Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Dornach

About Golden Visa Law in Dornach, Switzerland

Switzerland does not operate a formal Golden Visa program like some EU countries. Instead, there are several residence pathways that are sometimes described as residence by investment. In the Canton of Solothurn, where Dornach is located, the most relevant options are residence for financially independent persons under a lump-sum taxation agreement, residence based on establishing and running a Swiss company that creates a regional economic benefit, residence for EU or EFTA nationals with sufficient means, and family reunification. Each route is governed by federal law and administered by the canton, with local registration in the municipality of Dornach.

Importantly, buying real estate in Switzerland does not grant a right to reside. Foreign property purchases are restricted under the federal Lex Koller rules and require permits in many cases. Any residence application is assessed under federal migration law, cantonal policies, and local considerations, and must be coordinated with the Canton of Solothurn Migration Office and the Dornach residents office.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Although Switzerland offers clear legal frameworks, Golden Visa style plans often involve complex decisions. A lawyer experienced in Swiss migration and tax can help you choose and structure the most suitable route for your situation, anticipate risks, and coordinate with authorities in Solothurn and Dornach.

You may benefit from legal help if you plan to negotiate a lump-sum taxation agreement as a financially independent person. These cases involve proving sufficient wealth, agreeing a tax base with the cantonal tax administration, and ensuring you do not engage in Swiss gainful employment while resident.

Legal guidance is also valuable if you want to set up or invest in a company to obtain a residence permit. You will need a robust business plan, evidence of sustainable job creation or regional value, and careful compliance with labor market and quota rules for non-EU or non-EFTA nationals.

If you are considering buying property, you will need advice on Lex Koller permits, the difference between primary residences for permit holders and holiday homes, and how real estate interacts with residence and tax planning.

Other situations that call for counsel include family reunification and dependent permits, health insurance and registration requirements, appeals if an application is refused, renewing a permit and moving toward permanent residence, and coordinating cross-border living and taxation near Basel.

Local Laws Overview

Swiss residence and work are governed primarily by the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration and its implementing ordinances. The State Secretariat for Migration sets national policy, while the Canton of Solothurn Migration Office decides and issues permits at the cantonal level. Dornach handles local registration and practical matters once you arrive.

EU or EFTA citizens can usually obtain a B residence permit if employed in Switzerland or if economically inactive with sufficient means and comprehensive health insurance. They register in Dornach and complete permit formalities through the canton.

Non-EU and non-EFTA citizens face stricter rules and quotas. Two pathways often used for wealth or investment based residence are lump-sum taxation for financially independent individuals and admission in the economic interest of the canton by creating and operating a company that generates jobs and value. The canton has discretion and will examine substance, investment, business viability, and regional benefit. There is no automatic right and no fixed minimum investment in federal law, though realistic budgets and commitments are expected.

Lump-sum taxation is negotiated with the cantonal tax administration. Eligibility typically requires taking up Swiss residence without engaging in Swiss gainful employment, having substantial worldwide income and assets, and agreeing a minimum tax base. The federal minimum assessment is set by law, and cantons may require a higher base. Terms vary by canton and commune. Solothurn sets and collects cantonal and communal taxes for Dornach residents in addition to federal tax.

Buying property does not confer residence. The Lex Koller law restricts real estate purchases by persons abroad. Non-residents generally need a permit to buy certain residential property and face limits on holiday homes. Permit holders who are resident may purchase a primary residence in line with local rules. Always confirm the specifics with the cantonal Lex Koller authority before signing any contract.

After arriving in Dornach, you must register with the local residents office generally within 14 days and before starting any work. Health insurance under Swiss law is mandatory and must be arranged within three months of registration, usually effective from the registration date. Biometric data collection for permits is done through the cantonal service points. Compliance with integration requirements applies to most permits, including language and participation in local life. Moving toward a C permanent residence permit typically requires a longer residence period with good integration, clean record, and stable finances, subject to nationality and canton practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Switzerland have a Golden Visa program in Dornach or elsewhere

No. Switzerland does not have a Golden Visa program in the sense used by some EU countries. However, there are lawful routes to residence based on financial independence under lump-sum taxation or based on creating economic value by running a company. These are discretionary and must meet federal and cantonal criteria.

Can I get a residence permit in Dornach by purchasing real estate

No. Property purchase does not grant a right to live in Switzerland. Foreigners also face Lex Koller restrictions when buying residential property. If you obtain a residence permit through another route, you may then be able to buy a primary residence subject to cantonal and municipal rules.

