Switzerland · Startup Visa
Entrepreneur and startup visa programs, investment thresholds, and application criteria.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Switzerland has no single dedicated startup visa. EU/EFTA nationals can set up a business and obtain residence relatively freely; non-EU/EFTA founders generally need a residence-and-work permit for self-employment, which is granted by the cantonal authorities subject to economic interest, quotas and qualifications. Cantonal economic-development offices support innovative founders.
- There is no single dedicated startup visa; routes differ for EU/EFTA vs non-EU/EFTA founders.
- Non-EU/EFTA founders need a self-employment residence-and-work permit from the canton (subject to quotas).
- Cantonal economic-development offices support innovative founders.
- State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
Official authority for work/self-employment permits.
- Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE)
Official body supporting business setup and investment.
Government portals
- ch.ch — Swiss Authorities Online — Official information portal for federal, cantonal and communal authorities
- State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) — Visas, residence permits (B/C), and naturalisation
- Federal Tax Administration (FTA) — Federal tax and VAT (cantonal taxes are levied separately)
- EasyGov.swiss — One-stop company registration and business admin