SWISS RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR BUSINESS FOUNDERS & ENTREPRENEURS

Unlike in some other jurisdictions, Switzerland does not offer a distinct “Entrepreneur Visa” or “Business Founder Permit” as a standalone immigration category. Whereas EU/EFTA nationals may benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons and move to Switzerland through facilitated pathways, non-EU nationals wishing to relocate to Switzerland as entrepreneurs or business founders must apply for a quota work and residence permit. This route provides a structured pathway to Swiss residency for startup founders, overseas business owners, high-net-worth individuals and independent professionals.

Whether launching a new venture, expanding an international business, acquiring a Swiss company, or offering specialised professional services, applicants must clearly demonstrate a genuine and sustained contribution to the Swiss economy, and show potential for long-term integration into the Swiss labour market and society.

Successful investors and entrepreneurs, as well as their spouses and children under the age of 18, will be granted an L or B type Residence Permit, usually valid for one year and renewable if all legal requirements continue to be met. After five or ten years of residency, depending on nationality and integration into Swiss society, business founders and entrepreneurs may qualify for permanent residence (C Permit).

Business founders and entrepreneurs considering Swiss residence via investment in a start-up or established business may also wish to consider the Swiss Residence Permit by Lump-Sum Taxation as an alternative Swiss investment residence permit option.

Key Benefits of the Swiss Residence Permit for Entrepreneurs

• Swiss residency through business creation, acquisition, investment, or independent professional activity.

• Access to Switzerland’s stable, innovation-driven economy and high standard of living.

• Right to actively manage, operate, or provide specialised services through a Swiss-registered business.

• No fixed minimum investment threshold, with flexibility for viable small-scale professional ventures.

• Pathway to permanent residence (C Permit) and eventual Swiss citizenship.

• Family reunification rights for spouse and dependent children.

Requirements for Non-EU Start-up Founders, Entrepreneurs, Overseas Business Owners, High-Net-Worth Individuals, and Independent Professionals to Obtain Swiss Residency

To qualify for a Swiss residence permit as a non-EU start-up founder, entrepreneur, overseas business owner, high-net-worth individual or independent professional, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:​

• Personal qualifications: Be able to prove via diplomas, certificates and a resumé that they are highly skilled and that those skills are necessary for the set-up of the business in Switzerland.

• Business Plan: Present a comprehensive and viable business or investment plan that demonstrates realistic and sustainable economic benefits to Switzerland, including the employment of Swiss workers over a period of 3 to 5 years.

• Economic Impact: The proposed business must contribute meaningfully to both the Swiss and cantonal economy - through job creation for Swiss citizens or settled residents, the introduction of innovation and the diversification of the regional economic landscape.

• Financial Means: Demonstrate access to sufficient financial resources to establish and capitalise the business.

• Active Involvement: Play an ongoing and direct role in managing, overseeing, or strategically guiding the business. Passive investment alone does not qualify.

• Compliance: Operate the business in full accordance with Swiss legal, tax, corporate and employment regulations.

• Main Home in Switzerland: Maintain suitable accommodation and reside in Switzerland more than six months per year.

• Clean Criminal Record: Have no serious criminal convictions.

• Integration: Show a willingness, over time, to integrate into Swiss society, which may include acquiring language skills, participating in community life, and demonstrating knowledge of Swiss customs and institutions.

A distinctive feature of the Swiss immigration system is the considerable discretion granted to Swiss cantonal and federal authorities when issuing work permits. When processing applications, authorities take into consideration both Switzerland's national and the local cantonal economic interests, the labour market situation, sustainable economic development, and the potential of the foreign national to integrate into Swiss society.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy in order to qualify for a Swiss Work and Residence permit as an entrepreneur, start-up founder, oversees business owner, high-net-worth individual or independent professional may vary depending on your personal circumstances.  We strongly recommend consulting an immigration lawyer specialising in Swiss immigration law for expert advice.

Qualifying Business Activities

To be eligible for a Swiss residence permit as a business founder or entrepreneur, the applicant must undertake a business activity that delivers a clear and measurable economic benefit to Switzerland. Qualifying activities include:

• Launching a Swiss Start-up: Establishing a new, innovative business - for example in priority sectors such as technology, life sciences, renewable energy, or other research-driven industries. Start-ups with strong innovation potential and scalable business models are especially well positioned for approval.

