Valais canton offers an incredible work-life balance with a choice of international schools of high teaching quality and dynamic expat communities.
Integration is the key to open the door to the realm of Swiss permits and citizenship later on. Learn the language, make local friends, participate in your canton’s cultural and economic life, show interest in the cantonal and federal voting topics, respect the rules and the law. If you are an entrepreneur registering a business in the canton, you will be required to show that your activity benefits your canton to obtain and renew your independent work permit.
If you are planning to move to the Swiss Alps, we are also based in Verbier, where we help expats in Valais!
So, what are the golden rules to keep in mind?
If you thinking of relocating to Valais and settling in a mountain resort there are a few rules you would need to keep in mind before making the move. Most importantly, you would need to be eligible for a Swiss residence permit, delivered by your future canton and commune of residency. Thus, you would need to know in which commune you wish to settle before applying for a permit.
EU-27/EFTA citizens can apply for a residence permit without any issues as long as they have sufficient financial means to cover their living costs or hold a work contract or a strong business plan for their independant activity.
For non-European citizens, the permit procedure is quite complex and the type of permit that is granted depends on the purpose of the stay: study, work, entrepreneurship, family reunification, or retirement. Contact us first for legal advice about how to prepare the application !
1. Register yourself upon your arrival
You would need to announce your arrival to the local immigration desk in person and fill out the arrival forms within 14 days to be registered in your future commune of residence.
2.Language rule
Once you receive your permit, make the effort to learn the language spoken in your canton during the first year. At some stage, you will need to provide a Fide language certificate proving that you can communicate in the local language. Different levels apply for different permits, and make sure that every member of your family is making efforts to learn the local language.
3.Social ties
Make sure you create social ties with the local community. It is assumed that you build up a social network with locals through your job or your activities, but it is not always the case. If your work environment or school institution involves only expats speaking English, connect with locals by joining a local association or club. This could be useful later on if you wish to apply for a fast-track C permit after 5 years of residency or for naturalization, where you will have to demonstrate existing social ties with the local community.
4.Pay your bills in time
Pay your bills and avoid debts being registered in your name. Thus, when applying for any type of permit or when renewing a B permit, an extract from the debt enforcement register is required to ensure that you are following the rules and paying your bills. Debts enforcement proceedings can stay your extract for a while if you do not specifically ask to have it removed after settling the bill.
5.Be aware of speeding
Be careful when you are driving, as a severe speeding offence can end up on your criminal record. Such infractions can result in heavy fines and appear on your criminal record. This often comes as an unpleasant surprise, especially when it blocks a naturalization procedure for a certain number of years. To apply for a C permit or for citizenship, your criminal record must be blank.
6.The 6-month rule
Don’t leave the country for more than six consecutive months! When holding any type of permit, your center of interests must remain in your canton of domicile and not in another country. You are required to live in Switzerland for at least 180 days per year and not leave the country for more than 6 consecutive months, or you risk of having your permit revoked. The rest of Europe in the Schengen zone is not Switzerland. It is considered that your life, work or studies are taking place in Switzerland if you hold a Swiss permit. Some exceptions can apply and are subject to authorization and the discretionary power of the canton.
7.Freezing your permit
Maintain your center of interests and social ties in Switzerland if you must spend time overseas for study of professional reasons. A B permit cannot be “frozen” but a C permit can be put on hold for up to four years for family or professional reasons. The C permit must be returned and is restituted upon the applicant’s request. These absences can be problematic if you are planning to apply for citizenship, where you must have lived in your canton for a certain number of years just before applying and be integrated in your commune and canton.
8.Entrepreneurs
Relocating your business to Valais? Make sure your business plan is completed with revenue projections for the next 3 years and keep in mind that the canton will want to know how your company will benefit the local economy to grant you the authorization to operate in Switzerland. Include as much details about your services and clients as possible!
9.Change of canton
Make sure you check with your cantonal immigration authority before changing your domicile to another canton. Remember that each canton has their own immigration authority and permit regulations. A non-EU retiree who obtains B permit cannot change cantons in the first five years without authorization. A non-EU who was granted a B permit for a specific job in Switzerland through their employer cannot change employers during the first years. A student cannot change study plans or take part-time employment if the canton hasn’t authorized it. Report any changes in your situation to your local immigration authority!
10.Taxes
Once you receive your permit, you are considered a Swiss resident paying taxes on your income or fortune. Dual tax agreements exist between Switzerland and other countries, such as the UK. Check your situation with a local tax specialist before making the move to Switzerland.
Contact us to get a relocation quote: info@legalexpat.ch. We can handle your permit application, refer you to a tax specialist, provide legal advice, help you with housing, moving and schooling in Valais. We offer flat fees for our relocation packages. Book a consultation online with the keyword “Valais” or send us an email!
01/04/25 – Alexa Mossaz, immigration specialist at Legal Expat
