Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Muttenz

About Residence by Investment Law in Muttenz, Switzerland

Switzerland does not operate a classic golden visa program. Residence tied to investment is possible, but it follows Switzerland’s federal rules and each canton’s practice. Muttenz is in the Canton of Basel-Landschaft, so any application is assessed first at the cantonal level and then confirmed by federal authorities. The main pathways are active investment that creates a clear cantonal economic interest, establishing or acquiring a company that generates jobs and value in the region, or being employed by a Swiss employer that obtains work authorization for you. For EU or EFTA nationals, freedom of movement rules apply, which generally make residence and self-employment simpler if you meet income and insurance requirements. Buying real estate does not grant residence, and the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad, often called Lex Koller, restricts certain property purchases by non-residents. The Canton of Basel-Landschaft has abolished lump-sum taxation for foreign nationals, so a passive tax-based residence route is not available in Muttenz.

Residence permits commonly involved include the short-stay L permit, the B residence permit, and after several years of lawful stay and integration the C settlement permit. Third-country nationals are subject to annual quotas and stricter admission criteria focused on the interests of the Swiss economy. Authorities will expect clear documentation of your business plan, funding, job creation, integration prospects, and compliance with federal and cantonal law.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you determine whether your goals match a viable route under Swiss and Basel-Landschaft law, and then structure your case to satisfy both cantonal and federal authorities. Common reasons to seek legal help include choosing the right pathway for non-EU or EU status, preparing a business plan and financial model that demonstrates significant cantonal economic interest, coordinating with the cantonal economic development office and the migration office, addressing annual non-EU permit quotas and timing, forming or acquiring a Swiss company and drafting governance documents, planning around Lex Koller if you intend to buy property, understanding tax exposure at the federal, cantonal, and communal levels, managing family reunification and schooling, meeting language and integration requirements, and responding to requests for information or appealing an adverse decision. Counsel can also synchronize immigration timelines with corporate, tax, and personal planning so your move to Muttenz proceeds smoothly.

Local Laws Overview

Federal legal basis. The Foreign Nationals and Integration Act sets the framework for admission, residence, and integration. The Ordinance on Admission, Period of Stay and Employment contains detailed criteria, including the significant economic interest standard for non-EU investors and self-employed founders. Integration requirements impose language and civic integration expectations that can affect issuance and renewal. The Swiss Citizenship Act is relevant for long-term planning toward naturalization.

Cantonal practice in Basel-Landschaft. The Cantonal Migration Office assesses whether an application benefits the local economy and community. For non-EU founders or investors, authorities typically expect an active role in managing the business, credible capitalization, creation or safeguarding of local jobs, payment of market salaries and social contributions, and a sustainable business model tied to the region. The economic development office may provide non-binding support opinions that can be influential.

Lump-sum taxation. Basel-Landschaft has abolished lump-sum taxation for foreign nationals, so passive residence based on expenditure-based taxation is not available in Muttenz.

Company formation. Common corporate forms are the GmbH with a minimum share capital of CHF 20,000 and the AG with a minimum share capital of CHF 100,000 of which at least CHF 50,000 must be paid in. At least one person with signing authority must be resident in Switzerland. Registration is with the Cantonal Commercial Registry, and you will need articles of association, a Swiss address, and identification for beneficial owners.

Employment and quotas. Hiring non-EU executives and specialists requires a labor market test unless a specific exemption applies, proof of salary at Swiss market levels, and use of the national quota for B or L permits. Investor-founders who are actively managing the company are assessed under the economic interest criteria and may still be subject to quota availability.

Property rules. Purchasing residential property does not confer residence. Lex Koller restricts acquisition of certain residential properties by persons abroad. Commercial property is generally less restricted, but financing, zoning, and usage rules still apply. A local lawyer can help you assess what is permitted and whether you qualify as a person abroad under the statute.

Taxes and insurance. Residents are subject to federal, cantonal, and communal income and wealth taxes. Companies are subject to federal and cantonal-communal corporate income tax. Social security and accident insurance apply to employees and self-employed founders. Mandatory basic health insurance must be arranged within three months of taking up residence, typically retroactive to the start of residence.

Registration and deadlines. After permit issuance and arrival, you must register with the Muttenz residents office within the statutory deadline, provide housing documentation, and attend biometric capture for your permit card. Always keep renewal lead times in mind, especially if you rely on non-EU quotas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Switzerland have a golden visa for passive investors?

No. Switzerland does not grant residence solely for buying property or making a passive financial investment. Residence is usually tied to employment, self-employment that serves a significant economic interest, or EU or EFTA free movement. Basel-Landschaft does not offer a lump-sum taxation route.

