What is an immigration status of Non-EU starting a business in Switzerland? Will I be able to get some kind of work permit, residence permit and later apply for Swiss citizenship based on on that ?

No. Starting a company does give the right to live in Switzerland.

Unless you invest considerable amounts of money and create a number of jobs. But even then it's at the discretion of the cantonal authorities.

Yes. You are correct. I guess because the OP is asking here and not his advisors I assumed s/he wasn't in the category.

Yes, yes. I know what happens when you assume. :P

When you have your own business you are, technically, an employee of that business. As an employee you need a work permit. As a non-EU you will have a pretty tough time getting a work permit at the moment...

Thanks for the link.. Really helpful.

at the moment... you mean economic crisis in the world ?

I think my business has a potential to create 4-5 jobs at least

Non-EU candidates are at the back of the line for work permits. A company has first to prove that there are no Swiss or EU candidates qualified and available to do the job. Given that we are talking about about 500 mio people, you'd have to be looking for a pretty specialized skill set to qualify for, and be granted, a permit as a non-EU citizen.

Exceptions for some investors, negotiated on a case-by-case basis with the relevant cantonal authorities, are not unknown. Do be aware, though, that it often it takes quite large sums to spark interest. It's a grey area, there really aren't hard and fast rules. If your potential investment is significant, you probably should be speaking to one of the firms specializing in this kind of thing.

To give you some background:

Switzerland has remained the beacon of stability in an uncertain Europe - and thousands of EU folks have been migrating here in the last years. As a result, Switzerland is now getting over-crowded, struggling to keep up with the growing numbers.

The voting public is very upset, the unforseen rapid rate of growth is linked in the popular press with the decline in living standards that many are experiencing. Demands for restrictions on immigration are loud and clear - and since Switzerland has signed treaties with the EU allowing free movement, the only restriction that can be applied is to non-EU migration.

So - these days it's often an uphill battle for a non-EU citizen to immigrate to Switzerland.

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BTW - since you are in SF, I'm assuming you are an American or green card holder... have you researched how FATCA would impact your ability to do business overseas?

Hey mate,

I had a buddy who turned up with 30k Australian Ideas, a back pack and a big idea. He got a GmbH, a work permit and a sweet little set up here in Switzerland. So yes it is possible.

Drop me a line and am happy to share with you his experience and put you in contact.

Allot will depend on where you are from, what you are doing, and how much money you have.

Cheers

Rich