Moving to Switzerland for permanent residence does not require excessive campaigning. The desire to settle in this country, which has become the standard of a secure and peaceful life, arises in many. Being a resident of Switzerland provides a solid advantage over other countries. These are economic and political stability, reasonable legislation, modern infrastructure, tax incentives and the possibility of visa-free entry to the EU countries.
Swiss immigration policy
Despite the fact that the government has a very strict immigration policy and entry into the country is very strictly limited, there are several ways to legally immigrate to Switzerland, based on state and regional (cantonal) programs. Requirements for immigrants in different areas can vary significantly. Basically, this concerns the number of permits and activities required for the development of individual areas.
This is one of the most closed countries in Europe, and in order to leave for Switzerland, you need to go through a very complex and long immigration process: collect a large number of documents, incur significant costs and wait for a response over a long period of time, which can last for years. To become a citizen of Switzerland, you need to live for 10 years with the status of a residence permit and 2 years with permanent residence.
Immigration services consider foreigners in two main categories:
- citizens of countries that are members of the European Union and the European Free Trade Organization;
- citizens of other states.
Europeans have the preferential right to immigration and employment in Switzerland. In order to obtain a residence permit for other potential immigrants, it is necessary that the profession be in demand in the domestic labor market.
Possible ways to immigrate to Switzerland
The main thing you need to get a long-term residence permit is to be rich, skilled and successful or have family ties with Swiss citizens.
- The easiest way to immigrate to this country of banks and financiers is to invest and create your own business. Investments can be:
- passive, when it is not necessary to show business experience, the origin of capital, to speak one of the state languages. You just need to pay a certain amount on time and pay taxes;
- active, requiring active participation in the organization of business, large contributions (at least 1 million Swiss francs) and the approval of local authorities.
- Work at the invitation of a Swiss employer.
- A refugee for which there must be very serious grounds.
- Marriage to a Swiss citizen.
- Family reunification.
A residence permit (temporary or permanent residence permit) is issued on the basis of Article 28 of the Law on the Status of Foreigners and numerous legislative acts. Such a permit can be issued by: the state, the canton (region) and the commune (district). Each of these authorities at its level determines the usefulness and expediency of a particular person’s stay in Switzerland.
In order to meet all the selection criteria, before making a decision to emigrate to Switzerland, it is necessary to clearly define the place of future residence and the rules in force in individual cantons. Before obtaining the right to a residence permit, you must live in the country for at least 181 days a year and pay taxes regularly. One hundred percent provision of a residence permit is not guaranteed. All decisions are made on an individual basis.