What is the minimum investment to qualify for a residence by investment permit

Swiss law does not set a single minimum amount. For business based residence, the key is credible, sustained economic benefit to the canton, such as job creation and regional value. For lump-sum taxation, the focus is on significant wealth, not employment in Switzerland, and agreeing a sufficient tax base. Evidence and substance are more important than a specific number.

Who can apply for lump-sum taxation in the Canton of Solothurn

Typically, financially independent non-Swiss individuals who take up residence in Switzerland, do not engage in Swiss gainful employment, and can demonstrate significant worldwide income and assets may apply. The assessment is based on living expenses rather than declared income. The canton and commune negotiate and approve the taxable base subject to federal minimums.

Can I work in Switzerland if I have a lump-sum taxation based B permit

No. The core condition is that you do not perform gainful employment in Switzerland. You may manage your private assets. If you wish to work or run a business actively in Switzerland, you must pursue a different permit route that authorizes employment and meets labor market and quota conditions.

How long does the permit process usually take in Dornach and Solothurn

Timing varies with the route and the completeness of your file. Straightforward EU or EFTA registrations can be completed in a few weeks. Lump-sum taxation or business based applications often take 2 to 6 months because they require tax discussions, business reviews, and cantonal approvals. Complex cases can take longer.

Will my family members be able to join me

Family reunification is possible for qualifying spouses and minor children if you hold an eligible permit, have adequate housing, and can support your family. EU or EFTA citizens benefit from broader rights. Non-EU or non-EFTA routes require careful planning and timely applications.

Are there quotas on permits

Yes for many non-EU or non-EFTA permits. Switzerland operates annual quotas for certain categories. Cantonal authorities allocate and manage these quotas. Business based admissions and some special categories are subject to availability and the strength of the economic interest case.

What taxes will I pay if I live in Dornach under one of these routes

Residents pay federal, cantonal Solothurn, and municipal Dornach taxes. Wealth tax is levied at cantonal and municipal levels. Lump-sum taxpayers pay based on an agreed expense-based assessment rather than declared income. Standard residents are taxed on worldwide income and net wealth subject to treaty relief. Individual rates and calculations depend on your circumstances.

How do permanent residence and citizenship work

Permanent residence with a C permit generally requires a multi-year lawful stay, integration, and clean compliance, typically around 10 years for most third-country nationals, with possible earlier eligibility for some nationalities and cases. Citizenship requires a longer residence record, integration, and local approvals. Exact timelines depend on federal law, treaties, and canton practice.

Additional Resources

State Secretariat for Migration - the federal authority that issues guidance on residence and work permits nationwide.

Canton of Solothurn Migration Office - the cantonal body that decides residence permits and manages quotas for Solothurn, including Dornach.

Canton of Solothurn Tax Administration - the authority that negotiates and administers cantonal and communal taxes, including lump-sum taxation agreements.

Dornach Residents Office - the local municipal office for registration, address updates, and practical settlement formalities.

Cantonal Lex Koller Authority in Solothurn - the office responsible for permits and advice regarding foreign acquisitions of real estate under federal law.

Licensed Swiss notaries and fiduciaries in Solothurn - professionals who can assist with company formation, property transactions, and coordination with authorities.

Next Steps

Clarify your objectives. Decide whether your primary goal is passive residence as a financially independent person, active entrepreneurship, employment, or family reunification. Your goal determines the legal route.

Assess eligibility and documentation. Gather passports, civil status records, CVs, bank statements, wealth evidence, health insurance options, and if applicable a detailed business plan with budgets, staffing, and regional impact analysis.

Consult a lawyer experienced in Swiss migration and tax in the Canton of Solothurn. Ask for a viability assessment comparing lump-sum taxation versus business based admission, impacts on family members, and a timeline and cost estimate.

Engage with the relevant cantonal offices. Your lawyer can coordinate preliminary discussions with the Solothurn Migration Office and the Tax Administration to test feasibility before filing a full application.

Prepare for local settlement in Dornach. Plan your registration within 14 days of arrival, arrange health insurance to start on time, and schedule biometrics. If real estate is part of your plan, seek Lex Koller clearance before signing any contract.

Maintain compliance. After approval, comply with permit conditions, tax filings or lump-sum obligations, integration requirements, and renewal deadlines. Keep records to support future renewals, C permit applications, or naturalization.

If your application is refused or delayed, discuss appeal options and potential adjustments with your lawyer. Sometimes refining the business plan, strengthening financial documentation, or selecting a different route can resolve concerns.