What counts as a significant economic interest in Basel-Landschaft?

Authorities look for concrete benefits to the canton such as creating or safeguarding local jobs, bringing valuable expertise, establishing regional operations with ongoing expenditures, and demonstrating sustainable profitability. A clear business plan, credible funding, and active management by the applicant are important.

Can I obtain residence by buying a home in Muttenz?

No. Buying real estate does not grant residence. In addition, Lex Koller restricts certain residential property purchases by non-resident foreign persons. A residence permit application must stand on its own merits under immigration law.

How much do I need to invest to qualify?

There is no fixed statutory minimum. The necessary investment depends on the business model, operating costs, and job creation. The project must be adequately capitalized for its scale and must deliver measurable benefit to the canton. Under-capitalized or purely passive holdings are unlikely to qualify.

How long does the permit process take?

Processing varies by case and quota availability. A well-prepared business-based application for a non-EU national often takes about two to four months from cantonal filing to federal approval, sometimes longer. EU or EFTA registrations are usually faster if requirements are met.

Do I need to speak German to get or keep a permit?

Integration requirements apply. For initial residence and renewals, authorities may expect basic German abilities aligned with your permit type and integration plan. For a C settlement permit, minimum language levels apply, and higher proficiency can support early C in some cases. Muttenz is German-speaking, so everyday life and administration are in German.

Can my family move with me?

Family reunification is possible for spouses and dependent children if you have adequate housing, sufficient income, and appropriate insurance. Family members usually receive permits linked to the main applicant and must meet integration requirements, including language in some cases.

Can I be a passive shareholder and still obtain residence?

Passive investment is generally insufficient. The investor is expected to take an active managerial role in a Swiss entity that benefits the canton. Pure portfolio investment or holding company participation without active management rarely qualifies.

Will I be taxed in Basel-Landschaft if I reside in Muttenz?

Yes. Residents are taxed where they live. You will be subject to federal, cantonal, and communal income and wealth taxes, plus social security and health insurance rules. Effective rates depend on your income, assets, and personal situation. Professional tax advice is recommended.

Does running a company in another canton affect my residence in Muttenz?

You can reside in Muttenz while owning or working for a company registered elsewhere, but immigration authorities will still assess whether your activity benefits Switzerland and whether local integration and tax residence rules are satisfied. Corporate tax allocation and intercantonal aspects may require careful planning.

Additional Resources

State Secretariat for Migration SEM.

Canton of Basel-Landschaft Migration Office.

Canton of Basel-Landschaft Economic Development Office.

Canton of Basel-Landschaft Commercial Registry.

Municipality of Muttenz Residents Office.

Basel-Landschaft Cantonal Tax Administration and Swiss Federal Tax Administration.

Swiss embassies and consulates for visas and entry authorization.

Federal Office of Justice for information on the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad.

Chamber of Commerce of the Basel region for business environment and networking.

Next Steps

Clarify your profile and route. Identify whether you qualify under EU or EFTA rules, or whether you must proceed under the non-EU investor or founder route tied to significant economic interest. Set a realistic timeline that accounts for quotas and processing.

Engage local counsel early. A lawyer familiar with Basel-Landschaft practice can evaluate feasibility, shape your business plan to local expectations, and coordinate with the migration and economic development offices.

Prepare robust documentation. Assemble a business plan, financial forecasts, proof of funds, corporate formation documents, draft employment contracts for initial hires, CVs for key personnel, and evidence of premises or service agreements.

Form the Swiss entity and arrange governance. Choose AG or GmbH, appoint Swiss-resident signatory as required, register with the commercial registry, obtain a Swiss address, open a corporate bank account, and register for social security and taxes as applicable.

File the permit application. Your lawyer will submit the cantonal application with supporting documents. Respond promptly to any information requests. Track quota status for non-EU permits and adjust timing as needed.

Plan arrival and registration. After approval and visa issuance if required, enter Switzerland, register within the deadline at the Muttenz residents office, complete biometric capture, arrange mandatory health insurance, and enroll children in school if applicable.

Maintain compliance and integrate. Observe renewal deadlines, keep payroll, tax, and corporate filings current, follow integration requirements including language learning, and document job creation and economic contributions to support renewals and eventual eligibility for settlement.

This guide provides general information only and is not legal advice. For personalized guidance tailored to your situation in Muttenz and the Canton of Basel-Landschaft, consult a qualified Swiss immigration and corporate lawyer.