Relocation from the UK to Switzerland (and for other non-EU/EFTA citizens)

Switzerland is a beautiful country and approx. 40’000 Brits already call it their home. Its robust economy and stable politics attract individuals and businesses seeking security and growth. Renowned for its financial excellence, reliable legal system, and high standard of living, Switzerland is an obvious choice for those seeking refuge from an unpredictable environment.

 In order to settle down in Switzerland, you need either a

• Work permit
• Retirement Visa
• Residency permit with Flat rate taxation

Not all foreign nationals are free to purchase property in Switzerland. Some need authorisation to become the owner of a house or land. Purchasing a holiday home, house, an apartment or land in Switzerland will not grant you a residence permit.

Retirement visas

You need to be at least 55 without an activity, with required financial means to support yourself and proof of special personal relations to Switzerland. An example of this would be spending a relatively long time in Switzerland in the past or proof of Swiss origin.
If you manage to retire in Switzerland, you can also claim your UK Pension in Switzerland. It can be paid into a UK or a Swiss bank account.

Working Visa

For individuals who do not have a potential employer in Switzerland, the establishment of a company and the subsequent application for a work permit (residence L or B permit) is a prerequisite. For the establishment of a public limited company or a limited liability company, a representative resident in Switzerland is required.

In order to apply for a work permit, the labour market requirements must be met. In addition to the personal and other requirements, it must be proven that the gainful employment will have a lasting positive effect on the Swiss labour market (economic interest). Various documents must be enclosed with the application so that the financial and operational requirements can be checked. These include a business plan that provides information on the planned activities, market opportunities, the development of personnel capacities (quantitative and qualitative) and recruitment possibilities as well as the planned investments, turnover and earnings. Existing links with other companies must be described and the articles of association and an extract from the commercial register must be enclosed.

Flat rate taxation

Most Swiss cantons offer wealthy foreigners the option of being taxed on a flat-rate (or lump sum) based on estimated values. Those who choose this option do not have to disclose their worldwide income and wealth and are often better off in tax terms. It is sufficient if you provide certain information once a year in the so-called control statement. You must disclose Swiss income and assets located in Switzerland and fulfil these three conditions:

• you are moving to Switzerland for the first time or back after an absence of at least ten years.
• you are not gainfully employed in Switzerland.
• your place of residence is not in the cantons of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Schaffhausen or Zurich. However, lump-sum taxation is possible in the rest of Switzerland flat rate taxation.

There is a clear derivation to calculate the amount of flat-rate tax based on the calculation of four numbers. The highest of the four following numbers determines the amount of your lump sum:

• your family’s annual living expenses.
• the annual housing costs multiplied by seven.
• the minimum amount set by your canton of residence.
• your income from Swiss sources, which you disclose in the control account.

For lump-sum taxation to be attractive to you, you should have taxable net assets of at least CHF 20 million. Usually the threshold for this privilege starts from CHF 150’000 annual tax payment.

  

Our services

 REWISCO offers you the following services and support for your relocation to Switzerland:

• Search and choice of home and domicile
• Company formation and administration
• Acting as a Swiss company representative
• Application for work permit and visa
• Preparation of a business plan
• Negotiations with authorities
• Application for lump sum taxation
• Retirement visa application
• Assistance with insurances, wealth structuring and succession planning

We are proud to offer our relocation services with offices in all major economic parts of Switzerland in the cantons of Zug, Zurich, Ticino and Geneva. Our team can advise you in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese languages.

We look forward to getting to know you personally!