Switzerland Expat Guide for Americans

~25K

American Residents

8.5%

Federal Corporate Tax

11-22%

Cantonal Tax Range

CHF 1M+ / $1.12M+

Typical HNW Threshold

Private Banking Hub: Switzerland remains the world's largest offshore wealth management center, holding approximately $2.4 trillion in cross-border assets. US citizens face enhanced due diligence but can still access Swiss banking with proper compliance.

US Tax Obligations: American citizens remain subject to US taxation on worldwide income regardless of Swiss residence. FATCA reporting requirements mean Swiss banks report US account holder information to the IRS. Consult a cross-border tax specialist before relocating.

Navigate This Guide

Entry & Visas

Schengen rules, 90-day limits, and visa requirements for Americans visiting Switzerland.

Residence Permits

B permits, C permits, lump-sum taxation eligibility, and pathways to settlement.

Property Ownership

Lex Koller restrictions, cantonal authorizations, and permitted purchases for foreigners.

Taxation

Forfait fiscal (lump-sum), cantonal variations, US-Swiss tax treaty, and wealth tax.

Healthcare

Mandatory health insurance, LAMal requirements, and premium costs by canton.

Banking & Finance

Opening accounts as an American, private banking, FATCA compliance, and wealth management.

Safety & Security

Crime rates, natural hazards, emergency services, and US Embassy contacts.

Business Formation

AG, GmbH, holding companies, and corporate structures for US entrepreneurs.

Criminal Law

Laws affecting expats, enforcement patterns, and what to do if arrested.

Enforcement Tracker

Database of cases involving foreigners in Swiss legal proceedings.

Cost of Living

Geneva, Zurich, and other cities: housing, healthcare premiums, and lifestyle costs.

            Why Americans Choose Switzerland
            Political Stability: Centuries of neutrality, direct democracy, and institutional continuity
Wealth Management: World's premier private banking jurisdiction with sophisticated asset protection
Lump-Sum Taxation: Forfait fiscal allows qualifying residents to be taxed on living expenses rather than worldwide income
Quality of Life: Consistently ranked among the highest in the world for safety, healthcare, and infrastructure
Central European Location: Strategic access to EU markets while maintaining independence
Business Environment: Low corporate taxes, skilled workforce, and strong IP protections

        

Cantonal System Overview

Switzerland's 26 cantons function as semi-sovereign states with significant autonomy over taxation, education, and local governance. Tax rates vary dramatically between cantons:

Canton	Tax Profile	Character
Zug	Lowest taxes	Corporate & crypto hub
Schwyz	Very low taxes	Residential, scenic
Geneva	Higher taxes	International, French-speaking
Zurich	Moderate taxes	Financial center
Vaud	Moderate-high	Lausanne, Lake Geneva

Residence Permit Pathways

Americans typically access Swiss residency through:

B Permit (Employment): Tied to Swiss employer, renewable annually
B Permit (Self-Employed): Requires business benefiting Swiss economy
B Permit (No Gainful Activity): For retirees/HNW with sufficient assets
C Permit (Settlement): After 5-10 years, permanent residence
Lump-Sum Route: B permit with forfait fiscal for qualifying HNW individuals

Key Considerations for Americans

Advantages

No inheritance tax in most cantons
Strong asset protection laws
Stable currency (CHF)
Excellent infrastructure
Multilingual environment
Access to EU via bilateral agreements

Challenges

Very high cost of living
Complex cantonal regulations
Lex Koller property restrictions
Banking difficulties for US citizens (FATCA)
US tax obligations continue
Competitive permit quotas for non-EU

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. Swiss laws vary significantly by canton and change frequently. Consult with qualified Swiss attorneys and cross-border tax specialists before making relocation decisions. Information current as of January 2026.