Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Arlesheim

About Golden Visa Law in Arlesheim, Switzerland

Switzerland does not operate an official golden visa program like some EU countries. When people refer to a Swiss golden visa, they usually mean one of two well known residence routes for non EU or EFTA nationals. The first is residence based on significant economic interest, often achieved by founding or investing in a Swiss company that creates jobs and value in the host canton. The second is residence without gainful activity for financially independent persons, frequently paired with expenditure based taxation known as lump sum taxation. Both options are grounded in federal law and require cantonal approval. Arlesheim is in the Canton of Basel Landschaft, so cantonal rules and practices of Basel Landschaft apply in addition to federal Swiss immigration and tax law.

EU or EFTA citizens rely on free movement rules, not on investment, and can usually obtain residence by taking up employment, becoming self employed, or proving sufficient financial means and health insurance.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Selecting the correct legal route is crucial. A lawyer can assess whether a business investment, a residence without gainful activity, an employment based permit, or family reunification best fits your situation. Counsel ensures your plan aligns with the canton’s economic interest criteria, prepares a compliant business plan, and coordinates with the Basel Landschaft migration and economic development authorities.

Tax and structuring questions are central. Negotiating an expenditure based taxation agreement, understanding federal and cantonal thresholds, and coordinating international tax residency and treaty relief typically require specialist input. A lawyer can also work with tax advisors and fiduciaries to structure a company, secure a resident director where needed, and document lawful source of funds to satisfy anti money laundering checks.

If you are purchasing real estate, Swiss rules on acquisitions by foreigners known as Lex Koller are complex and vary with residence status. Legal advice helps avoid prohibited transactions and ensures correct approvals. Counsel is also valuable for family strategies, spouse work rights, language and integration planning, permit renewals, appeals after a refusal, and timing of applications at the Swiss consulate for the long stay D visa.

Local Laws Overview

Federal framework. The Foreign Nationals and Integration Act and its ordinances set the national rules for entry, residence, integration, and family reunification. The State Secretariat for Migration issues binding directives. For EU or EFTA citizens, the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons applies. Non EU or EFTA applicants are subject to quotas, integration expectations, and stricter criteria.

Cantonal role. Permits are decided at the cantonal level first. In Arlesheim, the responsible canton is Basel Landschaft. For non EU or EFTA investor or entrepreneur permits, you must demonstrate a substantial and sustainable economic interest for Basel Landschaft, typically through job creation, investment, and benefits to the regional economy. The canton evaluates your business plan, financials, and feasibility before forwarding the file to federal authorities for final approval.

Residence without gainful activity. Financially independent applicants with no Swiss employment may be admitted on a discretionary basis if they have sufficient means, comprehensive health insurance, suitable housing, and a credible integration plan. Many cantons, including Basel Landschaft, consider this route together with a lump sum taxation agreement. You may manage your own assets, but Swiss gainful employment is not allowed under this status.

Lump sum taxation. Under federal law, qualified foreign nationals who are not employed in Switzerland may be taxed based on living expenses rather than worldwide income. Federal rules include a minimum deemed income for direct federal tax. Each canton sets its own thresholds and practices, and negotiations are individualized. Legal and tax advice is important before approaching the Basel Landschaft tax administration.

Permits and visas. Long stays use the B permit for residence, the L permit for short term, and the C permit for settlement after qualifying residence and integration. Most non EU or EFTA applicants first obtain cantonal pre approval, then apply for a national D visa at a Swiss embassy to enter and collect the residence permit. Registration at the Arlesheim residents office is required after arrival.

Property and Lex Koller. Buying Swiss real estate does not grant residence. Foreigners without Swiss residence are restricted in buying residential property. Holders of a B permit domiciled in the commune can usually buy a primary residence for their own use, subject to applicable rules. Always confirm eligibility before signing a purchase contract.

Integration and language. Basel Landschaft is a German speaking canton. Integration requirements can include language skills, respect for public order, and participation in economic or social life. For settlement C permits there are federal minimum language levels. Some integration requirements can also apply earlier, including for family reunification.

Local compliance. After arrival you must register within the statutory deadline, take out Swiss health insurance within three months, pay taxes, and notify authorities of changes in address, employer, or family status. Failure to comply can jeopardize your status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Switzerland have a golden visa?

No. Switzerland has no official golden visa. People use the term to describe investor or entrepreneur residence based on cantonal economic interest, and financially independent residence often paired with lump sum taxation. Both require cantonal and federal approval and do not rely on a simple fixed investment amount.

Can buying property in Arlesheim give me Swiss residence?

