Residence permit in Switzerland: a serious prospect

Instead of the Preface

Switzerland is a fertile land with picturesque landscape, majestic mountains, beautiful coastline, pristine environment, a country that carefully preserves the traditions with ultra-modern infrastructure. The historical neutrality of the country, flexible tax laws, a stable economy, a secure banking system, the highest level of health and education in the country attracts people wanting for yourself and your family only the best. But to those who want to linger or to remain forever the country has some very serious requirements, appreciating the opportunity to join the Swiss way of life.

The status of a resident of Switzerland offers many advantages to its owners, and it's not just visa-free entry to all countries of the Schengen agreement and a simplified visa regime in States that are not members of the European Union. It is also an opportunity to purchase property and obtain one of the most "prestigious" passports of the world.

There are several possibilities for obtaining residence permits in Switzerland – and each applicant is considered individually and the decision is made at the municipal, cantonal and Federal levels. Therefore, in order to convince all instances in the trustworthiness of his candidacy, you must provide very strong evidence of serious reasons and economic feasibility of your stay in Switzerland – and, of course, to provide a complete list of required documents.

Types of residence permit of Switzerland

Temporary residence permit (In) is given to the applicant and his family members for a period of one year with the need to renew for the same terms every year for 10 years. The holder of a temporary residence permit must live in the Canton that issued the permit. For citizens of the EU and countries in EFTA (European Free Trade Association), is valid for two years or five years, and after six years of permanent residence provides the right to citizenship.

There are the following ways of obtaining the residence permit type In:

• Work in Switzerland

You must have an employer willing to attest that the applicant has the skills and work experience that are not found on the local labour market.

• Study in Switzerland

A residence permit is issued to students of secondary and higher educational institutions of Switzerland for the entire period of study.

• Opening a new business

The company must conduct real business activities to create jobs, to regularly pay taxes and contribute to the economic development of the Canton. This company may be the employer for an applicant who is applying for residence permit in Switzerland. Each case is considered individually, the important business sector, size of investment, number of new jobs and the number of granted residence permit in the case of starting a business.

• Purchase of ready business

Is a major reason for obtaining a residence permit in the case of preserving and increasing jobs business having economic and political importance for the Canton. The size of the investment should not be less than CHF 1 million. -

• Accommodation on the basis of a tax Treaty lump-sum (Forfait fiscal)

Suitable for persons with high incomes. The cantons determine the size of the fixed lump sum tax, the amount which the applicant should pay annually – and which is calculated on the basis of the average standard of living of the taxpayer in Switzerland. Estimated tax base is the average amount of money needed for accommodation of the applicant and his family in this Canton, the income and the cost of capital of the applicant are not taken into account. Lump-sum tax to the recipient of a residence permit is a minimum of 200 000 CHF. - in the year – and, depending on the Canton, it may grow to 450 000 CHF. - in the year. Thus, in the Canton of Geneva amount for citizens of the EU and EFTA is 200,000 CHF. - and for residents of other countries – 400 000 CHF. - in the year. Each year, lump-sum tax rates increase – well, this year they grew approximately in 1,5 times – and in 2016 it is also planned to increase the rates. The holder of a residence permit on the basis of the lump sum agreement is not entitled to conduct business activities or work for hire. It should be noted that not all of the cantons issued a residence permit through lump-sum agreement.

• A significant contribution to cultural, scientific or sporting life of the country
• Marriage to a citizen of Switzerland.

Permanent residence permit (C) is granted after 10 years of residence with a temporary residence permit. The holder of this residence permit is free to change Canton of residence, work and conduct business, and two years to qualify for citizenship. EU citizens have the right to apply for permanent residence after five years (maximum permitted interruption of stay not to exceed six months).

Type G

Issued to residents of border countries (Italy, Austria, Germany, France), working in Switzerland.

Type L

In most cases, is issued to the applicant for a period of not more than one year and not be renewed. Basically this type of residence permit is given to students of language schools, trainees, seasonal workers engaged in construction works in the hotel business or in the entertainment industry. On termination, the owner shall be obliged to leave Switzerland.

Type F

Is issued for foreigners working in Switzerland.

In practice

In practice, the immigration of Russians in Switzerland is carried out most often through flat-rate tax agreement. Applicants for secured this is the simplest method of obtaining a Swiss residence permit – in case of absence of intentions to work in Switzerland for hire and get income from Swiss sources. Also Russians to obtain a Swiss residence permit are engaged in entrepreneurial activity – creating new or acquire an existing business, creating new jobs and have a high significance for the Canton.

Real estate

Purchasing real estate is not a basis for obtaining a residence permit of Switzerland, to serve as the basis for the annual registration of tourist visas for the owner and members of his family. Russian citizens can stay in Switzerland on a tourist visa up to 90 days within six months.

Many investors consider buying property in Switzerland as a reliable guarantee of preservation of capital and the receipt of regular income in the space of the Swiss franc. Investing in residential and commercial property is seen as a promising the preservation of capital and obtaining a residence permit – as an investment in the future of the family.

Currently buying commercial real estate in Switzerland by foreigners is not restricted, and the purchase of residential property there are a number of notable limitations.

According to the law "Lex Koller", a foreigner, not a resident of Switzerland may purchase a maximum of 200 sq. m (sometimes up to 250 sq m) of living space and 1000 sq. m (sometimes up to 1500 sq m) of land in the communes, the number of foreigners is not higher than 20%. Also allocated quotas for one or another type of residential property – apartments, villas, chalets, apartments. Typically, this is a tourist area that need additional development.

In many cities of Switzerland such as Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Bern – the property can be purchased only if the residential status type "b", "C" or work status of resident of the border territories type "G". And from 1 January 2013 entered into force the so-called "Initiative of Franz Weber", according to which in tourist areas construction of new homes must not exceed 20% in the community. In addition, in each of the cantons have different "Regulations on the cantonal causes additional permissions" and "Restrictions on acquisition of holiday homes and residential apartments in the apart-hotels".

Legally purchase any real estate in Switzerland is based on the permission to purchase which is issued by the state authority. No matter in whose hands is the object (for example, holds a foreign person) and what is the legal basis of the transaction (purchase, exchange, donation, inheritance).

Categories of citizens for which no permit is required for the purchase of housing in Switzerland:

1. Swiss nationals (also Swiss with dual nationality) residing in Switzerland or abroad;
2. Citizens of EU and EFTA countries with permanent residence in Switzerland holding a temporary residence permit categories B, C, or L;
3. Foreign representatives of embassies, consulates, international organizations, employees of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, legitimised in Switzerland, the employees of the Department of Foreign Heresnyh Roads, postal or customs services with headquarters in Switzerland;
4. Living in Switzerland the citizens of other countries with permanent residence permit (permanent residence analogue) category;
5. Representatives of other States, in fact, received the place of residence in Switzerland.

Many restrictions on housing purchase and obtaining a residence permit for Switzerland is only for the protection of the rights of property and capital of its citizens and residents. It is known to attract wealthy individuals from all over the world.

Citizenship

The procedure of getting Swiss citizenship is regulated by the Federal law "On the acquisition and loss of Swiss nationality" (FR. Loi f