Preparation and Entry

Residence without gainful employment: prove means and insurance

Anyone staying in Switzerland for more than three months without gainful employment needs a residence permit from the cantonal migration authority. You must prove sufficient financial means that rule out dependence on social assistance, and health and accident insurance covering Switzerland. Third-country nationals face additional requirements; retired applicants must generally have reached the age of 55 and demonstrate close personal ties to Switzerland. The permit does not entitle you to work.

Who this applies to. This guide applies if the nationality group is not Switzerland, the employment situation in Switzerland is neither Employed nor Self-employed nor Posted worker, the planned length of stay is at least 3 months and the cross-border commuter status is no.

Checklist

Assemble proof of financial means

Bank statements, pension statement or a declaration of support; the cantonal migration authority sets the required amount.
Prove health and accident insurance covering Switzerland

Confirmation of policy from the insurer; without proof of insurance the canton issues no permit.
File the application with the cantonal migration authority

The canton of your future place of residence is responsible, not the municipality.
Do not take up gainful employment

A permit without gainful employment does not entitle you to work; taking up work requires a new application to the cantonal authority.

Costs

Permit fee not quantified

No total: the items depend on conditions and on your situation. A total without your answers would be too high or too low depending on the case — the cost calculation in your plan uses them.

Frequently asked questions

Who does this guide apply to?

This guide applies if the nationality group is not Switzerland, the employment situation in Switzerland is neither Employed nor Self-employed nor Posted worker, the planned length of stay is at least 3 months and the cross-border commuter status is no.

What does it cost?

Permit fee: not quantified.

What do I need to do?

Assemble proof of financial means; Prove health and accident insurance covering Switzerland; File the application with the cantonal migration authority; Do not take up gainful employment.

As of: 08.10.2026