Getting residence in Switzerland (Zug)
Switzerland separates EU/EFTA citizens (agreement) and non-EU (quotas). Zug is a canton, not a visa route: immigration is federal/cantonal.
How to read the paths
Each card combines a category (how you qualify), an outcome (what you get) and duration (renewable title or permanent). RBI ≠ CBI: the first grants residence, the second a passport.
- EU free movement — EU/EEA citizens: registration, not a classic consular visa.
- Work / employment — Status tied to a local employer or qualifying contract.
- Entrepreneur / company — Activity or company setup: the visa follows the project, not a passport.
- Passive income / retirement — Stable income (pension, dividends, rent) without local employment.
- Nomad / remote — Remote work for an employer or clients outside the country.
- Residence by investment — Investment or financial threshold → residence (not a passport).
- Citizenship by investment — Investment or contribution → passport (programmes often restricted).
- Naturalisation / long stay — After years of legal stay: PR, ILR, C permit, etc.
- Other — Visit, transit or routes outside the frames above.
Paths by category
Indicative thresholds, timelines and fees — verify with official sources and local counsel.
EU free movement
B permit (EU/EFTA)
EU free movement
Residence permit
Temporary
Process steps
- Zug/other canton contract
- Commune arrival notice
- Cantonal permit
- Card
Sources: sem.admin.ch
Work / employment
Non-EU permit (quota)
Work / employment
Residence permit
Temporary
Process steps
- Employer offer
- SEM/canton dossier
- Quota
- Entry visa if required
- Permit
Sources: sem.admin.ch
Naturalisation / long stay
C permit (settlement)
Naturalisation / long stay
Permanent residence
Permanent
Process steps
- Documented B years
- Integration/language per canton
- C application
- Card
Sources: sem.admin.ch