Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Dornach

About Residence by Investment Law in Dornach, Switzerland

Switzerland does not offer a classic golden visa or citizenship by investment program. Instead, it provides limited pathways that investors and high net worth individuals often use to obtain residence. In Dornach, which is in the canton of Solothurn, the two most relevant routes are the lump-sum taxation regime for financially independent foreign nationals and residence based on significant business activity that serves a cantonal economic interest. EU and EFTA citizens may also obtain residence based on free movement rules, which is not investment based but is often relevant to cross-border professionals.

Lump-sum taxation, also called expenditure-based taxation, allows qualifying non Swiss nationals who do not work in Switzerland to be taxed on their worldwide living expenses rather than on worldwide income and assets. This is negotiated with the cantonal tax authority and requires meeting federal minimum thresholds and cantonal practice. Residence on the basis of business activity usually involves forming or acquiring a company that creates local jobs or contributes meaningfully to the regional economy. Both routes require cantonal approval and federal confirmation by the State Secretariat for Migration.

Dornach residents are subject to municipal and cantonal administration for registration and taxation. Migration approvals are handled at the cantonal level by the Solothurn migration authorities, with federal review. The municipality manages on the ground registration duties after arrival.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Residence by investment in Switzerland is not a single standardized application. It is a tailored process that combines immigration law, tax law, and often corporate or real estate rules. A lawyer can map your goals to the correct legal route and manage risks and timelines.

You may need legal help if you plan to negotiate a lump-sum tax agreement, since it requires careful disclosure of lifestyle expenditures, an advance tax ruling, and alignment with both federal and cantonal rules. You may also need a lawyer if you intend to establish or acquire a company in or near Dornach to support a residence permit, because the business plan must demonstrate economic interest to the canton, job creation, and genuine operations.

Other common situations include family reunification planning for spouses and children, purchasing residential property in compliance with the Lex Koller rules for foreigners, structuring banking and source of funds documentation, navigating health insurance and registration obligations, and coordinating cross-border tax exposure in multiple jurisdictions.

An experienced lawyer coordinates with the Solothurn tax administration, the cantonal migration office, and the federal authorities, drafts filings, prepares you for interviews, and helps avoid delays or denials. Counsel can also plan for renewals, potential progression to a C settlement permit based on residence duration, and eventual naturalization if eligible.

Local Laws Overview

Federal framework. The Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration and its ordinances set the overarching rules for residence permits. The State Secretariat for Migration issues federal guidance and must approve cantonal decisions. For taxation, the Federal Direct Tax Act and the Federal Tax Harmonization Act govern key aspects of lump-sum taxation including minimum assessment levels and eligibility criteria.

Cantonal practice in Solothurn. Cantons decide whether to allow lump-sum taxation and how to apply it within federal bounds. The canton of Solothurn applies the lump-sum regime for qualifying non Swiss nationals who are not employed in Switzerland. The taxable base is negotiated with the Solothurn tax administration using expenditure-based metrics within federal minimums. Solothurn also assesses wealth tax at the cantonal and municipal levels, and municipal multipliers apply in Dornach. Rates and multipliers can change and should be confirmed before committing to residence.

Municipal registration in Dornach. After arriving with the correct visa, new residents must register with the Dornach residents office within the statutory timeframe, present rental or ownership documents, proof of health insurance, and identification, and submit biometrics for the residence permit card. Failure to register on time can affect permit validity and taxation.

Business-based residence. For third country nationals, a residence permit may be possible if your company demonstrates a strong economic interest for the canton of Solothurn. This includes real activity in or near Dornach, creation or preservation of jobs, investment in the region, and sustainable operations. The migration office examines the credibility of the business plan, management qualifications, financing, and compliance with Swiss labor and social security rules.

Lex Koller property rules. The Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad restricts residential property acquisitions by non residents. Holders of a Swiss B permit who actually reside in Switzerland can usually purchase a primary residence without special authorization. Secondary homes and investment properties may require authorization and are subject to quotas. Holders of a C permit are treated similarly to Swiss citizens for property purposes. Planning real estate moves in Dornach should be coordinated with permit status to avoid violations.

Work limitations under lump-sum taxation. If you seek residence based on lump-sum taxation, you generally cannot engage in gainful activity in Switzerland. Passive management of personal wealth is allowed, but employment, self-employment, or day to day operational management of a Swiss company is typically not permitted under that status. Different rules apply if you hold a permit based on employment or self-employment.

Physical presence and taxation. To be considered resident for tax purposes, you are typically expected to live in Switzerland as your primary home, often understood as at least 183 days of presence per year or maintaining your center of life in the canton. The precise facts matter, and your lawyer will align residence, permit obligations, and tax residence to avoid dual residence conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Switzerland have a golden visa program for Dornach or the canton of Solothurn

No. Switzerland does not offer a golden visa or citizenship by investment. Instead, qualifying applicants may obtain residence through lump-sum taxation if they are financially independent and not working in Switzerland, or through establishing a business that meets a cantonal economic interest. Standard work permits and family routes also exist.

