married to a Swiss national for at least six years.

Work Permit for Switzerland

Since 1998, Switzerland implements a dual priority system for the issuance of work permits: meaning that priority is given to workers that are from EU member states and a more repressive admission policy is operated for non-EU citizens. Work permits are usually linked to residency permits depending on nationality, employment contract type, the industry in which you work and demand in the Swiss labor market.

EU citizens

Starting from 2002, a Swiss/EU bilateral agreement has enabled easier entry, residency and employment in Switzerland for EU nationals as well as Norway citizens, Iceland (EFTA members) and – conditionally – Liechtenstein.

EU citizens now have:

• the right to change positions and employers (job mobility)

• the right to bring their family to Switzerland

• free choice of residency and employment between the cantons (geographic mobility)

• the right to work for their family members.

Non-EU citizens

Non-EU-citizens can get a work permit only after their future employer proves that they could not fill the corresponding position with a Swiss or EU citizen. Actually, this can become a complex and bureaucratic process for both the employer and the employee. It is considered to be some exceptions to this rule for highly qualified/specialized and/or top executive management positions that may be needed by the Swiss labor market.

In case an employer wants to hire you, he must send you an official offer of employment. When you accept the offer, your employer applies for a residence permit in the local canton’s police section for foreigners. In case a residence permit is approved, your employer sends you a ‘pre-authorization for a residency permit’ in addition to your employment contract, which you present on arrival in Switzerland.

The process of work permit application can take several months, but there are no guarantees that a permit will be issued; that depends on a variety of changing criteria such as the kind of job, nationality, your qualifications, etc. Within the limits prescribed legally, individual cantonal authorities have a vast degree of freedom, so the final decision could depend on the mood an official is in when your application is examined.

Employees of international organizations

Employees of international organizations don’t need a Swiss work permit; instead a special identity card is issued for them. The holders possess preferential treatment in customs, for immigration and for housing.

Working illegally

Because of the restrictive immigration laws and the comparatively high salary level, there are quite a few foreigners that work in Switzerland illegally, but those who do are under constant threat of deportation and are often exploited by employers. Your employer cannot even be forced to pay you for any work you have done, because you have no legal right to work.

Visa for Switzerland

The Swiss love documents and bureaucracy so be prepared to be asked to collect and provide many of the below paperwork:

• A passport valid for the entire period to be spent in Switzerland.

• A healthy supply of passport-size photos.

• For students, a notification of admission or enrollment confirmation of application from your university, college, etc.

• For professionals, an employment contract or job offer letter.

• For non-EU citizens and your pre-authorization for a residency permit.

• Evidence of sufficient financial resources.

• Visa (not a tourist visa), if applicable.

• Originals and certified translations of your birth certificate and secondary school leaving certificate.

• Marriage certificates and birth certificates of all family members (if applicable).

• Your documents of insurance and academic qualifications, nevertheless certifications abroad can be obtained at Swiss diplomatic and consular missions.

• Health insurance cover confirmation in your home country may be required.

• Book of vaccination certificates, if you have one. Check at the Swiss missions if you need any vaccinations.

• An international driving license may also be required.

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Taxes In Switzerland

Taxes in Switzerland are levied by the Swiss Confederation, the cantons and the municipalities.

The all people who are resident in Switzerland are liable for the taxation of their worldwide earnings and assets, besides the income and wealth from real estate or foreign business, or where tax agreements limit double taxation.

Income tax

Either a proportional or progressive income tax is levied by the Confederation and by the cantons on the income of natural persons. The income tax is even imposed as a payroll tax on foreign workers who are not holders of a residence permit, and in the form of a withholding tax on certain transient persons, for instance foreign musicians performing in Switzerland.

In most cantons, the rate is proportional with a maximum 6.5 percent in Bern, whereas in Zurich it was 13 percent and in Geneva 17.58-.76 percent.

Corporate tax

Switzerland has a corporate tax system in which a corporation and its owners or shareholders are taxed individually, which causes economic double taxation. Every legal person is subject to the taxation of profit and capital, with the exception of charitable organizations. Tax liability emerges if either the legal seat or the effective management of a corporation is in Switzerland. Non-resident companies that have Swiss sources of income, such as business establishments or real estate, are also liable for taxation. As a one-sided measure to limit double taxation, profits from foreign business establishments or real estate are excepted from taxation.

Business Establishment in Switzerland

How to start a business in Switzerland

There are a number of things you need to consider before starting your business. Firstly, it is essential to research and understand whether you have a successful business idea and secondly, to choose the right legal structure of Swiss business for it. For foreigners another main factor is that he/she must be a Swiss resident, or have a Swiss legal entity or partner who is a Swiss national.

Which structure of Swiss business should I choose?

Choosing your business structure is an important decision and the key to your future success, so you need to investigate the nature of each option carefully. If you are think of starting a company in Switzerland be aware that there are seven different types of companies to choose from:

1. Single-owner company or sole proprietorship

2. General partnership

3. Limited partnership

4. Corporation/Joint-stock company (AG/SA)

5. Limited Liability Company

6. Subsidiary

7. Branch

Swiss Schengen Visa Requirements for Business Purposes:

• A certificate from your employer stating/allowing your business travel

• Invitation letter from the Swiss company you will be visiting and their details accompanied with the dates of your visit

• Evidence of previous trade relations between the two companies (if applicable)

• Business bank statement of the latest 6 months

• Association Memorandum and Article in original certified copy (registered with joint stock companies), Proprietorship/Partnership documents, Trade License (first issued and present renewal)

• Regarding the applicant’s expenses during stay in the Schengen zone, either the partner company or the employer should state coverage of expenses on the invitation or letter.

Disclaimer for Immigration, Switzerland

We DO NOT provide consultancy for illegal immigration to Switzerland and do not promote illegal immigration for Switzerland, including, illegal residency for Switzerland or illegal work permit for Switzerland. Also, we do not entertain agents for illegal immigration for Switzerland.

Information provided on https://www.millionmakers.com regarding Switzerland cannot be taken as legal advice in any way, please consult immigration lawyer in Switzerland for expert legal advice for Switzerland.

We don’t support or provide any of our services to below mentioned Individuals or category(s) of business in Switzerland for immigration:

• Any device for Switzerland that might result in abuse of human rights in Switzerland or be utilized for torture in Switzerland.
• Trade in Switzerland, distribution in Switzerland and/or manufacturing of arms in Switzerland, weapons in Switzerland, ammunition in Switzerland, mercenary or contract soldiering in Switzerland.
• Espionage in Switzerland or technical surveillance in Switzerland or bugging instrumentation or equipment in Switzerland.
• Any illegal activities in Switzerland or criminal activities in Switzerland or company(s) or individual(s) that are black listed in Switzerland under The Law of Switzerland.
• Genetic material in Switzerland.
• Hazardous or Dangerous or risky biological, chemical or nuclear materials which also includes, instrumentation or machinery accustomed for disposing or manufacturing or handling of any such material(s).
• Trading in Switzerland, storage in Switzerland or transportation of Human or animal organ(s) in Switzerland, use of animals in Switzerland or abuse of animals in Switzerland for any scientific or product testing.
• Adoption agencies in Switzerland, as well as, surrogate parenting procedures in Switzerland or any kind of abuse of human rights in Switzerland.
• Non-secular cults in Switzerland and their charities.
• Pornography in Switzerland.
• Drug paraphernalia in Switzerland.
• Pyramid sales in Switzerland.