• Acquiring a Swiss Business: Purchasing an existing Swiss company that is financially sound, operationally viable and has a certain economical importance. The acquisition must support economic continuity and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining or increasing employment opportunities in Switzerland.

• Expanding an Overseas Business: Establishing a Swiss branch, subsidiary, or operational hub as part of an international business expansion strategy. The Swiss operation must offer a meaningful local presence, contribute to the domestic market, and result in job creation or knowledge transfer.

• Investing in an Existing Business: Making a substantial investment in a Swiss business with a view to playing an active role in its management or strategic direction. Passive investments do not qualify and the applicant must have the necessary skills to be directly involved in the business’s operations or governance.

• Operating as an Independent Professional or Consultant: Establishing a solo professional practice in a specialised field - such as IT consulting, legal or financial advisory, engineering, or design - may also qualify, provided the activity generates sustainable income, supports the Swiss market, and offers demonstrable added value. The strongest applications will demonstrate existing or prospective Swiss clients, clear evidence of market demand, and professional expertise or skills in a sector experiencing labour shortages.

In all cases, the business must be economically viable, aligned with cantonal development priorities, and capable of delivering long-term value to the Swiss labour market and economy.

Business Activity "In the Interests of the Economy as a Whole"

Non-EU nationals may be admitted to Switzerland to pursue self-employment or entrepreneurial activity only if their business is considered to be “in the interests of the economy as a whole.” This phrase sets a high threshold and reflects the core policy objective of ensuring that any foreign entrepreneurial activity offers a demonstrable and lasting benefit to the Swiss economy.

In practice, satisfying this requirement involves a multi-faceted assessment of the proposed business’s potential to contribute positively at a regional or national economic level. The key factors considered by cantonal authorities and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) typically include:

• Job Creation: Whether the business will create new employment opportunities for Swiss or settled residents.

• Economic Diversification: The extent to which the venture supports the development of a Swiss ecosystem (i.e. life science businesses around EPFL/Lausanne, or Basel/Zurich, trading businesses in Geneva etc.) or diversification of the regional economy, particularly in underrepresented or strategic sectors.

• Innovation and Technology Transfer: The business’s potential to introduce innovative products, services or technologies that have commercial scalability.

• Market Demand and Viability: A credible market analysis demonstrating sustained demand for the business's products or services in Switzerland.

• Investment and Financial Commitment: Evidence of sufficient initial capital investment and a realistic financing structure that supports long-term business viability.

• Wider Economic Impact: The potential for the business to generate indirect economic benefits, such as stimulating local suppliers, subcontractors or partnerships with Swiss institutions.

Authorities will expect the applicant to provide a comprehensive business plan detailing projected revenues, workforce development, financial planning, and expected economic outcomes. Where necessary, expert opinions from cantonal economic departments may be sought to evaluate the venture’s potential impact.

Ultimately, “in the interests of the economy as a whole” requires more than private profit; the business must serve a broader economic purpose by aligning with Switzerland’s long-term economic and labour market goals. 

Minimum Investment Threshold

Unlike in some other jurisdictions, Switzerland does not set a statutory financial threshold for entrepreneurial applicants. This means that there is no fixed or legally prescribed minimum investment amount required to qualify for a Swiss Entrepreneur Permit. Instead, the authorities assess each application on its own merits, focusing on the quality and economic value of the proposed business rather than the capital amount alone

While CHF 100,000 is sometimes cited as a benchmark for capital investment when establishing a new Swiss business, there is in fact no fixed legal minimum. In practice, the required investment must be proportionate to the nature and scale of the business. The venture must be adequately funded to operate sustainably, meet its financial and operational commitments, and generate clear, positive economic benefits. Larger commercial ventures may require a significantly higher level of capital to meet expectations around job creation and economic impact, while a well-structured small-scale consultancy or professional practice may qualify with a lower level of investment, provided it demonstrates financial sustainability and delivers clear value to the Swiss market.

A comprehensive and well-supported business plan is required, which should include:

• Forecasted budget, revenues and financial projections;

• Workforce development plans over the next 3 to 5 years, including job creation;

• Capital requirements and sources of funding;

• Market analysis and commercial strategy;

• Anticipated economic and regional impact;

• In the case of companies, an organisational chart.

Where necessary, the application may be referred to the cantonal economic development office or other expert bodies for an independent opinion on the business’s economic potential.

