You are not the only one who is considering moving to Switzerland. The country’s demographic of over 7 million people includes nearly 2 million immigrants. Remarkably, foreigners hold the majority of top executive jobs here.
Based on the state you relocate to, there are several essential things you should know before relocating to Switzerland. The Swiss Confederation is made up of 26 cantons, and the majority of the regulations are applied on a cantonal basis. This implies that there are regional differences in a variety of aspects, including medical expenditures, community values, and education.
Migrating to Switzerland is much simpler for EU/EFTA nationals than it is for non-EU/EFTA people because they are not subject to annual quota constraints and do not have quota limits.
Immigration for EU/EFTA citizens
Despite not being a member of the EU (European Union), the country gains greatly from being an EFTA member.
The freedom of movement statute includes the EFTA nations. Members of the EU and EFTA are now able to relocate to the country and take advantage of the same rights for employment, housing, and medical care. EU/EFTA nationals do not require a pass to enter the country, but if they intend to stay there permanently, they must enroll and request a residency visa.
Switzerland is included in the Schengen region as well. There are no limitations on the number of EU/EFTA/Schengen nationals who can move to Switzerland each year and be granted a residency visa.
Immigration for non-EU/EFTA citizens
If you are not an EU/EFTA member, you must first obtain a long-stay (national) visa to enter the country. You cannot enter or begin the application process for a Swiss residency permit until you have been issued a long-stay visa.
The procedure for moving
The procedure requires:
- Apply for employment, education, or family visa.
- Obtain the necessary residency permission.
- Obtain a C residency card.
Swiss Visa types
Job, school, or moving in with family or a spouse are the three main reasons individuals move to Switzerland. As a result, before relocating, you will need to register for the required visa.
- Individuals who desire to relocate to visit relatives who are permanent legal residents may apply for a Family Reunion Visa.
- Individuals who have been accepted into an academic facility are eligible for a student visa. Before you may apply, you must obtain a certificate of enrolment.
- Immigrants who wish to operate as workers may apply for a working visa. Before applying, you will often require a job agreement with a workplace.
Swiss Residence Permit
Within 14 days of reaching the destination, you must apply for a residency visa. One of the below residency rights will generally be given to immigrants who wish to relocate for the first time:
Permit L
An L permit is a short-term residency permit good for up to a year. Immigrants who relocate to operate for a particular organization are granted an L Permit.
Permit C
You can qualify for a Permanent Stay Card after ten years of continual stay in Switzerland. You can seek to naturalize once you have been a legal resident for ten years in Switzerland.
In specific circumstances, you can be qualified to register for Swiss nationality or permanent residence sooner. For instance, if you are a 2nd generation citizen or married to a native.
Important documents you may need to enter country
You will typically have to present the following items to the officials after you land in Country, however, the paperwork you’ll require will differ somewhat from district to district:
- A passport and passport-size photographs:
- Evidence of housing in the Country;
- a valid job agreement or the relevant paperwork for self-employment;
- filled-out arrival form.
Home leasing procedure
The procedure is normal and usually includes using a realtor or conducting your internet search. You should be aware that accommodation in the country is expensive and difficult to find. Depending on the city and size of the flat, rent might range from 1300 USD to approximately 4000 USD.
Banking and Taxes
The good news is that creating a bank account in the country is simple. Some of the top banks in the world are also among the leading banks in Switzerland. If a non-resident needs to establish a bank account, they should attempt to do it before traveling. If not, you might run into a frustrating circumstance.
The tax is relatively inexpensive, particularly in comparison to nearby European nations, which will please newcomers. To gain a better understanding, the greatest amount of income tax you can pay is typically 13 percent; however, the tax rate in Geneva is higher. Remember that rates fluctuate based on where in the country you reside.
