27 October 2026

The Business Plan as the Key to a Swiss Work and Residence Permit for Entrepreneurs

  • Articles
  • Legal
  • Employment / Immigration

Switzerland does not have a classic «Golden Visa» program. However, for entrepreneurs from non-EU and non-EFTA countries, setting up their own company in Switzerland is a established route to a residence and work permit.

  • Marcel Stucky

    Senior Legal Associate

  • Michèle Stutz

    Legal Partner

I. Introduction

Switzerland does not have a classic «Golden Visa» program. A person from a non-EU and non-EFTA country cannot secure residence in Switzerland simply by making an investment. Still, there are routes for entrepreneurs to obtain a residence and work permit. The established route is to set up or develop a business in Switzerland.

Legally, this type of permit application is assessed under the rules on self employment in Article 19 of the Swiss Foreign Nationals and Integration Act. This provision requires, among other things, that the permit serves Switzerland’s overall economic interest. The business plan is therefore a key document. It shows the authorities whether the planned business can create real economic value for Switzerland.

II. What is the overall economic interest?

The term overall economic interest may sound abstract, but in practice it is decisive. It does not mean that the entrepreneur simply needs to bring sufficient funds. Nor is it enough to incorporate a company in Switzerland and rent an office. The authorities assess whether the specific project can be expected to have a lasting positive effect on the Swiss economy. Key criteria include in particular:

  • creation of jobs in Switzerland;
  • investments in Switzerland and contracts with Swiss companies;
  • contribution to the diversification of the regional economy;
  • innovation or specialisation of the business model;
  • generation of significant tax revenue.

III. What should the business plan include?

The business plan must allow the authorities to understand the planned company and assess its economic relevance. It is not a marketing document. Overly promotional language should therefore be used with great care.

It is advisable to present the company in a clear, realistic and understandable way. Short and simple sentences work well.

A business plan should in particular cover the following points:

  • coverage period of three years;
  • information on the company, in particular its business activity, business model, purpose, revenue model and reasons for choosing Switzerland as its location;
  • budgeted turnover;
  • budgeted profit;
  • budgeted costs, in particular salaries, rent and other material cost items;
  • number of planned new hires per year, both in total and broken down by Swiss nationals and EU or EFTA nationals, including the planned roles;
  • information on the sources of revenue and the expected tax revenue.

The business plan does not have to be very long. In most cases, four to six pages are sufficient. What matters is that it is informative and clearly answers the key questions.


IV. Optimism yes, wishful thinking no

A business plan for a permit application must strike a careful balance.

If it is too cautious, the project may appear economically unattractive to the authorities. If only low turnover, little profit and no or only a few jobs are projected, the chances of obtaining a permit may be lower. It should also be kept in mind that the project competes with many other projects for a limited number of permits. The business plan should therefore show clearly why this project stands out and why it deserves to be considered.

If, on the other hand, the business plan is too much driven by wishful thinking, a different problem arises. Permits are often granted for only one or two years at first. At the time of the renewal of the permit, the authorities will in particular review whether the figures forecast in the business plan have been achieved. Anyone who promises very high turnover, fast growth or many new jobs must later be able to explain why these targets were not met. Whether such explanations are accepted is at the discretion of the authorities. If the initial permit was expressly made subject to achieving the targets set out in the business plan, it may be difficult to rely on later explanations for missed targets.

The business plan should therefore not disappear into a drawer after the permit has been initially granted. It should be reviewed regularly during the permit period. This helps the company see early whether turnover, profit, investments and staff growth are on track. If deviations arise, the company should react in good time and take suitable measures or document the deviations in a clear and credible way.

V. Conclusion

The business plan is the entry ticket for entrepreneurs seeking access to a Swiss permit. It must show economic potential without creating unrealistic expectations. The key is a plan that is reliable, easy to understand and actively reviewed throughout the permit period.

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The MME Approach

MME applies legal expertise where it makes a difference. AI is used in a targeted way to automate standardised tasks. This helps manage costs in line with the complexity of each case (see our non binding cost estimates on our website). For each of the following steps, MME can provide tailored cost estimates if required.

1. Initial assessment by MME: Review of the facts, the business plan, the CV and the expected chances of success.

2. Informal preliminary consultation with the authorities, where offered by the competent cantonal authority: Request for a preliminary assessment on a no name basis. The discussion focuses in particular on the business plan and the applicant’s CV.

3. Decision «Go / No Go»: Based on the assessment of the authorities or of MME, MME provides a recommendation.

4. Appeal proceedings: If the authority issues a negative decision or if an initially granted permit is not renewed later, MME reviews the chances of success of an appeal and supports the client in the further proceedings if required. MME has extensive experience in proceedings before cantonal courts and the Federal Administrative Court.
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