Swiss golden visa attracts wealthy foreigners for residency

Switzerland's golden visa program remains popular among wealthy foreigners, offering residency through investment. It allows non-EU nationals to live in Switzerland by paying a flat annual tax or investing in a business, with a path to citizenship after ten years. The program requires applicants to be financially independent, own or lease property, and have no criminal record. Processing times are shorter than in other European countries, taking up to eight months for non-EU citizens and four months for EU nationals. Interest in the Swiss golden visa has surged, particularly from Americans, due to political and economic factors. Despite past opposition to the lump-sum tax system, the program continues to attract affluent individuals seeking stability and a high standard of living.