Due to the political situation in the Middle East, the medias have reported a large number of wealthy people going to Switzerland to be safe.

Is it really interesting in an international comparison to reside in Switzerland?

According to Travel News, “Iceland secures first place with 92.4 points, closely followed by Switzerland (91.1) and Norway (90.85).” (Travelnews.ch 17th February 2026).

While Switzerland has its advantages of its weather (a bit warmer than Iceland and Norway), its educational system (for which the Scandinavian countries also score high points), it also has its geographic and diplomatic advantages of being in the center of Europe and fostering relations with the EU in the sectors of science, trade and immigration.

Switzerland has one of the lowest tax burdens compared to the rest of Europe.

While there are few countries that can match Switzerland for bringing up children in a healthy environment with sports, music and education, it can be a lonely place for retirement unless you have friends and family here or are willing to make an active effort (https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/opinion_lonely-in-switzerland/43747692).

Swiss people tend to be more introverted and reserved, but once you get to know them, they will bend over backwards to help you out.

Switzerland does not just have advantages – and the disadvantages also need to be considered.

It remains a highly regulated country like Singapore and you need to understand and accept certain restrictions and particularities which may seem harsh at first (eg. shops closed on Sundays except in train stations, airports, petrol pump shops and one or two grocery shops in each commune, not showering after 8 pm in certain cantons).

There is no citizenship by investment because Swiss authorities believe that their citizens need to be well integrated into local society – hence the French language requirement for the renewal of permits and the access to the long-term permit for residing in Switzerland.

If you are not a EU citizen, the possibilities of seeking residency can be quite restrictive but not impossible depending on your age, your professional background, your financial situation and your sector of activity.

There are plain vanilla permits for the employment of EU citizens by Swiss companies and the more complex permits for entrepreneurs who have innovative ideas that could benefit the Swiss economy. There are also the retirement permits for those who do not plan to have a professional activity in Switzerland.

While Switzerland has its regulations, its particularities and administrative hurdles, it remains possible to discuss matters with Swiss authorities to find practical legal solutions.

It is therefore important to seek advice and understand the rules because the Swiss legal system is based on the premise that “Nobody is supposed to ignore the law”.

At Page & Partners, we have been assisting our clients to relocate to Switzerland, providing them with our services from their arrival in Switzerland – for both personal (immigration, real estate, insurances, inheritance ) and corporate matters, in a proactive, global manner for almost 15 years.

We look forward to welcoming you to Switzerland.