Many people wish to move to Switzerland without taking up employment here, for example in retirement or to live closer to their family. Whether this is possible, however, depends largely on their nationality.
EU and EFTA Nationals: An Entitlement Subject to Clear Requirements
Under the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, EU nationals are entitled to a residence permit even if they are not gainfully employed. Comparable rules apply to the EFTA states. To qualify, you must meet two requirements: sufficient financial means, so that you do not need to claim social assistance, and health insurance covering all risks.
Your means are considered sufficient if they exceed the social assistance rates set out in the SKOS guidelines. For retirees, however, a different benchmark applies: their means must exceed the amount that would entitle a person in Switzerland to supplementary benefits. Moreover, the funds do not necessarily have to come from you personally. The permit is valid for at least five years and is renewed automatically as long as the requirements continue to be met. After two years, however, the authorities may review them.
Third-Country Nationals: Admission Only in Specific Cases
People from third countries have no such entitlement. Without gainful employment, there are essentially two possible purposes of stay: education or training, or retirement. Separate rules apply to studies, which we explain in a dedicated article. A vocational apprenticeship, on the other hand, counts as gainful employment and is therefore subject to the admission rules for employees.
Retirees from Third Countries
Retirees may be granted a permit, but they have no entitlement to one. You must be at least 55 years old and have means exceeding the supplementary benefits benchmark. In addition, you may not pursue any gainful activity, either in Switzerland or abroad; the only exception is the management of your own assets.
Finally, special personal ties to Switzerland are decisive. These may arise, for example, from longer previous stays or from strong bonds with close relatives living in Switzerland. In practice, however, family ties alone are not sufficient. Rather, the authorities require independent connections, such as membership in local clubs or regular contact with the local population.
Exceptions: Hardship Cases and Important Public Interests
Beyond this, the law allows further permits in individual cases. This applies to serious cases of personal hardship, where factors such as health and the prospects of reintegration in the country of origin are considered. Important public interests may likewise justify a stay, for example substantial fiscal interests of a canton. The authorities, however, grant these exceptions very sparingly.
Conclusion: Careful Documentation Is Key
EU and EFTA nationals can live in Switzerland without working, provided they prove sufficient means and health insurance coverage. For third-country nationals, by contrast, strict requirements apply. A convincing application that documents both the ties to Switzerland and the financial situation is therefore all the more important.
Planning to move to Switzerland without taking up employment? Lauke Immigration Services will assess your options and guide you through the entire procedure.
This post is for general information and does not replace advice on an individual case.
