The Smart Way to Secure a Swiss Golden Visa in 2025

For the wealthy elite seeking stability, prestige and financial discretion, Switzerland’s residency-by-investment program stands among the most selective in the world.

Since its launch in 2008, the scheme has provided a legal path to residency not through real estate or donations but through substantial and meaningful contributions to the Swiss economy.

According to the Swiss Secretariat for Migration, just 496 people currently hold a Swiss Golden Visa, with most applicants coming from Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

As with similar European programs, the Swiss model has come under political scrutiny with some lawmakers calling for its termination – despite the fact that golden visa schemes continue to inject millions into national economies across the continent.

But pressure is mounting. The EU’s recent decision to strike down Malta’s MEIN (Malta Exceptional Investor) program as ‘illegal’ has cast fresh doubt on the future of golden visa pathways in Europe.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the Swiss Golden Visa, including eligibility, investment routes, key benefits and and how to apply.

Swiss Golden Visa Program Overview

There are two routes for Swiss citizenship through investment: either the Lump Sum Taxation Scheme or the Swiss Business Investor Program.

Lump Sum Taxation

Under the lump sum arrangement, individuals commit to a fixed annual tax, which generally ranges between CHF250,000 (around US$303,000) and CHF1 million (around US$1.21 million), to be paid to the canton of their residence permit in Switzerland.

This lump sum option is based on your living expenses in Switzerland and determined on a case-by-case basis. However, you must actually reside (at least 180 days per year) in Switzerland to qualify.

Depending on the canton (region within Switzerland), this tax can differ significantly, and beneficiaries are prohibited from participating in any form of employment. 

For a detailed breakdown, see our guide to How Switzerland’s Lump-Sum Tax Works for Low Taxes.

Swiss Business Investor

The Swiss Business Investor Program requires applicants to either incorporate a new Swiss enterprise that contributes to job creation or invest significantly in an existing Swiss company. 

The standard annual minimum investment in business ventures is usually set at around CHF1 million.

Each of these investment avenues provides a pathway to Swiss residency and potential citizenship.

One important factor to keep in mind is that requirements and rules will differ not only for non-EU or EU citizens but also from canton to canton. For example, there is no lump-sum taxation in Zurich.

Benefits of the Swiss Golden Visa

Swiss residence comes with plenty of advantages, including the potential for citizenship and the 2nd strongest passport, granting access to 175 countries.

Wealth Management: Switzerland is a powerhouse in wealth management, gold storage and banking – safeguarding the fortunes of the world’s elite for centuries.

Tax Landscape: While not a traditional tax haven, Switzerland offers plenty of options for reducing personal and corporate taxes, especially for the ultra-wealthy.

Standard of Living: With its pristine environment, exceptional infrastructure and high standards in education and healthcare, Switzerland offers a standard of living that is hard to match.

Access to the Schengen Area: Although not part of the EU, Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, and its strategic central position in Europe makes it easy to engage in international business and investment.

Safe and Secure: Switzerland is recognised for its exceptional political stability and low crime rates, making it an ideal location for high-net-worth individuals with families.

Exceptional Healthcare and Education: Switzerland is widely recognised for its outstanding healthcare and educational frameworks. Individuals can benefit from premier medical services, and their children can attend some of the finest international schools and universities in the world.

Include Family Members: This Swiss Golden Visa allows you to include your immediate family members, including spouses and children under the age of 18. It is important to note that the same rigorous criteria will also be enforced for these family members.

Accessible to Russians: Russians are the top beneficiaries of Swiss residency-by-investment, which is significant as Russian nationals are unable to obtain residency in other European countries that offer similar golden visa programs.

The Downsides of Switzerland

A few disadvantages worth noting include: 

No Property Investment: There is currently no investment scheme, meaning you can’t buy a property in Switzerland and get residency.

Past Connections: One thing to keep in mind is that past connections could disqualify you from the lump sum taxation scheme. This includes being married to a Swiss national.

Reside in Switzerland: To benefit from the lump sum taxation program, you need to be a tax resident, which means you must actually live in Switzerland.