No. Real estate purchase does not confer residence. Lex Koller restricts property purchases by non resident foreigners. If you already hold a B permit and are domiciled in the commune, you may usually buy a primary residence for your own use, subject to local rules. Always verify your status before committing to a property.

How much must I invest to obtain a permit?

There is no statutory minimum investment. For non EU or EFTA entrepreneurs, the key is demonstrating substantial and lasting economic interest for Basel Landschaft. In practice this means a credible business that creates or preserves local jobs, contributes to the tax base, and has sustainable operations. A detailed business plan and proof of funds are required.

What is lump sum taxation and is it available in Basel Landschaft?

Lump sum taxation is expenditure based taxation for foreign nationals not employed in Switzerland. Tax is assessed on living expenses using statutory parameters and minimums, including a federal minimum deemed income. Basel Landschaft applies its own thresholds and practice in addition to federal rules. An individualized agreement with the cantonal tax office is negotiated before or alongside the residence application.

Can my spouse and children join me and can my spouse work?

Family reunification is possible if you have suitable housing, sufficient income or means, and health insurance. Spouses and minor children can typically join a B permit holder. In most cases, spouses admitted under family reunification receive access to the Swiss labor market. Specific conditions and documentation apply.

What are the language requirements?

Integration requirements include language competencies in the local language. Basel Landschaft uses German. For long term settlement C permits, federal law sets minimum language levels. For earlier stages, requirements can apply through integration agreements or family reunification. Meeting or planning to meet language goals strengthens applications.

Do I apply inside Switzerland or at a consulate?

Most non EU or EFTA applicants need cantonal pre approval first, then apply for a national D visa at a Swiss embassy or consulate in their home country. After the D visa is issued, you enter Switzerland to collect your residence permit and register in Arlesheim. EU or EFTA citizens usually apply directly in the commune after arrival.

How long does the process take?

Timelines vary by route and workload. Entrepreneur and financially independent applications often take several months to secure cantonal pre approval and federal sign off, plus time for the D visa. Planning for 3 to 6 months is common, though complex files can take longer.

Can I work in Switzerland if I obtain residence without gainful activity?

No. Residence without gainful activity does not allow Swiss employment. You may manage your own assets. If you want to work, consider an entrepreneur permit tied to your Swiss company or an employment based permit, both of which have different requirements.

Do years on an investor or lump sum route count toward a C permit and citizenship?

Yes, time spent lawfully and continuously on a qualifying B permit generally counts toward settlement C, provided integration criteria are met. Naturalization has its own federal and cantonal requirements, including holding a C permit, integration, language, and minimum years of residence. Legal advice can map an accurate timeline for your case.

Additional Resources

State Secretariat for Migration SEM - federal authority responsible for residence and integration policy and approvals.

Migration Office of the Canton of Basel Landschaft - cantonal authority for residence permits, pre approvals, and registration matters affecting Arlesheim.

Tax Administration of the Canton of Basel Landschaft - authority for cantonal income, wealth, and lump sum taxation matters.

Economic Development Office of the Canton of Basel Landschaft - point of contact for investment projects and assessments of economic interest.

Commercial Register Office of Basel Landschaft - company incorporations and filings for AG and GmbH in the canton.

Residents Office Einwohnerkontrolle Arlesheim - local office for registration, de registration, and address updates after arrival.

Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your home country - the place to apply for the national D visa after cantonal pre approval.

Swiss Federal Tax Administration - information on federal aspects of expenditure based taxation and international tax coordination.

Next Steps

Clarify your goals. Decide whether your priority is entrepreneurship and job creation, residence without gainful activity, employment, study, or family reunification. Your route determines permit type and conditions.

Engage qualified counsel. Consult a Swiss immigration lawyer familiar with Basel Landschaft practice and a Swiss tax advisor experienced in lump sum taxation and cross border structuring. Ask for a feasibility memo outlining likely pathways, risks, and timelines.

Prepare documentation. Assemble passports, civil status documents, CVs, proof of funds and lawful source, health insurance, housing options, and police clearances. For entrepreneur routes, prepare a robust business plan with job creation, financial projections, and regional benefits.

Coordinate with authorities. For non EU or EFTA routes, your lawyer can approach the Basel Landschaft migration and economic development offices and, where relevant, the tax administration to align expectations on economic interest or taxation before filing.

File and follow through. After cantonal pre approval, lodge your D visa at the Swiss embassy. Upon arrival, register promptly in Arlesheim, take out Swiss health insurance within statutory deadlines, and comply with permit conditions. Plan renewal and integration steps early to stay on track for settlement.

Review ongoing compliance. Maintain proper corporate governance if you operate a company, meet tax filing and payment obligations, update authorities on changes, and track language and integration milestones to support future upgrades to C permit or naturalization.