If you are considering working, investing or setting up a business in Switzerland, you surely must have wondered about how to enter the country or reside in the country.  You must have wondered about how to legally work in the country, the naturalization process of the country and what rights does a foreigner have with regard to purchasing real estate properties.  These are not certainly an EU citizen concerns since the Bilateral Agreement in 2004 was signed; wherein, EU citizens gained considerable rights over entry and residency in Switzerland.  If you are not, however, an EU citizen, then this would certainly concern you.

The right to reside in Switzerland maybe granted to non-EU citizen.  Residency is granted by the Swiss government if it is requested for a specific purpose, i.e. education, retirement, family reunification and others.  One must comply with the conditions imposed in exchange of the grant for residency.  However, EU citizens would be eventually granted complete freedom in entering the country.

When requesting entry to Switzerland, you could be granted a visa-free entry for up to 90 days but you have to leave once the 90-day period expires.  This type of entry is available to citizens of most countries.  

There are 6 types of residency permit in Switzerland, the 120 day permit, fiscal deal permit, political refugee permit, and the class A, B, C permits.  The most common type of permit issued is the Class B permit, which you might get if you are considering working, investing or setting up a company in Switzerland.  It is the right to work and live in the country.  This is also granted to rich individuals who desire to live in Switzerland.  The permit is valid for one year.  If you are given a permit to work, it is very important that you must have a job waiting for you in Switzerland.  This permit also allows you to bring your wife and your children along with you to reside in the country and it would only take you 3 months to get your permit.