Every foreigner staying in Switzerland for longer than 90 days/three months needs a residence permit, even EU/EFTA citizens. No non-EU/EFTA citizen has a right to residency, and each case is decided on individual circumstances. You have to apply to the local cantonal migration offices where you intend to live.

How can a Swiss citizen move to Switzerland?

To move to Switzerland from the USA you must go through these simple steps:

1. Apply for a Swiss long stay visa. After you apply for the long-stay visa and receive it, you are free to enter Switzerland.
2. Apply for the relevant residence permit.
3. Apply for a permanent residence.

Can a foreigner live in Switzerland?

Although you do not have to be a permanent resident to buy a house in Switzerland, as a foreigner you need a residency permit in order to open your options. Without a permit, you will only be able to buy a property strictly for residential purposes, and you will be limited to how large the property can be.

How do you get residency in Switzerland?

The main requirement for permanent residence in Switzerland is length of time spent already living in the country on another residence permit (typically a “B” or “L” permit). The standard residency requirement is 10 years, however, the following groups can apply after five years: EU/EFTA citizens.

Is it hard to become a Swiss citizen?

A new Swiss Citizenship Act came into force in 2018 making it harder to acquire Swiss citizenship. The most notable change was that applicants need to hold a settlement C residence permit to qualify. Certain cantons may have their own specific requirements for integration into Swiss society.

How can I live permanently in Switzerland?

To move to Switzerland you must go through these two steps:

1. Apply for either a Swiss work visa, study visa or family visa.
2. Get the appropriate residence permit.
3. Get the Swiss C Residence Permit (the permanent residence permit).

How difficult is it to get residency in Switzerland?

To apply for Swiss residency, you must be under 55 years of age and have no criminal record. A stringent interview is also part of the application process, and it is much more structured than other golden visa programs. The process is quite fast, with only 2-4 months between submission and receiving residency.

How hard is it to get a Swiss residence permit?

As a Non-EU Citizen, it is close to impossible to get a Swiss residence permit and move to Switzerland. The Swiss Immigration system is based on the dual system: EU Citizens and Non-EU Citizens. Close to no chance for a Non-EU Citizen.

What do you need to know about living in Switzerland as a foreign national?

Living in Switzerland as a foreign national: everything you need to know about entry, residence and employment. Information about changing residence, land purchases, withholding tax, social insurance, visa requirements for travel to EU member states and special courses for foreign children.

Can a foreign citizen buy an apartment in Switzerland?

Foreign citizens who have a swiss residence permit, are allowed to buy real estate property such as apartment or a home, without the need for prior approvals in Switzerland. In Switzerland, one in four people are foreigners.

When to apply for permanent residence in Switzerland?

After residing in Switzerland for 10 continuous years, retirees can then apply for a settlement or Swiss permanent residence permit. After 12 years – or sooner if you are married to a Swiss national – you can apply for Swiss citizenship.

How is the foreign population defined in Switzerland?

Depending on the length of their stay in Switzerland, such persons are included in either the permanent foreign resident population (at least 12 months residence in Switzerland) or in the non-permanent population (less than 12 months residence in Switzerland).