Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Arlesheim

About Golden Visa Law in Arlesheim, Switzerland

Switzerland does not operate a classic golden visa program. There is no automatic residence based solely on purchasing real estate or making a passive financial investment. Instead, residence permits for non Swiss and non EU or EFTA nationals are granted under the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration and its ordinances, based on specific grounds such as employment, establishing and actively managing a Swiss business, exceptional cantonal interest, studies, family reunification, or financial independence for retirees who meet strict criteria. EU and EFTA citizens benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons and follow a different, generally simpler process.

Arlesheim is a municipality in the Canton of Basel-Landschaft. Residence permits are handled at the cantonal level by the migration authority in Basel-Landschaft, while local registration after arrival takes place with the residents office in Arlesheim. A key local point is that Basel-Landschaft abolished the lump sum taxation regime. This means the commonly discussed financial independence route based on lump sum taxation is not available in this canton, and applicants typically look to other legal grounds such as running a business that serves a demonstrable cantonal economic interest.

Where people refer to a Swiss golden visa they usually mean one of two practical paths. The first is a residence permit tied to significant economic interest to the canton, for example creating a company that generates local jobs and value. The second is a non gainful residence for retirees over a certain age with very strong financial means and close ties to Switzerland, available only under strict conditions and at the discretion of the authorities. Both require careful planning and do not involve automatic entitlement.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer helps you choose the correct legal basis for residence. The label golden visa is not a defined category in Swiss law, so selecting the right route matters, whether that is an employment based permit, establishing and actively running a company, a retiree permit, or family reunification when available.

For business based applications, a lawyer can structure the case to meet the cantonal economic interest test. This often requires a credible business plan, proof of financing, evidence of expected job creation or transfer of know how, identification of premises, and compliance with local labor and social security laws. Counsel coordinates with the cantonal migration office, economic development unit, and the commercial registry to align the timeline and documentation.

Tax planning is critical. Cantonal and communal tax rates vary and Basel-Landschaft does not offer lump sum taxation. A lawyer working with a tax adviser can model income tax, wealth tax, real estate gains tax, and social security, and can pre clear questions with the cantonal tax office to avoid surprises.

Purchasing property engages Swiss Lex Koller rules on acquisitions by persons abroad. A lawyer can assess whether you need authorization, whether a primary residence purchase is permitted with your permit type, and how to avoid a prohibited transaction.

Procedural support reduces risk. Counsel prepares forms, sworn statements, translations, and legalization or apostille of foreign documents, calendars filing windows in light of federal quotas for non EU permits, and responds to authority inquiries. If an application is delayed or refused, a lawyer can evaluate appeals and negotiate alternatives.

Family planning and integration are often decisive. A lawyer can map family reunification options, school and childcare considerations, health insurance enrollment within the three month statutory window, and any integration or language requirements attached to your permit or to future permanent residence.

Local Laws Overview

Governing framework. Residence is granted under the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration and the implementing ordinance on admission, period of stay, and employment, together with State Secretariat for Migration guidelines and Basel-Landschaft cantonal regulations. Decisions are made by the cantonal migration authority and approved by the federal authority for most third country nationals. Annual federal quotas apply to certain B and L permits for non EU or EFTA nationals.

Cantonal economic interest route. For entrepreneurs and investors, Basel-Landschaft may support a B permit where there is a substantial and credible benefit to the canton. Evidence typically includes a robust business plan, adequate capital, identification of Swiss based management, anticipated job creation in the canton, and concrete steps such as office lease and supplier or client intent. Passive portfolio investments usually do not qualify. The applicant is expected to be actively involved in managing the business from Switzerland.

Retiree and financial independence route. Switzerland allows non EU or EFTA nationals over a certain age, commonly 55 and above, with strong financial means and close ties to Switzerland, to apply for a non gainful residence permit. Basel-Landschaft does not offer lump sum taxation, and approvals are discretionary. Applicants must show sufficient means, private health insurance, housing, and a convincing link to Switzerland such as long standing stays or family ties. The permit does not permit gainful employment.

Company formation. Common legal forms are the GmbH with a minimum paid in capital of CHF 20,000 and the AG with CHF 100,000. The company must be registered in the Commercial Register, have Swiss accounting, and comply with social security and withholding obligations if it employs staff. For non EU or EFTA nationals, self employment is not a right and is subject to prior authorization. A locally domiciled director requirement is practical rather than statutory but banks and registries expect effective Swiss management presence.

Language and integration. Basel-Landschaft applies federal integration standards. For early permanent residence C permit in eligible cases or for renewals, authorities may request proof of German language skills, typically A2 oral and A1 written, and evidence of social integration such as no criminal record and financial self sufficiency. Requirements vary by individual profile and permit type.

Taxes. Basel-Landschaft levies cantonal and communal income tax and wealth tax. Residents pay federal income tax as well. Private capital gains on securities are typically tax exempt for private investors, while real estate gains are taxed separately. Employers withhold tax at source for certain foreign employees. Lump sum taxation is not available in this canton.

Property. The Lex Koller regulates acquisitions of real estate by persons abroad. Non residents and many B permit holders need authorization to acquire residential property, while purchase of a primary residence may be possible with a Swiss residence permit and subject to conditions. Commercial property is generally less restricted. Always confirm status before signing a contract.

Registration and insurance. After arrival, you must register with the Arlesheim residents office within 14 days of taking up residence and before starting any work, and you must take out Swiss basic health insurance within three months. Failure to comply can lead to fines or permit issues.

