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Retirement Visa in Switzerland

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Switzerland Retirement Visa

A secure and peaceful life is all you want for retirement, and Switzerland offers the ideal quality of landscape and legal environment for every retiree. Switzerland, situated in Central Europe, is home to numerous lakes and the beautiful Alps, but also a vibrant urban life.

Non-Swiss citizens may apply for a Switzerland Retirement Visa if they can provide proof of sufficient assets in order not to become dependent on Swiss social security welfare.

A Switzerland Retirement Visa is a type of residency permit granted to retirees who meet certain criteria , those can differ between nationalities.

Why Should you Retire in Switzerland?

Here are some of the reasons why you might want to make Switzerland your new retirement home:

  • SAFETY
    Switzerland is among the safest countries to reside in and has consistently ranked high on the list of the world’s safest countries.
  • QUALITY OF LIFE
    Switzerland is well-known for providing its citizens with a high-quality of life. Switzerland ranks higher than other countries due to factors such as peace, cleanliness, quality of air, and infrastructure. Switzerland is an ideal place for expats due to its high standards of living and its stable economy.
  • TAXATION
    Switzerland is often called a tax haven, which it definitely is not. However, taxation of individuals and companies is reasonable, and the government re-invests into infrastructure, education, defence and healthcare. Taxes are levied on three levels, by the federal government, the cantons, and the communes. The peculiarity about the Swiss tax system it that it differs between cantons and communes.
  • HEALTH
    In the World Index of Healthcare Innovation, Switzerland ranks 15 out of 96 countries. Switzerland has a large network of highly qualified doctors, modern hospitals, and clinics fully equipped with cutting-edge technology. Residents are entitled to specialists and can often choose their own health professional.

Benefits of Switzerland Retirement Visa

  • You may bring your family (spouse and children under the age of 18) with you.
  • Real estate can be purchased in Switzerland (for own purpose).
  • You will not be required to pay double taxes on your pension.
  • A fantastic location in the heart of Europe. In an hour, you could be in France, Germany, Italy, or the United Kingdom.
  • Possibly the highest quality of living anywhere in the world.
  • The highest level of personal security in Europe
  • The world’s best health-care system
  • The Swiss value personal privacy, regard age as a virtue, and have no prejudice against wealthy people.
  • Switzerland has excellent political stability (no war since 1515)

What are the requirements for obtaining a retirement visa in Switzerland?

The criteria for a Switzerland Retirement Visa differ for non-EU citizens and EU citizens.

Non-EU/EFTA citizens must meet the following criteria:
  • You must be at least 55 years old.
  • You must be financially self-sufficient.
  • You must spend most of the year in Switzerland (more than 183 days).
  • You must provide proof of a personal connection to Switzerland. such as frequent trips, family members living in the country, past residency, or real estate.
EU/EFTA citizens must meet the following criteria:
  • You must be able to support yourself financially.
  • In the event of an accident, you must have adequate health and insurance coverage.
  • EU citizens must demonstrate financial resources of at least 60,000 Swiss francs per year.
  • You are not allowed to perform an economic activity in Switzerland. 
  • You are expected to spend the majority of the year in Switzerland (at least 183 days).

  These are the requirements you must meet when applying for a Switzerland Retirement Visa:

  • Switzerland Retirement Visa application form.
  • Attach your valid passport together with your visa application form.
  • Means of subsistence. Provide proof that you have enough money to support yourself financially during your stay in Switzerland.
  • Proof of health and accident insurance valid in the territory of the Swiss Confederation.

How and where to Apply for a Retirement Visa in Switzerland?

Depending on your country of residence, the application process for a Switzerland Retirement Visa may differ. Non-EU/EFTA nationals, for example, must check ahead of time if they need to apply for a Switzerland Visa to enter the country, whereas EU/EFTA nationals do not need a visa to enter the country.

  • Non-EU/EFTA Nationals
    Should first submit their Switzerland Retirement Visa application to the relevant Swiss representation together with their Swiss visa application. You must register with the relevant municipality in your canton after having entered the country.
  • EU/EFTA Nationals
    Within two weeks of entering the country, you should first apply for a Switzerland Retirement Visa in the municipality.

To apply for a retirement residence permit, you must go to the cantonal migration offices in the canton in which you live. The retirement residence permit is issued by the cantonal migration offices.

How long is the Validity of a Swiss Retirement Visa?

Once granted the retirement visa, EU/EFTA nationals are permitted to stay in Switzerland for a period of five years. If you continue to meet the criteria, your retirement visa will be automatically extended.

The retirement visa is valid for 12 months (one year) for non-EU/EFTA nationals and can be renewed once it expires.