While there is no set investment threshold, applicants should be prepared to make a meaningful financial commitment, commensurate with the business’s goals, and demonstrate the capacity to support both the business and their personal living costs in Switzerland. Applicants should be mindful that Switzerland has a well-developed and highly performing economy with costly business operations and high living standards, which typically necessitates substantial investment capital.

Requirement to be Actively Involved in the Swiss Business 

Applicants must take an active role in the management or strategic oversight of the business. Swiss immigration law expressly distinguishes between passive investors and entrepreneurs. The business founder / entrepreneur residence route is not available to individuals seeking to obtain a permit through passive shareholding, real estate investment, or limited financial contributions with no operational engagement.

Active involvement means that the applicant must demonstrate:

• Qualifications and Experience: Relevant to the nature and requirements of the business operation.

• Operational Responsibility: A central role in the day-to-day operations and strategic key decision-making processes of the business (e.g. as managing director, CEO, or board member).

• Necessity of Presence: That their physical presence in Switzerland is essential to the business, and that their role and responsibilities cannot be delegated to another individual.

The applicant’s role must be central and ongoing, and not merely symbolic or limited to periodic oversight. Where multiple owners or investors are involved, only those with demonstrable executive or managerial responsibilities will be eligible under this route.

This requirement ensures that only genuine entrepreneurs whose presence in Switzerland is essential to the business’s development and contribution to the Swiss economy obtain a residence permit.

Can High-Net-Worth Investors Obtain Swiss Residency by Investing in a Swiss Business?

Unlike the ‘Investor Visa’ programmes available in some other jurisdictions, Switzerland does not offer residence permits in exchange for passive investment alone. Simply acquiring shares in a company, buying real estate, or injecting capital into a Swiss business - without further involvement - will not qualify for a residence permit under Swiss immigration law.

However, high-net-worth entrepreneurial investors may qualify for Swiss residency if they establish their own Swiss-based investment company and actively manage it as a business in its own right. In such cases, the investment company must not merely hold passive assets; it must be operational, managed from Switzerland, and generate measurable economic benefits.

For example, an investor who sets up a Swiss investment vehicle and uses it to invest in a local business - where their capital enables job creation, innovation, or sectoral growth - may qualify for Swiss residency, provided they play an active managerial or strategic role in overseeing the investment and its outcomes. The investment company itself must have a legitimate economic function, be properly registered, and satisfy the requirements for independent gainful activity under Swiss immigration law.

Swiss authorities will assess whether:

• The applicant is genuinely managing the investment company from within Switzerland;

• The investment leads to economic benefit beyond personal financial gain;

• The structure and strategy reflect long-term integration into the Swiss economy.

In summary, while passive investment is not sufficient, an investor who establishes and actively manages a Swiss company through which value-generating investments are made may qualify for residence - if they can demonstrate a clear and sustained contribution to the Swiss labour market and economy.

The Particular Case of Independent Professionals and Consultants

It is also possible - though often more challenging - for independent professionals and consultants to qualify for a Swiss residence permit.

Applications from self-employed professionals (such as legal advisors, IT consultants, financial experts, engineers, or creatives) are evaluated against the same legal framework as other entrepreneurial ventures. However, the threshold for approval is generally higher due to the more limited economic footprint associated with solo consultancy or freelance activity.

Authorities will carefully examine whether the proposed self-employment:

• Generates sustainable income for the applicant;

• Offers specialised expertise or added value not readily available in the local labour market;

• Leads to new mandates or partnerships within the Swiss economy;

• Creates at least indirect economic benefit, such as through subcontracting or advisory roles that support Swiss businesses.

While success is possible, the approval rate for independent professionals and consultants is lower than for entrepreneurs establishing larger, job-creating ventures. Swiss authorities are generally cautious when assessing applications that do not clearly demonstrate a broader economic contribution beyond the applicant’s personal income.

Approval is more likely where the applicant offers highly specialised or in-demand skills, there is a clear, documented client base within Switzerland, the activity supports or integrates into local economic clusters (e.g. tech hubs, financial centres, creative industries) and the business model is scalable or has potential to grow into a larger enterprise over time. Applications without any local economic multiplier - e.g. those reliant solely on international remote work or clients outside Switzerland - are unlikely to be approved.

