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

I also knew a resident of Australia, but a UK passport holder who came to CH without a permit, and self employed himself as a wine importer. As soon as he closed his business he had to leave though. I don't know much more details then that.

No he does not mean that. Switzerland is not quite so influenced by the global economic crisis. This relates to the number of foreign workers in Switzerland who do not have voting rights. The Swiss are somewhat concerned about that as they see only 50% of the population being able to vote and only 50% of those eligible make the effort.

But that aside it is entirely possible to set up your own business here and to get a permit to work. As the business owner you have a different route to a permit. The "issue" might be where you set the business up. If you are trying to do this in Zug you might have difficulties, whereas in Nidwalden probably not. In any case it would be highly advisable to have a Swiss (based) partner - at least on paper.

If you want to know more or you want help pm me.

75% of the population have voting rights, not 50%.

And what does that have to do with anything?

Tom

Ah don't be fooled. The Swiss believe there are only 8 million living here but they only include permanent residents. So that is Swiss and C and full B permit holders. And from this 24% are foreign. All of the rest N, F, L are foreign and they account for another 10% or 800K.

So of the 6 Million Swiss 20% are under 19 which means there are 4.8 Million from 8.8 Million who can vote.

I apologize that is actually 55%

Forgot this bit. This is the reason why they are tightening the number of foreigners coming into the country. I actually know of examples where EU15 citizens did not have there permit renewed... And working for big companies such as IBM...

Sorry, but CH is part of Schengen and as a citizen of a Schengen country have I got the right to move to any other Schengen country as I wish. That's the whole point of the treaty.

In other words: Switzerland cannot NOT give me a permit anymore. It might be an L one, but they will let me live and work in the country. I could now look through the EU mess if there are EU 15 countries which are not part of the Schengen treaty - and I am sure there are as I know for example Ireland - but that's then not Switzerland's problem if the other country decided to not join a free movement treaty...

So, even in a country with no foreigners (is there such a place), only 80% can vote, so your 55% is quite misleading, 70% is more realistic (55%/.8).

Tom

Hi Rich,

I would like to learn more about your friend's adventure in Switzerland. What is the best way to contact you? I just joined this website and not sure if I can share any links.

Bests,

Nedim Tokman
lives in NYC, from Turkey
ex-management consultant, scuba instructor, passionate about nature, and being active

America is part of the Schengen treaty as well, that does not mean Americans can willy nilly get visas to work in the EU or CH. It's being an EU passport holder that will get you that right. Or married to one.

It certainly is NOT.

Tom

If this were true, Poles would be very happy as they are the only ones in the current Schengen area that do not enjoy the US visa waiver program.

The Schengen treaty has to do with border controls, it has nothing to do with work or residence permits.

I think this is only partially correct. Any passport holder from the Schengen area can come to Switzerland and stay for up to 3 months but to get a residency permit in order to stay any longer than that, one must have a signed employment contract.