Swiss Investor Visa Application Procedures
Swiss Investor Visa Application Procedures
The Swiss investor visa is a type of visa that allows people coming to Switzerland from abroad for investment purposes to obtain a residence permit.
Foreign investors or wealthy individuals with capital can obtain a residence permit in Switzerland if they apply for a Swiss investor visa with the necessary documents and contribute to increasing foreign investment in the country in line with the Swiss government's goal.
What are the Options for Investing in Switzerland?
There are two options for investing in Switzerland: Swiss Company Establishment and Swiss Lump Sum Taxation. While the Swiss Company Establishment option is suitable for investors and company owners, the Swiss Lump Sum Taxation is suitable for wealthy individuals or retirees.
What are the Investor Visa Requirements in Switzerland?
Investor visa requirements in Switzerland are listed below.
- The applicant must not currently have an occupation or job in Switzerland.
- The investor must not have resided in Switzerland in the last 10 years.
- The applicant must not be a Swiss citizen.
- It is necessary to have a purchased or rented place in Switzerland.
- Applicants for a Swiss investor visa must be at least 18 years old; those who want to retire with the Swiss Lump Sum Taxation option must be at least 55 years old and prove that they have sufficient financial means to be included in the investor category. There is no age limit for European Union citizens.
- Applicants must have a clean criminal record and good moral character, as well as submit a long list of required documents, including identity documents.
What is the Minimum Investment Amount for a Swiss Investor Visa?
The minimum investment amount for a Swiss investor visa may vary according to two different investment options.
Those who will invest with the Swiss Company Establishment option must invest at least 500,000 Swiss francs in an existing company in Switzerland or in a newly established company.
If an investment is made with the Swiss Lump Sum Taxation option, a minimum lump sum tax payment of 200,000 Swiss francs must be made to any canton in Switzerland (each of the states that make up the Swiss confederation). The amounts may vary depending on the canton.
How to Get an Investor Visa for Switzerland?
In order to obtain an investor visa for Switzerland, a visa application appointment must first be made through an authorized intermediary institution. After all the necessary documents are prepared, the Consulate General of Switzerland in Istanbul must be visited on the day of the appointment, the documents must be declared, biometric procedures must be carried out and the visa fee must be paid.
What are the Required Documents for a Swiss Investor Visa?
The documents required for the Swiss investor visa are listed below.
- Swiss investor visa application form: The form must be filled out completely by the applicant in English, German, French, Italian online or by printing the online form with a black or navy blue ballpoint pen. 3 application forms are required; the applicant's e-mail address and telephone number must be added to all forms and signed by the applicant.
- Biometric photo: 4 biometric photos with a white background, 35 mm wide and 45 mm long, taken within the last 6 months are required.
- Passport: A passport is required that has been issued within the last 10 years, is valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa's validity date and has at least two blank pages. A photocopy of the passport and any previous visas and entry-exit stamps must also be attached.
- Employment contracts: Contracts created and signed for the purpose of establishing a company or investing in a company must be declared.
- Visa fee receipt: The visa fee must be paid and the receipt must be submitted.
If a person who will go to Switzerland through investment retires, he/she must submit documents showing his/her retirement and income.
Where to Apply for an Investor Visa for Switzerland?
Applications for an investor visa for Switzerland must be made in person at the Consulate General of Switzerland in Istanbul.
How to Get an Appointment for a Swiss Investor Visa?
Swiss investor visa appointments can be made online through the website of TLS Contact, the authorized intermediary institution for Swiss visas.
After entering the official website of TLS Contact, an account must be created on the site, then the necessary documents must be prepared and a consulate appointment must be made for the Swiss visa appointment procedures through the same site.
How Much Does a Swiss Investor Visa Cost?
The Swiss investor visa fee is 80 euros. The visa fee can only be paid in cash in Turkish lira at the time of application.
For 2025, the average cost of a Swiss visa, including all visa fees, travel insurance, sworn translation and consultancy fees if deemed necessary, is 185 Euros.
How Many Days Does It Take to Complete the Swiss Investor Visa Procedures?
Swiss investor visa procedures can be completed in an average of 8-12 weeks. In cases such as public holidays, additional documents requested, and busyness, the application evaluation process may be extended.
Can I Get a Residence Permit with a Swiss Investor Visa?
A residence permit can be obtained with a Swiss investor visa.
After the initial 1-year residence permit is granted to people coming to Switzerland from abroad for investment purposes, the Swiss residence permit can be extended at the end of the 1-year period provided that the appropriate criteria are met.
Is it possible to obtain a permanent residence permit in Switzerland through investment?
Foreign investors living in Switzerland can apply for a permanent residence permit through investment after spending 10 years with a temporary residence permit. At the end of this period, a permanent residence permit can be obtained if the conditions are met.
Can I Get Citizenship with a Swiss Investor Visa?
Citizenship can be obtained with a Swiss investor visa. Applications for Swiss citizenship can be made if a person resides in Switzerland for a total of 10 years with temporary and permanent residence permits.
As a result of the application, if the person is deemed suitable by evaluating criteria such as language proficiency, social adaptation, and moral adequacy, Swiss citizenship can be obtained.
Can a Swiss Investor Visa Holder Bring His/her Family with Him?
Holders of a Swiss investor visa can invite their family to Switzerland. Holders of a Swiss investor visa can bring their family to Switzerland if their financial resources are sufficient to support each family member during their stay.
What are the most suitable investment areas for starting a business in Switzerland?
The most suitable investment areas for establishing a business in Switzerland are IT, technology, environment, sustainability and recycling.
In addition to the abundance of technology and IT-focused companies in Switzerland, there are also many companies focused on issues such as environment, sustainability, recycling, etc. Due to various government practices and policies in Switzerland, individuals who have projects related to one of the mentioned areas can move more comfortably to establish a company in Switzerland .