Let's be straight: Switzerland is the hardest country in this catalogue for expats to retire to, and the most expensive — prices run about 70% above the EU average. There is a retiree route, but it demands "close ties" to Switzerland and cantonal approval. If you qualify, here's everything, from official sources, checked and dated.
The Art. 28 retiree permit and its "close ties" test, the lump-sum-tax route, worker quotas — and who realistically qualifies.
3 guides → Guide hubThree layers of tax, top rates from ~22% (Zug) to ~42% (Geneva), annual wealth tax, lump-sum taxation, and the US/CA treaties.
Read → Guide hubMandatory KVG/LaMal insurance within 3 months, CHF 465/month average adult premium in 2026 — and why age 68 costs the same as 30.
Read → Guide hubLex Koller limits on foreign buyers, the 1,500-a-year holiday-home quota, and why 64% of Switzerland rents.
Read → Guide hubReal FSO and Eurostat data: 71% above the EU average, food +61% — and what a retired couple actually spends.
Read → Guide hubThe 8,500-permit quota, why the retiree permit bans work worldwide, and the US/CA totalization agreements.
Read → Guide hubRegistering within 14 days, swapping your US/CA driving licence inside 12 months, four languages, bringing pets.
Read → Guide hubZurich, Geneva, Vaud, Valais, Ticino — real cantonal rents, tax differences, and honest trade-offs.
Read →Art. 28 FNIA: the 55+ rule, what "close ties" actually means, the money test, and why most applicants fail.
Read the guide → Tax & FinanceThe forfait fiscal: CHF 435k federal minimum in 2026, cantonal practice from Geneva to Valais, and the US-citizen catch.
Read the guide → HealthcareKVG/LaMal is mandatory within 3 months — retroactive to arrival. 2026 premiums, deductibles, and the good news for over-60s.
Read the guide →Swiss residence applications live or die on cantonal practice. Tell us where you are in your plans and we'll answer, or introduce a specialist we've independently vetted.