Do EU/EFTA citizens have a preferential route?

Yes. Under the bilateral agreements with the European Union, EU/EFTA citizens obtain the B permit through a simplified procedure, whether as employees or as pensioners / non-gainful wealthy individuals.

Is there an investor visa (golden visa)?

Switzerland has no golden visa in the EU sense. Non-EU nationals can however access the non-gainful B permit for wealthy individuals, granted on the basis of a cantonal fiscal interest (typically the forfait itself). It is a route routinely used in the Luganese.

After how many years can you apply for the C permit?

EU/EFTA citizens: after 5 years of uninterrupted residence. Citizens of countries with a specific agreement (US, Canada): 5 years. Other countries: 10 years, reducible to 5 with proven integration.

And Swiss naturalisation?

Ordinary naturalisation requires 10 years of residence in Switzerland (years between ages 8 and 18 count double), a current C permit, proven integration and no tax arrears. It is a long but realistic route.

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Chapter 03 · Residence

Which permit you actually need.

B permit, non-gainful B, C, Ci, naturalisation. The right choice depends on your passport, your age and your long-term plan — not on your Milan lawyer.

EU/EFTA B permit

For EU and EFTA citizens, the B permit is typically issued within 4-8 weeks through the Canton Ticino Migration Office, against lease agreement, proof of sufficient means and LAMal health insurance cover.

Non-gainful B permit (non-EU)

For non-EU citizens not of working age or not intending to work in Switzerland, art. 30 FNIA allows a B permit to be issued where a significant cantonal interest exists. In Ticino, that interest is typically fiscal: the forfait itself justifies it.

Practical sequence

Month 0–1: choice of municipality, home selection, tax ruling.
Month 1–2: permit application filed with the Migration Office.
Month 2–3: entry authorisation issued; transfer of residence.
Month 3+: registration with the municipal Residents' Office, physical permit issued, bank account opened.

C permit — when it comes

The C permit (settlement) consolidates the holder's rights: it has no periodic expiry, releases residual residence restrictions and opens — eventually — the path to naturalisation. For most of our clients it is assessed after the first five years.

Domande frequenti

Risposte rapide

Do EU/EFTA citizens have a preferential route?: Yes. Under the bilateral agreements with the European Union, EU/EFTA citizens obtain the B permit through a simplified procedure, whether as employees or as pensioners / non-gainful wealthy individuals.
Is there an investor visa (golden visa)?: Switzerland has no golden visa in the EU sense. Non-EU nationals can however access the non-gainful B permit for wealthy individuals, granted on the basis of a cantonal fiscal interest (typically the forfait itself). It is a route routinely used in the Luganese.
After how many years can you apply for the C permit?: EU/EFTA citizens: after 5 years of uninterrupted residence. Citizens of countries with a specific agreement (US, Canada): 5 years. Other countries: 10 years, reducible to 5 with proven integration.
And Swiss naturalisation?: Ordinary naturalisation requires 10 years of residence in Switzerland (years between ages 8 and 18 count double), a current C permit, proven integration and no tax arrears. It is a long but realistic route.

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