Timelines. Processing times vary by route and season. Business based and exceptional cases can take two to six months or longer due to federal pre approval and quota management. Planning ahead is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Switzerland have a golden visa and can I obtain it in Arlesheim

Switzerland has no formal golden visa. In Arlesheim, as in the rest of the country, residence is possible through recognized legal bases such as employment, establishing and actively managing a company that serves a cantonal economic interest, family reunification, studies, or for certain financially independent retirees. Each path is discretionary and evidence driven.

Can I get Swiss residence in Basel-Landschaft by buying a property

No. Purchasing real estate does not grant a residence permit in Switzerland. Property acquisitions by persons abroad are regulated by the Lex Koller, and many non residents require authorization. Residence and property permission are separate processes with different criteria.

How much do I need to invest to qualify on economic interest grounds

There is no fixed statutory minimum. Authorities assess the overall benefit to Basel-Landschaft, including credible job creation, local spending, sustainable operations, and the applicant’s active management. In practice, plans that fund several local jobs and demonstrate long term viability stand a better chance than small passive investments.

How long does the permit process take and what permit type is typical

For third country nationals, expect two to six months from a complete filing, sometimes longer. Successful business based applicants usually receive a renewable B residence permit. Short term L permits may be issued in some cases. EU or EFTA nationals have different timelines and rights under free movement rules.

Can my spouse and children join me

Family reunification is possible if you hold a qualifying permit, have suitable accommodation, and can support the family without social assistance. Spouses and minor children are typical beneficiaries. Their right to work depends on their permit type and nationality.

Is lump sum taxation an option in Basel-Landschaft

No. Basel-Landschaft abolished lump sum taxation. Applicants relying on financial independence need to consider standard taxation in this canton or evaluate other cantons that still offer the regime, subject to eligibility and acceptance.

Do I need German for a residence permit in Arlesheim

Language requirements depend on the route. Many initial B permits do not require upfront language certificates, but integration expectations apply, and language proof is commonly required for permanent residence and in some renewals. German is the local language in Basel-Landschaft, and A2 oral and A1 written are typical benchmarks for permanent residence.

Can I work if I receive a permit as a financially independent person

Non gainful residence permits do not allow employment or self employment. If you plan to work or run a company, you must apply for a permit that authorizes gainful activity, and approval is not automatic for non EU or EFTA nationals.

What taxes should I plan for in Arlesheim

Residents are subject to federal, cantonal, and communal income tax, as well as wealth tax at the cantonal and communal level. Social security applies to employment and self employment income. Real estate gains are taxed separately, while private capital gains on securities are usually tax exempt for private investors. A tailored tax analysis is advisable before applying.

What is the path to a C permit and to Swiss citizenship

Permanent residence C permits are typically available after ten years of lawful residence, with possible earlier access after five years for certain nationals and if integration criteria are met. Naturalization usually requires ten years of residence with time as a teenager counted more favorably, proven integration including language, and communal and cantonal checks. Exact rules depend on your nationality, permit history, and integration record.

Additional Resources

State Secretariat for Migration, the federal authority that issues directives and approves many permits for third country nationals.

Amt für Migration Basel-Landschaft, the cantonal migration office that processes residence and work permits and handles local implementation in Liestal.

Gemeindeverwaltung Arlesheim, Einwohnerdienste, the local residents office for registration, address changes, and local certificates.

Kantonale Steuerverwaltung Basel-Landschaft and the Swiss Federal Tax Administration, for tax rulings, assessments, and guidance on income and wealth taxation.

Wirtschaftsförderung Basel-Landschaft, the cantonal economic development office that may issue support letters for projects with local economic interest.

Handelsregisteramt Basel-Landschaft and local notaries, for company formation and commercial registry matters.

Lex Koller authority in Basel-Landschaft, for guidance and authorizations related to real estate acquisitions by persons abroad.

Swiss embassies and consulates in your home country, for entry visa applications tied to approved permits.

Next Steps

Clarify your objectives and constraints. Decide whether your primary aim is active business activity in Basel-Landschaft, employment with a Swiss employer, retirement without work, or family reunification. Your choice determines eligibility, timing, and documentation.

Request a feasibility review with a Swiss immigration lawyer who understands Basel-Landschaft practice. Share your nationality, age, family situation, education, professional background, language level, financial resources, and any prior Swiss ties. For business cases, provide a draft business plan and funding evidence.

Align immigration and tax planning early. Ask for an indicative tax projection in Basel-Landschaft and for advice on salary versus dividends, social security, and wealth tax. Confirm that lump sum taxation is not available in this canton and consider the implications.

Prepare a complete file. Typical items include passports, civil status records with apostille or legalization, CVs, diplomas, proof of funds, lease or property documents, health insurance arrangements, and for business cases, a detailed plan with hiring timelines, contracts in principle, and corporate formation drafts.

Engage with the canton before filing where appropriate. Your lawyer can approach the migration office and the economic development unit to test the concept and to understand documentation preferences, which can improve predictability.

Submit the application and manage follow up. Respond promptly to any information requests. Build in time for federal approval and quotas if you are a non EU or EFTA national. Do not relocate or start work before the permit and any required entry visa are issued.

After arrival, register with the Arlesheim residents office within 14 days, enroll in Swiss basic health insurance within three months, and complete any integration steps noted in your permit decision. Maintain a compliance calendar for renewals, tax filings, and corporate obligations.

Laws and practices evolve. Always verify current requirements with qualified counsel and the competent authorities before you act.