Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Arlesheim

About Residence by Investment Law in Arlesheim, Switzerland

Switzerland does not offer a classic golden visa. Instead, residence is possible when you meet immigration criteria that show economic benefit or sufficient means, and the rules can vary by canton. Arlesheim is in the canton of Basel-Landschaft, a German-speaking canton bordering the city of Basel. Basel-Landschaft does not offer the lump-sum tax regime sometimes used by wealthy individuals in other cantons, so a financially independent route without work is generally not available there. For non-EU or non-EFTA nationals, residence is typically obtained through employment with a Swiss employer, self-employment or business formation that serves a genuine cantonal economic interest, or family reunification. EU or EFTA citizens can usually reside if they are employed, self-employed, or financially self-sufficient with health insurance.

Residence permits are issued at the cantonal level under federal law and are subject to federal quotas for many third-country applicants. Buying real estate alone does not grant residence, and property purchases by non-residents are restricted by Lex Koller. With careful planning, investment that creates jobs and long-term value in Basel-Landschaft can support a residence application, but it is not automatic and must be substantiated with evidence such as a credible business plan, adequate capital, and market need.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you choose a viable path to residence that matches your profile and the specific practices of Basel-Landschaft. Common situations include designing a business-investment structure that meets the economic interest standard, preparing a persuasive business plan and job creation model, coordinating immigration filings with employment law and corporate formation steps, navigating federal quotas and timing, and aligning immigration with tax planning across federal, cantonal, and communal levels. Legal support is also useful for property matters under Lex Koller, family reunification, reviewing employment or shareholder agreements, resolving permit refusals or appeals, and ensuring compliance with health insurance, registration, and reporting duties after arrival.

Local Laws Overview

Federal framework and cantonal practice. Residence permits are governed by the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration and related ordinances, implemented by the Canton of Basel-Landschaft through its migration authority. The canton evaluates economic interest for self-employment and investor-led permits, while federal authorities allocate annual quotas for many third-country permits.

No lump-sum taxation in Basel-Landschaft. Unlike some other cantons, Basel-Landschaft abolished lump-sum taxation. In practice this removes a common financially independent route. Applicants typically pursue residence through employment, self-employment, or company formation with demonstrable benefit to the local economy.

Business formation and economic interest. Company formation alone is not enough. The project should be viable, adequately capitalized, and likely to create or preserve jobs. Common vehicles are a GmbH with a minimum paid-in capital of CHF 20,000 or an AG with a minimum paid-in capital of CHF 50,000. The canton may examine the business plan, market analysis, financing, governance, and the applicant’s qualifications. Salary levels and working conditions must be customary for the region and sector.

EU or EFTA citizens. Under free movement, EU or EFTA citizens can reside in Arlesheim if employed, self-employed, or financially self-sufficient with comprehensive Swiss health insurance and sufficient means. Registration with the commune is required.

Third-country quotas and labor market test. For many non-EU or non-EFTA applicants, permits are subject to federal quotas. Employers must often show they could not recruit locally and that the role fits the applicant’s qualifications, with salary and conditions aligned to local standards. Entrepreneurs must show cantonal economic interest and real job creation potential.

Registration and health insurance. New residents must register with the Arlesheim residents office within 14 days of arrival or before taking up residence. Swiss basic health insurance is mandatory and must be arranged within three months, with coverage backdated to arrival.

Taxes and social security. Residents pay federal, cantonal, and communal income and wealth taxes. Employers and the self-employed must handle social security registration. Individuals should plan for withholding tax where applicable and quarterly payments if self-employed.

Lex Koller property rules. Non-resident foreigners face restrictions on buying residential real estate. Commercial real estate is generally less restricted. In Arlesheim, purchasing a primary residence typically requires having a residence permit first. Property purchase does not itself grant a permit.

Language and integration. German is the local language. For long-term settlement permits, language and integration criteria apply. Early planning for language learning supports future C permit and naturalization goals.

Schengen travel. Swiss residence generally permits short-stay travel within the Schengen area, but it does not grant the right to work in other countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Switzerland offer a golden visa for Arlesheim or Basel-Landschaft

No. Switzerland does not have a golden visa. Residence is based on employment, self-employment and business creation, family ties, or in some cantons a financial independence route. Basel-Landschaft does not offer the lump-sum tax route that some other cantons use, so investment must be tied to real economic activity.

Can I obtain residence in Arlesheim by buying property

No. Buying property does not grant residence. In addition, Lex Koller restricts residential property purchases by foreigners without residence permits. If you already hold a Swiss residence permit, buying a primary home in Arlesheim is generally possible subject to normal rules.

