Residence Permit and Citizenship Programs in Switzerland and Austria

Austria and Switzerland, two financially safe countries in Europe with progressed environment and living standards as well as transportation, education, healthcare and financing services provide residence permit and citizenship opportunities to the foreign investors contributing significantly to the country’s economy under certain conditions.

Residence Permit and Citizenship Program in Switzerland

Switzerland, where the best cities to live in the world are located such as Zürich and Bern, attracts numerous investors’ interest with its high living standards, financial conditions as well as low tax rates and also natural beauties. As a member of many international organizations such as World Trade Organization and World Health Organization, Switzerland has signed significant bilateral agreements with the European Union. Although Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, foreigners having residence permit in Switzerland are entitled to travel visa free to Schengen countries.

The conditions of residence permit in Switzerland may vary for the EU/EFTA citizens and non-EU/EFTA citizens. For application of EU/EFTA citizens, an employment agreement with an employer in Switzerland shall be submitted or in case the applicant will be self-employed in Switzerland. In the event that the applicant does not intend to have a gainful occupation in Switzerland, he/she will be obligated to prove that he/she has sufficient income to cover the costs of living.

Non-EU/EFTA citizens are subject to different conditions. Firstly, the applicant shall pay a certain net annual tax amount in Switzerland. In the event that he/she is not self-employed, his/her employer in Switzerland shall prove that he/she is indispensable for a specific function in the company and that no other suitable candidate can be found within the Swiss and European labor markets.

In case the applicant establishes his/her business in Switzerland, creation of a new business where local employers can be employed is required and export and tax income in Switzerland shall also be provided. Annual tax amounts may vary; recently this amount is approximately CHF 1 Million.

Apart from investment requirements mentioned above, the applicant shall be over 18 years old, he/she shall have no criminal records, be of good character and pay the application fee.

After a residence in Switzerland for at least 12 years, the resident(s) may apply for citizenship within the frame of laws of the related Canton.

Residence Permit and Citizenship Program in Austria

Austria has launched a citizenship by investment program which provides citizenship under the conditions of a significant investment in Austria and fulfillment of other criteria for citizenship. Investments in bonds or real estate are not considered as significant investment, in contrary, the investor shall contribute actively to the country’s economy through direct investments such as establishment of new export areas in Austria, creation of new jobs or he/she shall donate at least EUR 3 Million in charitable activities in Austria. The minimum investment amount is determined case by case by the government, which varies between EUR 8 Million and EUR 10 Million.

Apart from these, the applicant shall have no criminal records and submit documents regarding his/her business background, references and other required documents.

The applicant’s spouse and children under 18 ages may also be included in the application.

The average application processing time takes between 24 and 36 months. In case the application is successful, Austrian citizenship and passport is granted to the applicant.

Many advantages which the Austrian citizenship brings with it attract investors’ interest mostly along with living standards of Austria, financial, educational, healthcare and transportation facilities.

Austrian passport holders have the possibility to travel visa free to numerous countries in the world including the countries in Schengen area. Moreover, such persons may reside in other European Union countries and in Switzerland, and also family members which are included in the application and have obtained Austrian citizenship may benefit from these opportunities.

instagram