To enhance the prospects of success, independent professionals and consultants should take the following steps:

• Present a Strong Business Plan: Demonstrate market demand, financial self-sufficiency, and clear local economic benefits.

• Show Swiss Market Integration: Provide letters of intent or contracts from Swiss clients or companies.

• Demonstrate Sectoral Relevance: Position the activity within a broader economic narrative (e.g., contributing to digitalisation, sustainability, or financial innovation).

• Provide Proof of Qualifications: Include professional credentials, licences, or memberships that confirm expertise.

• Secure Appropriate Infrastructure: Establish a business address, register the activity, and comply with Swiss tax and social insurance obligations.

In some cantons, being part of a recognised business incubator or innovation cluster may also lend credibility to the application.

Application Process

Securing a Swiss residence permit as a business founder, investor or entrepreneur is a structured, multi-stage process that requires careful planning. Each application is assessed on its individual merits, with a focus on the proposed business’s potential contribution to the Swiss economy.

The application process involves the following stages:

Stage 1: Initial Consultation & Strategic Assessment

The process should begin with a thorough assessment of the applicant’s objectives, business concept, and personal circumstances. This includes identifying the most appropriate Swiss canton for the proposed business based on sectoral strengths, market opportunities, and cantonal policy priorities. Advice from a Swiss immigration lawyer specialising in Switzerland’s Business Residency Permit should confirm eligibility and outline the requirements for a successful application.

Stage 2: Business Plan Development

A professionally drafted business or investment plan is a critical component of any Swiss Self-Employed Entrepreneur Visa application. The plan must clearly demonstrate the economic viability of the proposed venture and outline its anticipated contribution to the Swiss labour market and regional economy. Key elements typically include:

• Executive summary and business model

• Market analysis and competitive positioning

• Organisational structure and operational strategy

• Financial forecasts and capital requirements

• Job creation and economic impact projections over the next 3 to 5 years

• Innovation or technology component, where applicable

For start-ups, emphasis will be placed on the degree of innovation, scalability, and commercialisation of research or intellectual property.

Stage 3: Company Formation or Business Acquisition

Applicants must establish a Swiss legal entity - typically a GmbH / SARL or or AG / SA - or formally acquire an existing Swiss company. This includes:

• Registering with the Swiss Commercial Register

• Appointing directors and fulfilling corporate governance requirements

• Securing an office space

• Complying with cantonal business registration and tax obligations

Company formation or acquisition and securing an office space should ideally be completed prior to filing the residence permit application.

Stage 4: Submission to Cantonal Authorities

The complete application, including the business plan, financial documentation, and corporate registration details, is submitted to the relevant cantonal migration and economic development authorities. The cantonal labour authorities play a central role in assessing the local economic value of the business and they issue the initial pre-approval.

The authorities will assess:

• The sustainability and credibility of the business

• The level of capital investment

• The number and quality of jobs to be created

• The broader regional and sectoral economic benefits

In cases where expert review is required, the cantonal office may consult with sector-specific or innovation-focused agencies.

Stage 5: Federal Review and Approval

Once endorsed at the cantonal level, the application is forwarded to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) for federal review and approval. SEM evaluates whether the business aligns with national economic interests and whether the applicant satisfies the broader requirements of Switzerland’s immigration rules.

Stage 6: Issuance of a Swiss Work and Residence Permit

Upon successful approval, the applicant is granted either an L or a B Residence Permit, initially valid for one year (as a general rule). The permit is renewable on an annual basis, provided the business continues to meet the stated objectives and remains compliant with Swiss law.

Authorities will monitor whether the business has delivered the economic outcomes outlined in the business plan. In the case of start-ups, particular consideration may be given to innovation potential, technology transfer, and the practical application of university-led research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is eligible for a Swiss Business Founder Residence Permit?

The permit is available to non-EU/EFTA nationals who wish to establish, acquire, invest in, or operate a business in Switzerland. Applicants must play an active role in the business, demonstrate sufficient financial resources, and show that the business will have an important positive impact on the Swiss / cantonal economy.

Can I bring my family with me to Switzerland?

Yes. Holders of Swiss L or B Residence Permits may apply to sponsor their spouse and dependent children under 18 under family reunification rules, subject to adequate accommodation, sufficient financial means and lack of criminal record. For the renewal of dependent residence permits, the authorities will assess whether integration requirements—such as language proficiency—have been met.

Do I need to speak a Swiss language?

