The third stronghold
Owning a Swiss company can open the door to Swiss residency.
For Bolivian and other non-EU clients, an active role in a profitable Swiss SME is the most credible pathway to a Swiss residence permit for you and your family.
Why this works
Active ownership = lasting economic interest
Under the Swiss Federal Act on Foreign Nationals (FNIA, art. 18–19), third-country nationals can obtain a residence permit when they actively run a company that serves Switzerland's lasting economic interest: jobs, investment, tax base and sector fit. Acquiring an existing profitable SME with revenue, staff and premises is materially stronger evidence than a greenfield startup. That is exactly what Swisshedge delivers.
Core requirements
- Active operational role in the Swiss company (not a passive shareholder).
- Swiss AG or GmbH with a registered office and a resident director.
- Credible business plan and proof of lasting economic interest.
- Sufficient personal funds and adequate accommodation in Switzerland.
- Quota availability in the chosen canton (Zug, Schwyz, Zurich, Geneva, etc.).
The pathway
Five steps to a Swiss B permit
We coordinate the Swiss-side filing with our mandated local consultant, Swiss counsel and the resident director. The cantonal migration office and SEM make the final decision.
- Step 01
Acquire the Swiss SME
Closing of the share purchase, Swiss entity in your name with operational substance.
- Step 02
Appoint a resident director
Satisfies the Swiss residency requirement at company level and supports day-to-day operations.
- Step 03
Build the economic-interest dossier
Business plan, financials, jobs preserved or created, tax projections and canton fit.
- Step 04
Secure housing and file the B permit
Lease or property in the chosen canton, application to the cantonal migration office and SEM.
- Step 05
Bring your family, renew, then C permit
Family reunification with the B permit, annual renewals, and permanent C permit typically after 10 years (5 for some nationalities).
Permits are issued by the cantonal authorities and SEM. Swisshedge prepares and supports the filing — we do not guarantee approval.
Spouse and minor children included
- Spouse and minor children eligible for family reunification.
- Access to Swiss public schools and healthcare system.
- Right to live and, for the spouse, work in Switzerland.
- Same renewal cycle as the principal applicant.
What we do, what authorities decide
A clear scope of work
Swisshedge sources the company, runs the acquisition, sets up the resident director and prepares the economic-interest dossier with Swiss counsel. The decision to grant the B permit rests with the cantonal migration office and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), within annual federal quotas.
FAQ
Common questions
- Is residency automatic when I buy a Swiss company?
- No. The company gives you a credible economic basis to apply, but the permit is granted by the cantonal authorities and SEM, subject to quotas.
- Can my spouse and children come with me?
- Yes. Family reunification is generally available with a B permit for spouse and minor children.
- How long until permanent residence?
- A C permit (permanent residence) is typically available after 10 years of continuous B permit residence, or 5 years for nationals of certain countries with bilateral agreements.
- Which canton is best?
- It depends on your sector, tax profile and quota availability. Zug, Schwyz, Zurich and Geneva are common; we advise based on your case.
- Do I need to live in Switzerland full time?
- B permit holders are generally expected to make Switzerland their effective centre of life and not be absent for extended periods.
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