Cost of Living: As highlighted above, Switzerland offers one of the highest standards of living possible. However, this comes with a hefty price tag.

Long Naturalisation: Compared to other residency by investment programs, such as Portugal’s Golden Visa, which offers naturalisation within five years, it takes up to twelve years to gain citizenship in Switzerland.

Switzerland Golden Visa Requirements

The Swiss Golden Visa caters to high-net-worth individuals who can meet the requirements, including the following: 

• Both non-EU and non-EEA nationals can obtain residency in Switzerland through investment
• Securing residency in Switzerland is easier for EU nationals
• Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 55
• Provide evidence of a clear criminal record
• Proof of income stream is required, demonstrating the applicant’s financial stability
• Candidates must lease or possess a residential property in Switzerland
• Proof that non-EU or EEA citizens can fulfil essential company roles, such as a CEO or CFO (for the business investor option).

Swiss Golden Visa Application Process

Once you have decided on your investment route, whether the flat tax or business investor option, you then need to compile and submit the necessary documentation, including:

• Completed application form
• Valid ID, including a passport
• Evidence of finances, income, business ownership and origin of investment funds
• Proof of adequate health insurance coverage
• Proof of accommodation (rental contract or ownership documentation)
• Official police clearances or evidence of your clean criminal record
• Supporting documentation for any relevant dependents or family members.

Depending on your chosen canton, you may be required to include an official translation of documents into German, French or Italian.

A thorough review of these documents will take place during the due diligence phase. After completion of due diligence, you can then advance with your investment.

Once the Swiss government approves your application, you and your eligible family members can relocate to Switzerland.

At this point, you will move from a visa status to a residence permit, which necessitates engaging with local Swiss canton authorities and finalising your investment, whether that involves establishing a company or fulfilling the requisite tax obligations.

Switzerland Passport Requirements

To pursue permanent residence or Swiss citizenship, you can renew your temporary residency permit indefinitely until you meet the requirements for permanent residency, generally attained after ten to twelve years of residing in Switzerland. 

EU citizens can potentially obtain citizenship after just five years.

Switzerland places a strong emphasis on integration, and expects new residents and citizens to actively engage with and adapt to Swiss culture – such as through enrolling in language courses, participating in cultural events or joining local community groups and organisations.

Taxes in Switzerland

Switzerland’s tax system is structured at three levels: federal, cantonal and municipal. The federal system has a progressive tax rate, with a maximum of 11.5% on income over €793,400.

Because Switzerland encourages competition among cantons, there are significant variations in tax rates between them.

Each canton sets its own tax rates, allowing you to strategically choose your tax residency in Switzerland. Popular cantons like Geneva or Zurich have higher rates, while Zug offers the most attractive tax landscape in the country.

Wealthy individuals can take advantage of the lump-sum tax regime, where taxes are based on lifestyle rather than income, often resulting in a lower effective tax rate.

Though not a traditional tax haven, Switzerland allows the wealthy to maintain a low effective tax rate. Additionally, there is no tax on foreign capital gains or retained earnings in offshore companies, making it an attractive base for global entrepreneurs and investors.

Swiss Golden Visa: The Ultimate Guide 2025: FAQs

Is Switzerland Going to Treat You Best? 

If keeping more of what you earn, securing your assets and growing your wealth without unnecessary risk are priorities, then Switzerland deserves serious consideration. 

The Swiss Golden Visa provides a powerful opportunity for non-EU investors seeking to obtain a residence permit and, potentially, citizenship.

But golden visas across Europe are disappearing, so time is running out to benefit from these unique opportunities to go where you are treated best.

That’s where Nomad Capitalist comes in. We’ve helped 2,000+ high-net-worth individuals to ‘go where they’re treated best’, whether that’s by moving their business offshore, relocating to a tax-friendly country or pursuing a second citizenship.

Our clients are paired with experts in tax, investment strategy, asset protection and immigration to create and execute a holistic plan as unique as their goals. To learn more about how we can help you, get in touch.