There is no formal language requirement at the initial B Permit stage. However, language proficiency (in German, French, or Italian, depending on the canton) will strengthen your application and is required for the extension of dependent permits, permanent residence (C Permit) and citizenship.

How much money do I need to invest?

There is no legally fixed minimum investment. The required amount depends on the nature and scale of your business. The key consideration is whether the business is sufficiently funded to operate sustainably and deliver a measurable benefit to the Swiss economy, such as through job creation or innovation.

Do I need to live in Switzerland full-time?

You must establish your main residence in Switzerland and reside in Switzerland more than 6 months per year. You must remain registered with the communal authority and maintain a suitable address throughout the validity of your permit.

What kind of businesses are eligible for a Swiss Business Founder Visa?

Eligible business activities include launching a Swiss start-up, acquiring or expanding a company, investing in a Swiss enterprise with active involvement, or operating as a self-employed professional (e.g. consultant, engineer, or advisor). The key requirement is that the business delivers economic value—such as job creation, innovation, or sectoral development.

Can I obtain Swiss residence by investing in a Swiss business?

Passive investment—such as the purchase of shares, real estate, or the injection of capital without active involvement—does not qualify for Swiss residence.

However, it may be possible to obtain a Swiss residence permit by establishing and actively managing a Swiss-based investment company. This company must operate as a genuine commercial enterprise, with a clear strategy to invest in existing start-up or scale-up businesses in Switzerland. It must generate economic value—such as through job creation, innovation, or contributing to regional development—and be effectively managed from within the country.

Swiss authorities will evaluate whether your involvement is entrepreneurial and hands-on. Passive investors will not qualify. However, applicants who demonstrate strategic control and active participation in the investment company's operations may be eligible.

Can I apply if I’m a freelancer or consultant?

Possibly. Independent professionals may qualify if they can show, for example, sustainable income, Swiss market integration (e.g. local clients),and economic contribution beyond personal earnings. Approval is discretionary and subject to cantonal assessment.

What happens if my business fails?

If your business ceases to operate or fails to meet its stated economic objectives, your residence permit may not be renewed. It is essential to maintain compliance and viability. We advise all clients to build contingency planning into their business models.

How long does the application process for a Swiss Entrepreneur Visa take?

The timeline varies by canton and complexity of the application. From business plan preparation to permit issuance, most applications take between 3 to 6 months. Delays may occur if additional documentation or expert review is required.

When can I apply for a C Permit or Swiss citizenship?

You may become eligible for a C Permit after 10 years of residence in Switzerland, or 5 years for nationals of countries with specific bilateral agreements (e.g. EU, member states, USA, Canada, UK), subject to integration. Naturalisation requires 10 years of lawful residence and fulfilment of integration criteria.

How Richmond Chambers Switzerland Can Help

Securing a Swiss residence permit as a business founder, investor, or self-employed professional requires more than a strong business idea - it demands detailed planning, regulatory knowledge, and strategic execution.

At Richmond Chambers Switzerland, we offer end-to-end legal and immigration support tailored to entrepreneurs and investors at every stage of the process:

• Eligibility Assessment & Strategic Advice: We will begin with a thorough assessment of your profile, commercial objectives, and the nature of your proposed business to determine the most appropriate structure and strategy.

• Business Plan Development: Our team will then work closely with you to develop a robust, persuasive business or investment plan aligned with cantonal economic development priorities and Swiss immigration requirements.

• Company Formation & Corporate Structuring: We can assist with establishing an appropriate Swiss legal entity (typically a GmbH/SARL or AG/SA), ensuring full compliance with commercial registry, tax registration, and governance obligations.

• Residence Permit Application Management: From preparing your residence application to liaising with cantonal authorities and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), we will manage the entire submission process with precision and efficiency.

• Post-Approval Support & Renewal Guidance: Our support does not end at approval. We can continue to advise on compliance matters, permit renewals, C Permit eligibility, and long-term settlement planning in Switzerland.

Whether you are launching a start-up, acquiring a Swiss company, making a substantial business investment, or offering professional services as an independent specialist, our multi-disciplinary team can ensure your entrepreneurial journey in Switzerland is legally sound, commercially viable, and strategically positioned for success.

Contact Our Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland

To arrange an initial consultation with one of our Swiss business immigration lawyers, call +41 21 588 07 70, email [email protected] or complete our enquiry form.