Switzerland and its tax packages are on the rise in wealthy foreigners. Between 2023 and 2024, the obtaining of golden visas for nationals not coming from the European Union thus increased by 22%. Other countries, however, take measures against this practice.
The principle of a golden visa is to obtain a residence permit on the basis of his fortune. People from a country outside the European Union wishing to settle in Switzerland can agree with the authorities to agree on a tax package.
“To be able to claim to reside in the territory, its presence must be beneficial for the country,” explains Lassana Dioum, tax lawyer at PBM, in the 19:30 of RTS. “So we will consider that this beneficial interest is of increased taxation”.
>> Read also: Ultra-rich: between 145,000 and 420,000 francs to obtain a B license
Between 2023 and 2024, nationals outside the EU benefiting from this tax-free pass increased by 22%. At the end of March 2025, there would be 496 to stay in Switzerland.
“Two weights, two measurements”
If the general public retains the names of a few stars like Robbie Williams, who settled in Geneva, then in Gstaad, Great Britain is only the third beneficiary country. The most numerous are the Russian citizens, followed by Chinese nationals.
-It is above all the French -speaking cantons who welcome these wealthy foreigners from the outside countries. Bern included, 292 of the 496 beneficiaries are established in French -speaking cantons, including 117 in Geneva. This situation revolts The National Councilor (Vert-ES/GE) Delphine Klopfenstein-Broggini, for whom the government practices the two-weight policy, two measures.
“Today, we have a facilitated practice for golden visas and next to that, we have an incredible difficulty in obtaining humanitarian visas for children who are suffering in Gaza”, denounces the elected green. “We must put these two absolutely contradictory situations on the table and say what is our role: that of protecting or that of attracting great fortunes?”.
International differences
Also abroad, the practice is debated. Great Britain has deleted certain provisions, while Portugal and Spain hardened the conditions. The European Union is putting pressure on other countries like Malta to limit practice.
>> Read also: In Europe, golden passports and visas are declining
But in the United States, Donald Trump recently mentioned a Gold Card at $ 5 million to settle on American soil.
Matthieu Hoffstets/Edel
