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, with Switzerland-side perspective from Stefano Gmür of BT Barlocchi Treuhand AG. 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.