Is lump-sum taxation available in Arlesheim

No. Basel-Landschaft abolished lump-sum taxation. Applicants interested in that model would need to consider other cantons that still allow it, but residence and taxation are assessed case by case and cannot be guaranteed.

What investment amount guarantees a residence permit if I create a company

There is no guaranteed amount. Authorities assess the overall economic interest, including credible business planning, capitalization, creation of sustainable local jobs, the applicant’s qualifications, and market need. A well prepared business plan and realistic staffing and salary budgets are essential.

How long does it take to obtain a B permit through investment or self-employment

Timelines vary with quotas, completeness of the file, and the complexity of the business. Several months is common. Planning around quarterly or annual quota releases and submitting a complete application can reduce delays.

Can my spouse and children join me if I receive a permit

Usually yes, via family reunification, if you have suitable accommodation and sufficient income or resources. Spouses often obtain the right to work, depending on the main permit type. Original civil status documents and legalized translations may be required.

Do I need to speak German to get residence in Arlesheim

Language is not always required for initial short-term or B permits, but it is strongly recommended for integration. For C permits and naturalization, language proficiency and integration are evaluated, and German is the relevant local language in Arlesheim.

If I am financially independent and do not plan to work, can I live in Arlesheim

In Basel-Landschaft this is difficult because the canton does not offer lump-sum taxation and is more restrictive about permits without economic activity. Other routes, such as family reunification or study, have their own criteria. A lawyer can assess alternatives suited to your profile.

Does a Swiss residence permit allow me to work anywhere in Switzerland

Work authorization is tied to the permit type and sometimes to the employer or canton. EU or EFTA residents typically have broader mobility. Third-country permits can be employer or canton specific and may require approval for changes.

When can I apply for a C permit or Swiss citizenship

Eligibility for a C permit generally arises after 10 years of residence, with integration and language criteria, though some nationalities may qualify earlier under specific agreements. Ordinary naturalization generally requires 10 years of residence, time spent recently in Switzerland, integration, and meeting cantonal and communal residence requirements. Basel-Landschaft and the commune of Arlesheim set additional local conditions.

Additional Resources

Amt für Migration Basel-Landschaft, the cantonal migration authority responsible for residence permits and work authorizations.

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

Kantonale Steuerverwaltung Basel-Landschaft, the cantonal tax office for tax rulings, assessments, and guidance on filing obligations.

Standortförderung Basel-Landschaft, the cantonal economic development agency that supports business establishment and relocation.

Staatssekretariat für Migration SEM, the federal authority that sets national immigration policy, quotas, and guidance.

Handelsregister Basel-Landschaft, the commercial register for company formation and corporate filings.

Baselbieter Anwaltsverband, the Basel-Landschaft bar association for referrals to licensed lawyers.

Notariat Basel-Landschaft, notarial services for company formation, capital contributions, and authenticated documents.

Sozialversicherungen SVA Basel-Landschaft, the social security office for employer registration and self-employment contributions.

Kantonale Fachstelle Lex Koller, the cantonal office that handles questions and permits related to property acquisitions by foreigners.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal and timeline. Decide whether your primary route is employment, self-employment and company formation, or family reunification. If you are a third-country national, consider quota timing and the strength of your economic interest case.

Assemble your dossier. Prepare passports, civil status documents, CVs, diplomas, proof of funds, health insurance plans, and if applicable a business plan with financial forecasts, hiring plan, and market analysis. Arrange certified translations and legalizations as required.

Engage local advisors early. Speak with an immigration lawyer familiar with Basel-Landschaft practice and a tax advisor to align corporate, personal, and cross-border taxation. For business cases, contact the cantonal economic development office to validate your project’s local fit.

Incorporate and register as needed. If pursuing self-employment or an investment-led route, form the company, open bank accounts subject to anti-money laundering checks, and register with social security. Coordinate these steps with your permit strategy to avoid premature commitments.

File the permit application. Submit a complete application to the Basel-Landschaft migration authority, including all supporting documents and employer or business materials. Monitor quotas and be prepared to provide additional information.

Plan arrival compliance. Once approved, secure housing, register with the Arlesheim residents office within 14 days, take out Swiss health insurance within three months, and set up tax and social security accounts. Keep copies of all registrations for renewals.

Maintain compliance and prepare for renewals. Track permit expiry dates, meet integration expectations, and update authorities on changes in employment, address, or family status. If your goal is a C permit or naturalization, begin language and integration steps early.

If your situation is complex or time sensitive, consult a lawyer to map a step-by-step plan and manage filings on your behalf. Early, well structured preparation is the most reliable way to secure residence in Arlesheim through legitimate investment and economic activity.