Residence Permit
Through Business.

Establishing or acquiring a Swiss company can be your pathway to a residence permit. We guide entrepreneurs and business owners through the immigration process, from application to approval.

Swiss residential area — Residence permit through business establishment
Permit Categories

Types of Swiss Residence Permits.

Switzerland distinguishes between several categories of residence permits, each with different rights and conditions. The type you qualify for depends on your nationality, the nature of your business activity, and the economic benefit your presence brings to Switzerland.

B Permit — Residence Permit

The standard residence permit, typically issued for one year and renewable. For EU/EFTA nationals, the B permit is issued for five years if you can prove gainful employment or self-employment. For non-EU nationals, approval requires demonstrating that your business creates jobs and contributes to the Swiss economy.

C Permit — Settlement Permit

The permanent residence permit, usually available after 5-10 years of continuous residence with a B permit (depending on nationality). C permit holders enjoy almost the same rights as Swiss citizens, including unrestricted employment and no need for renewal. Certain bilateral treaties allow expedited paths.

L Permit — Short-Term Residence

Issued for stays of less than one year. Useful for business founders who need to be physically present during the setup phase or for project-based work. Can be extended or converted to a B permit if the conditions are met.

Strategy

How Business Establishment Supports Your Application.

For EU/EFTA nationals, the process is relatively straightforward under the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP). You register your company, demonstrate self-employment or a directorship, and apply for a B permit at the cantonal migration office. Approval is largely automatic if the formal requirements are met.

For non-EU/EFTA nationals, the path is more complex. Swiss immigration law (FNIA) requires that the foreign national's presence serves Swiss economic interests. In practice, this means your company should create local jobs, generate revenue, and contribute to the economy. The cantonal labor market authority and SECO (State Secretariat for Economic Affairs) both review the application.

Key factors that strengthen an application: a solid business plan, sufficient capitalization (typically CHF 200,000+), planned employment of Swiss residents, the applicant's professional qualifications, and the business's relevance to the local economy. We help you build the strongest possible case.

Protocol

The Application Process.

The residence permit application is filed at the cantonal migration office (Migrationsamt) in the canton where you intend to reside. For the canton of Zurich, this is the Amt fur Wirtschaft und Arbeit (AWA) for the work permit component and the Migrationsamt for the residence permit itself.

Processing times vary: EU/EFTA nationals can often obtain their B permit within 2-4 weeks. Non-EU applications typically take 2-4 months, sometimes longer if SECO review is required. We prepare the complete dossier, submit the application, and manage all communication with the authorities.

Once approved, you will receive your permit (in credit-card format) and must register at your local municipality (Einwohnerkontrolle) within 14 days of arrival. You will also need Swiss health insurance, which is mandatory for all residents.

Investment

Costs & Timeline.

Component Amount Notes
Advisory & Application FeeCHF 3,000 - 8,000Dossier preparation, submission, authority liaison.
Government FeesCHF 150 - 500Cantonal permit issuance fee.
Recommended Capital (non-EU)CHF 200,000+Share capital + working capital for credibility.
EU/EFTA Timeline2-4 weeksLargely automatic if requirements met.
Non-EU Timeline2-4 monthsIncludes SECO review where required.
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions.

Can I get a residence permit just by forming a company? + −
For EU/EFTA citizens, yes — forming a company and working as a self-employed director is generally sufficient for a B permit. For non-EU/EFTA nationals, company formation alone is not enough. You must demonstrate that the business serves Swiss economic interests, typically by creating jobs and investing meaningful capital. Simply having a dormant company will not satisfy the authorities.
How much capital do I need to invest? + −
There is no legally fixed minimum investment amount for a residence permit. However, cantonal authorities expect to see sufficient capitalization for the business to operate viably. In practice, a minimum of CHF 200,000 in share capital and working capital combined is a reasonable benchmark for non-EU applicants. EU/EFTA citizens have no specific capital requirement beyond the statutory minimum for the company type (CHF 20,000 for a GmbH or CHF 100,000 for an AG).
Can my family join me in Switzerland? + −
Yes. B and C permit holders can apply for family reunification. Your spouse and children under 18 (under 21 for EU/EFTA nationals) are eligible. The application must be filed within five years of receiving your own permit (one year for non-EU families). Your family members will receive their own permits and can access the Swiss healthcare and education systems.
What taxes will I pay as a Swiss resident? + −
Swiss residents are taxed on their worldwide income and wealth. Tax rates depend on your canton and municipality of residence — Zurich's marginal income tax rate is approximately 36-40% for high earners. Wealthy individuals who do not work in Switzerland may qualify for lump-sum taxation (forfait fiscal), where tax is calculated based on living expenses rather than actual income. Our accounting & tax team can advise on tax optimization strategies.
How long before I can apply for Swiss citizenship? + −
Under current law, you can apply for Swiss citizenship after 10 years of residence (years spent in Switzerland between ages 8-18 count double). You must hold a C permit, demonstrate integration, and have no criminal record. The process involves federal, cantonal, and communal levels and takes 1-2 years from application to decision.
What is the difference between a B permit and a C permit? + −
A B permit is a standard residence permit, typically valid for one year (five years for EU/EFTA nationals with employment). It must be renewed and can have conditions attached. A C permit is a permanent settlement permit, usually available after 5-10 years of continuous residence. C permit holders enjoy nearly the same rights as Swiss citizens, including unrestricted employment and no renewal requirement.
Can I buy a shelf company to support my permit application? + −
Yes. Acquiring an existing Swiss company can strengthen your application by demonstrating an established corporate presence. A shelf AG or shelf GmbH with an existing registration date, registered office, and bank account shows the authorities that you have a serious and operational business in Switzerland.
How long does the residence permit application take? + −
EU/EFTA nationals can often obtain their B permit within 2-4 weeks. Non-EU applications typically take 2-4 months, sometimes longer if SECO review is required. We prepare the complete dossier, submit the application, and manage all communication with the authorities to minimize delays.
Do I need to live in Switzerland full-time? + −
B permit holders are expected to have their center of life in Switzerland. Extended absences (more than 6 months) can jeopardize your permit. If you need flexibility, an L permit (short-term) may be more appropriate initially. We advise on the optimal permit type based on your travel patterns and business needs.
Is Swiss health insurance mandatory? + −
Yes. All Swiss residents must obtain basic health insurance (Grundversicherung) within 3 months of arrival. Premiums vary by canton, insurer, and deductible — expect CHF 300-600 per month per adult in Zurich. Supplementary insurance is optional but recommended for broader coverage.
Can I work for my own company on a residence permit? + −
Yes. If you are a director or employee of your own Swiss company, your residence permit authorizes you to work. EU/EFTA nationals can register as self-employed. Non-EU nationals typically need to demonstrate an employment relationship with the company and show that the business provides genuine economic benefit to Switzerland.
Why choose Rohrer Consulting for immigration support? + −
We combine corporate law expertise with immigration experience. Alex Rohrer handles company formation, shelf company acquisition, bank account opening, and residence permit applications as an integrated service. This means one advisor manages every aspect of your Swiss establishment — from corporate structure to immigration approval.
Ecosystem

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Your Expert

ALEX ROHRER.

Founder & Managing Partner of Rohrer Consulting. Corporate and tax lawyer with Big Four experience. Alex personally oversees every client engagement, providing direct expert counsel from initial consultation through to completion.

Background

Corporate & Tax Law, Big Four International Consulting

Location

Seefeldstrasse 69, 8008 Zurich

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AR
Founder

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