Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Switzerland Expat Forum

residency without employment

New Topic Newest First
reneelgraves
  11/10/2016 04:40 EST

I have a question, and honestly I am having trouble finding my answer on the governmental websites or popular sites associated with Swiss immigration. My husband is a MD/radiologist and he belongs to a group in the US that is considering allowing him to "night hawk" via telecommunications - i.e., read studies and films for them online during what would be the "overnight" shift from another country - one more or less 12 hours away - so that his "day" at work corresponds with their nightshift back home. This is becoming more common in radiology, but most hospitals are using "nighthawk firms," (based largely from India) to do their reading. In our instance, however, we are investigating the possibility of the US employee retaining his job at home and simply performing it from a location abroad. If we could get the details worked out, our family is very interested in living in Switzerland. However, everywhere on every expat site I've noticed that the assumption is that the foreign citizen would either be coming to Switzerland to work, or to look for a job. We would not be - we would actually be earning our income from an American job, and simply living in and spending our income in Switzerland. Is this possible? Does anyone know? Or is the "to live here you must work here" rule the standard for a Visa? Mind, we are in the very beginning of the exploratory stage of this, so forgive me if my question seems particularly uninformed - I swear I've been searching for the answer for hours to no avail! Thanks!

OldPro
  12/10/2016 17:24 EST

Probably too late to answer now but I'll write one anyway in case someone else has the same type of question.

Switzerland is a country where many people live but do not work in the country. Here are a few you might have heard of:
http://www.thelocal.ch/20130422/top-ten-celebrity-expats-living-in-switzerland

All you need is enough money, there is no requirement that you work.

rvandenberg
  2/10/2017 12:46 EST

Dear Reneelgraves
assume you found your answer already, but if not.....:
if you are a non EU citizen you will not be able to live in Switzerland without any work permit and employer in Switzerland (i.e. proper employment contract with a company registered in Switzerland)
There are some exceptions possible but would not apply in your case.
Hope this helps!
best regards
Roswitha van den Berg
Bridging Cultures Relocation

lilamila
  3/8/2017 12:35 EST

If you do any economic activity (even if it's remote work) in Switzerland, then legally speaking, you're working here, therefore you'll need a work permit. If your main purpose is only to live here, then you can consider retirement visa - provided you have enormous savings. Life is expensive here. Even the American night-hawk job may not suffice... unless we're talking about 120K or above for a family. Why not instead consider moving to India to retain the job? Or some other cheaper European country like Italy / Spain?

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global HealthCigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Living in Switzerland GuideLiving in Switzerland Guide

Expats in Switzerland advise newcomers to join a few expat clubs, learn German (or French / Italian), enjoy the outdoors and travel Europe.

Switzerland Forum Switzerland Forum
Join our Switzerland forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Switzerland.

Contribute to Switzerland Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Switzerland.

Best Places to Live in Switzerland Best Places to Live in Switzerland

If you're dreaming about living in Switzerland, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Switzerland in 2023.

Expat Healthcare Advice in Switzerland173 Expats Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Switzerland

Expats living in Switzerland talk about their own experiences with healthcare, hospital visits, emergencies, finding a doctor, buying health insurance in Switzerland and more.

Cost of Living in SwitzerlandCost of Living in Switzerland

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Switzerland.

Moving to SwitzerlandMoving to Switzerland Guide

Switzerland is a country rich with tradition, natural beauty and one of the most stable economies in the world. It is, however, also extremely expensive and expats often report difficult settling into the culture.

Real Estate in SwitzerlandReal Estate in Switzerland

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Switzerland.

Pros Cons of Living in SwitzerlandPros & Cons of Living in Switzerland

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Switzerland.

Retiring in SwitzerlandRetiring in Switzerland

Advice for people retiring in Switzerland.

10 Tips for Living in Switzerland10 Tips for Living in Switzerland

If you've recently arrived in Switzerland, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Switzerland.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global HealthCigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Contribute to Switzerland Network Contribute
Help others in Switzerland by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Switzerland.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal