Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Chur

About Residence by Investment Law in Chur, Switzerland

Residence by investment in Switzerland does not operate as a single nationwide "golden visa" program. Instead, Swiss residency for investors is achieved through a combination of federal, cantonal and municipal rules that address business formation, employment, taxation and property acquisition. Chur is the capital city of the Canton of Graubunden and falls under the same cantonal migration and tax frameworks as the rest of Graubunden. Key pathways that investors commonly consider include starting or investing in a local business that creates jobs or economic benefit, establishing tax residency under specialized tax regimes for high-net-worth individuals, and applying for residence as a self-employed person. Buying real estate alone rarely creates an automatic right to residence - acquisition by non-residents is regulated by federal law and cantonal practice.

Because responsibility for issuing residence permits is shared between the federal State Secretariat for Migration and the cantonal migration authorities, the practical requirements, thresholds and processing practices can vary. In Chur you will therefore need to satisfy both federal standards and cantonal expectations of economic impact, integration and compliance with local planning and property rules.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Residence by investment matters in Switzerland involve several overlapping legal areas - immigration law, corporate and commercial law, tax law, real estate law and administrative procedure. A lawyer with local experience helps you navigate those intersections and reduces the risk of costly mistakes.

Common situations where legal help is valuable include:

- Structuring an investment or business so it meets cantonal criteria for a residence permit while minimizing tax and legal exposure.

- Preparing a business plan and documentation to show economic benefit and job creation for a self-employment or investor-based residence application.

- Handling property purchase issues - checking whether the acquisition is permitted under the Federal Act on Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad (commonly called Lex Koller) and arranging necessary municipal approvals.

- Advising on lump-sum taxation or other preferential tax arrangements for high-net-worth individuals - these rules are canton-specific and require careful negotiation and documentation.

- Interfacing with cantonal migration officials, preparing responses to requests for further evidence, and representing you in appeals or contested administrative decisions.

- Ensuring compliance with mandatory obligations such as Swiss health insurance, pension and social-security registration, and reporting requirements to tax authorities.

Local Laws Overview

Several legal frameworks are particularly relevant in Chur and the Canton of Graubunden when considering residence by investment:

- Federal immigration law - The Foreign Nationals and Integration Act (FNIA) and associated ordinances set out the categories of residence permits, requirements for non-EU/EFTA nationals, and principles for cantonal allocation of permits. Cantonal authorities apply these rules when granting residence on economic grounds.

- Cantonal migration policy - The Graubunden migration office applies cantonal practice on criteria such as economic benefit, job creation, personal qualifications and integration prospects. Cantons have discretion in deciding whether a proposed investment or business activity qualifies for a residence permit.

- Lex Koller - The Federal Act on Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad restricts purchase of Swiss real estate by non-residents. Many property acquisitions require a license and certain types of purchases, in particular of second homes, are tightly regulated by cantonal authorities.

- Tax law and preferential regimes - Cantonal tax authorities set the conditions for taxation of residents. Some high-net-worth individuals may be eligible for lump-sum taxation arrangements if they meet cantonal conditions - these are negotiated at cantonal level and come with strict eligibility rules and reporting obligations.

- Corporate and commercial law - Business formation, company governance, employment contracts and local commercial rules affect investor-planned enterprises. Demonstrating the genuine economic activity of a business can be decisive for residence applications linked to entrepreneurship or self-employment.

- Municipal registration rules - Swiss practice requires that new residents register with the local municipality (Einwohnerkontrolle) within a short period after arrival. Municipalities also enforce local planning and building regulations that affect real estate use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I obtain a residence permit in Chur simply by buying a house or apartment?

No. Purchasing real estate alone generally does not create an automatic right to a Swiss residence permit. Federal restrictions under Lex Koller limit many purchases by non-residents and cantons rarely grant residency solely based on property ownership. Residence commonly requires a qualifying reason - such as work, self-employment, family reunification or a recognized tax regime - together with municipal registration.

What are the main routes for investors to get residence in Chur?

Typical routes include establishing or investing in a business that creates local jobs or economic benefit and applying for a residence permit as a self-employed or employed person; negotiating a cantonal lump-sum taxation agreement if you are a qualifying high-net-worth individual who will not pursue gainful activity in Switzerland; or qualifying through family reunification if a close family member already has legal residence. Each route has distinct legal and practical requirements.

Is there a federal investor or golden visa program in Switzerland?

No single federal investor or golden visa program exists. Switzerland evaluates residence applications under existing immigration categories and under cantonal discretion. Investment can support a case for residence if it produces real economic benefit - but there is no uniform nationwide investor visa that guarantees residence in exchange for a defined monetary investment.

Does Chur or the Canton of Graubunden have special tax deals for wealthy newcomers?

