Switzerland

Immigration & residency

Permit categories differ for non-EU citizens; cantonal sponsorship often matters.

• B permit (temporary residence) and C permit (permanent residence) are the common longer-term statuses.
• L permits cover short-term workers; investor and entrepreneur routes require cantonal support.
• Registration establishes residency, with definitions varying by canton.

Tax considerations

U.S. citizens keep U.S. filing obligations, and Swiss tax is layered — federal, cantonal, and communal — so location matters.

• There is no single Swiss tax picture: rules differ by canton and commune, which makes the choice of canton a real planning decision.
• A U.S.–Switzerland tax treaty and a totalization agreement are in force.
• Swiss pension pillars and U.S. retirement accounts are treated very differently by each country — coordinate before contributing or drawing.
• U.S. reporting (FBAR, FATCA, FEIE/foreign tax credit) continues, and Swiss investment funds commonly raise PFIC questions.

U.S. tax topics are informed by James M. Cassidy, CPA, our contributing U.S. tax expert. This section is general information only — not tax advice; always consult a qualified tax professional in the relevant jurisdiction.

Financial planning

Keeping U.S. accounts working while you build a life in Switzerland takes more coordination than in most destinations.

• Confirm whether your U.S. brokerage and retirement custodians keep non-resident accounts open.
• Many Swiss banks limit services for U.S. citizens because of FATCA — plan your account structure before you move.
• Plan income across currencies, and consider currency movement in your cash-flow planning.
• Coordinate U.S. and Swiss-side professionals so nothing falls between the two systems.

Cross-border financial planning at US Expat is led by Adrian Flambard and Bennett Linsky.

Insurance & protection

Coverage that worked at home needs review once you are resident in Switzerland.

• Health insurance is mandatory for Swiss residents — basic coverage plus optional private supplements.
• Whether existing U.S. life and protection policies travel with you.
• Transitional and travel coverage for the move itself.

Insurance topics are informed by our contributing specialists, Ron Sussman and Anthony Giannone.

Banking & currency

Setting up locally and moving money sensibly are early practical steps — with extra FATCA friction in Switzerland.

• Opening a Swiss account as a U.S. citizen — expect additional FATCA-driven paperwork and a narrower field of willing banks.
• Keeping U.S. accounts working alongside your Swiss ones.
• Managing transfers, currency, and day-to-day cash flow across two countries.

Banking and U.S.-account topics at US Expat are covered by Adrian Flambard and Bennett Linsky.