Switzerland: General Immigration

A Swiss lump-sum tax agreement does not, by itself, give you the right to live in Switzerland. Switzerland may allow qualifying foreign nationals to be taxed according to expenditure, but that tax status is not a residence permit, not a visa category and not a purchase price for Swiss residence.

If you want to marry a Swiss citizen or a person resident in Switzerland, the first question is not only where the wedding should take place. It is whether your immigration position is stronger before or after the marriage legally exists.

A Swiss Schengen visa refusal can be frustrating because the decision often arrives on a short standard form with one or more boxes ticked. The form matters legally, but it may not explain the factual concern that led to the refusal. Before deciding whether to object, reapply or rebuild the evidence, the applicant should identify what the Swiss authority was not persuaded about.

The process for applying for an A1 certificate or certificate of coverage (CoC) has changed slightly.

The Japanese government has introduced a new additional requirement for permanent residence (PR) applications, which recently came into effect immediately.

Since March 1, 2026, the authorities of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have allowed individuals and their dependents who are admitted under the following talent and employment programs to apply for an extension of their stay ...

Ein konzerninterner Transfer in die Schweiz kann zum einen als Entsendung und zum anderen als Transfer mit einer lokalen Anstellung vorgenommen werden. Hier spielen die arbeits...

Individuals from third countries are only granted work and residence permits in Switzerland under strict conditions. As these permits are issued for a limited period, the question of an extension arises sooner or later.

The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, adopted by the EU on 14 May 2024, presents new challenges for Switzerland. As an associated Schengen/Dublin state, Switzerland is obliged to adopt parts of the pact...