Cantonal lump-sum or forfait taxation arrangements are available in some cantons to attract high-net-worth individuals who will not pursue local gainful employment. Eligibility, minimum taxable base and conditions vary by canton. You should consult cantonal tax authorities or a tax lawyer to determine whether Graubunden offers a workable arrangement and what minimums and conditions apply.

How long does a residence-by-investment application typically take?

Processing times vary significantly depending on the type of permit, completeness of documentation, cantonal workload and whether a federal decision is required. Simple work-based residence permits can be processed in weeks to months, while complex investor or lump-sum tax negotiations can take several months or longer. Early planning and submission of complete documentation speeds the process.

Can I bring family members with me to Chur if I obtain a residence permit?

Family reunification is possible in many permit categories, allowing spouses and dependent children to join a permit-holder. Eligibility depends on the permit type, the sponsor's financial means, suitable accommodation and cantonal and federal rules. Non-EU/EFTA nationals typically face stricter rules than EU/EFTA nationals.

What are the tax implications of moving to Chur as an investor?

Becoming a Swiss resident can change your global tax position. Swiss taxation is levied at federal, cantonal and municipal levels. If you negotiate a lump-sum taxation agreement, tax will be calculated against an agreed basis rather than worldwide income and assets in the usual manner. Otherwise, you will be subject to ordinary Swiss income and wealth taxation, and you must disclose worldwide income and assets where applicable. Tax planning with a specialist is essential.

Does starting a company in Chur help my residence application?

Yes - establishing a genuine business in Chur that demonstrates real economic activity, employment creation and sustainable operations can support a residence application for self-employment or as an entrepreneur. Authorities will look for a credible business plan, sufficient financing, local benefit and realistic prospects. Mere passive investment without active business involvement is less likely to qualify.

Are there language or integration requirements I should know about?

Integration expectations vary by canton and permit type. Demonstrating readiness to integrate - through language learning, local contacts or relevant qualifications - can strengthen an application. For long-term settlement and permit renewals, language proficiency and participation in integration measures may be looked upon favorably.

What should I do if my residence application is refused?

If a permit application is refused, you typically receive a written decision that explains the reasons and any deadline for appeal. Administrative appeal avenues exist at cantonal and federal levels depending on the case. A local lawyer experienced in migration matters can review the decision, assess legal remedies, advise on whether an appeal is likely to succeed and represent you in proceedings.

Additional Resources

Here are types of institutions and bodies that can help you find authoritative information or file applications in Chur:

- State Secretariat for Migration - federal authority that sets immigration framework and policies.

- Canton of Graubunden - Migration Office - handles cantonal migration procedures and local permit matters.

- Municipality of Chur - Einwohnerkontrolle or municipal registry - local registration, proof of residence and municipal formalities.

- Cantonal Tax Administration of Graubunden - information on taxation, tax residency and possible lump-sum taxation arrangements.

- Chamber of Commerce and local economic development agencies - practical support for business set-up, local networks and investment guidance.

- Notaries, local notary offices and real estate authorities - for property transactions and Lex Koller licensing where required.

- Local law firms and tax advisers specializing in immigration, corporate and tax law - for tailored legal and tax planning advice.

Next Steps

If you are considering residence by investment in Chur, use this practical roadmap to move forward:

1. Assess objectives - clarify whether your priority is residence, business activity, tax planning or property ownership. Different goals follow different legal paths.

2. Seek an initial consultation with a Swiss lawyer and a tax advisor who are experienced in Graubunden matters - ask about their experience with investor-related residence cases in the canton.

3. Prepare documentation - company plans, proof of funds, financial projections, personal identification, criminal record checks and any supporting evidence of economic benefit or integration readiness.

4. Contact the cantonal migration office and cantonal tax authorities early - their positions on admissibility and tax treatment will shape your strategy.

5. Check property rules if you plan to buy real estate - verify Lex Koller implications and municipal planning restrictions with local notaries and authorities.

6. Negotiate and document any tax arrangement, business structure or employment contract before relocating - ensure clear commitments and written agreements where legally possible.

7. Arrange mandatory Swiss health insurance, open local bank accounts and register promptly with the Municipality of Chur upon arrival.

8. Maintain records of all submissions and correspondence - administrative processes can require repeated evidence and timely responses.

9. If a permit is refused or delayed, consult your lawyer about administrative remedies and appeals - acting quickly is important to preserve legal options.

10. Keep in mind that rules and practice change over time - obtain up-to-date legal and tax advice before taking irreversible steps.

If you need help locating a qualified lawyer or tax advisor in Chur, a local legal directory or the Graubunden cantonal authorities can provide recommendations and official guidance. Professional legal advice tailored to your personal facts is the most reliable way to evaluate options and avoid unexpected pitfalls.