What is lump-sum taxation and who qualifies

Lump-sum taxation is an expenditure-based tax regime for non Swiss nationals who move to Switzerland, do not work in Switzerland, and have substantial means. Instead of being taxed on worldwide income and assets, you are taxed on your global living expenses using formulas defined by federal law and cantonal practice. There is a federal minimum assessment, and the exact taxable base is agreed with the canton. Spouses included in the regime must also meet the criteria.

Can I work in Switzerland if I get a permit through lump-sum taxation

Generally no. The permit is issued on the condition that you will not engage in Swiss gainful activity. You may manage your own assets and hold non operational roles, but employment or running a Swiss business day to day is usually not allowed. If you want to work, consider an employment based or business based permit instead.

How does a business based residence permit work in Solothurn

Third country nationals may obtain a residence permit if their company provides a clear economic benefit to the canton. You must present a robust business plan, credible financing, proof of market need, job creation or preservation, and your qualifications to run the business. The migration office and economic authorities review the case. The company must operate genuinely in Switzerland and comply with labor and social security law.

What are the steps to obtain residence through lump-sum taxation

Typical steps include an eligibility review, initial contact with the Solothurn tax administration for an indicative assessment, preparation of a detailed profile and expenditure data, negotiation of a tax ruling, parallel residence permit application at the cantonal migration office, federal review by the State Secretariat for Migration, collection of a D visa at a Swiss consulate, arrival and municipal registration in Dornach, and issuance of the B permit card.

Can I buy a home in Dornach as a foreigner

It depends on your status. With a B permit and actual residence in Switzerland, you can usually buy one primary residence without Lex Koller authorization. Secondary residences and investment properties are restricted and may require authorization. With a C permit, restrictions are largely lifted. Buying property before you have the correct status can lead to refusals, so plan purchases with legal advice.

How are taxes calculated under lump-sum in Solothurn and Dornach

The taxable base is your worldwide living expenses calculated under federal rules and cantonal practice, subject to federal minimums. The canton of Solothurn applies its own assessment within those bounds. Federal, cantonal, and municipal income taxes apply, and wealth tax is levied at the cantonal and municipal levels. Certain Swiss source income like Swiss real estate may be taxed separately. A negotiated ruling sets expectations in advance.

How long does the process take

Timeframes vary by case, season, and completeness of documentation. A well prepared lump-sum case often takes about 2 to 6 months from first contact to permit issuance. Business based cases can take a similar or slightly longer time depending on company setup and evidence of economic interest. Embassy visa scheduling and background checks can add time.

Will my family be able to join me

Yes, spouses and minor children can usually be included or follow under family reunification if you meet housing, financial support, and integration conditions. Family members receive permits corresponding to the principal applicant. If the principal is under a lump-sum regime, family members are also restricted from Swiss gainful activity unless a change of status is approved.

What language are the procedures in and will I need translations

German is the official language in the canton of Solothurn and in Dornach. Many forms and decisions are issued in German. Some offices can accommodate English, but certified translations may be required for foreign documents. Your lawyer can manage translations and certified copies to avoid delays.

Additional Resources

State Secretariat for Migration SEM for federal immigration approvals and policy guidance. Solothurn Migration Office for cantonal residence permits and local practice. Solothurn Tax Administration for lump-sum taxation rulings and cantonal tax matters. Municipality of Dornach residents office for registration and local administrative requirements. Solothurn Bar Association for locating qualified immigration and tax counsel. Notary Association of the canton of Solothurn for real estate and corporate notarizations. Cantonal economic development office for guidance on business establishment and investment projects.

Next Steps

Clarify your goals and constraints, including whether you intend to work in Switzerland, your family composition, preferred timelines, and real estate plans in Dornach. Based on this, choose the most suitable route lump-sum taxation for financially independent non workers or a business based permit for active entrepreneurs and executives.

Engage a lawyer experienced in both immigration and tax in the canton of Solothurn. Your lawyer will pre assess eligibility, open a dialogue with the Solothurn tax administration if pursuing lump-sum, structure a compliant business plan if pursuing the economic interest route, and coordinate all filings with the migration authorities and the State Secretariat for Migration.

Prepare core documents early. Typical items include valid passports, civil status and birth certificates, curriculum vitae, clean criminal record certificates, comprehensive source of funds evidence, health insurance arrangements, proof of housing in Dornach, financial statements, and a detailed business plan if relevant. Obtain certified translations where required.

Plan real estate steps in sequence with your permit. If you aim to acquire a home in Dornach, align the timing with Lex Koller rules and your permit type to avoid authorization issues. Consider temporary rental housing for initial registration and flexibility.

Maintain compliance after approval. Register on time in Dornach, enroll in mandatory health insurance, meet physical presence expectations, file any required tax returns or annual confirmations, renew permits before expiry, and notify authorities of changes in employment, address, or family status. A lawyer can provide an annual compliance checklist to keep everything on track.

Laws and practices evolve. Before making binding commitments, request up to date written guidance from your counsel and, where appropriate, obtain advance tax and migration confirmations in writing to secure certainty on your residence by investment plan in Dornach.