Why Switzerland?
Why Switzerland? Six reasons — and how b_welcome supports you.
b_welcome knows Switzerland — from experience, not textbooks. Andreas Buholzer grew up in Lucerne, worked in Switzerland, the USA and the UK, and held senior positions at EY, Shell, Anheuser-Busch InBev and FRANKE. He combines Swiss market knowledge with international understanding — exactly what you need when coming to Switzerland.
Political & legal stability
Attractive tax environment
Cantonal tax rates among the lowest in Europe. Lump-sum taxation for wealthy individuals. Structuring options for companies and holdings.
Exceptional quality of life
Safe cities, international schools, world-class infrastructure and healthcare — for you and your family.
Strong hotel and restaurant market
International connectivity
Despite non-EU membership, excellently integrated. Multilingual (DE, FR, IT, EN). Three international airports. Ideal base for international business activity.
Neutrality & discretion
Preferred residence for international entrepreneurial families. Banking secrecy within regulated frameworks. A society that lives by restraint and reliability.
Who comes to Switzerland with b_welcome?
For those who want more than just a business plan.
You want to acquire a hotel, develop a gastronomy concept, buy a property or find an operator for your real estate.
b_welcome offers: Hotel Consulting, Hotel Investment, Operator Search, Gastro Consulting, Site Analysis.
You want to establish a presence in the Swiss market without setting up your own subsidiary. You’re looking for a local representative, a board seat, market access or interim leadership.
b_welcome offers: Swiss Representative, Board Mandates, Interim Management, Business Support
You want to relocate your residence to Switzerland and benefit from lump-sum taxation. You’re looking for a discreet, structured partner for settlement.
b_welcome offers: Relocation & Lump-Sum Taxation, cantonal advisory, network to tax advisors & lawyers.
Your company needs leadership competence immediately, is in restructuring or planning a Swiss market entry. You need someone who doesn’t just advise but takes on responsibility.
b_welcome offers: Interim Management, Fiduciary Services, Business Management Consulting, Project Leadership.
➜ Which path fits your situation?
We advise you — personally and discreetly.
Investment opportunities in Switzerland — and how b_welcome guides you.
Hotel and restaurant industry — b_welcome's core market
Switzerland is one of the world’s most sought-after tourism destinations. Lucerne, Zurich, Geneva, the Engadin and the Alpine regions attract international audiences. Boutique hotels, heritage hotels, resorts and city hotels offer different yield and operator profiles. The market is stable, entry is complex — and requires local market knowledge.
Gastronomy real estate, concept development, restaurant acquisitions and operator searches — Switzerland offers a demanding but rewarding market environment. Quality, provenance and concept are decisive. Staff shortages and regulation demand professional guidance from the outset.
HOW B_WELCOME HELPS
b_welcome accompanies hotel and gastronomy investments from start to finish:
Strategic Hotel Consulting & concept development
Hotel Investment: site analysis, feasibility study, investor placement
Operator Search: systematic, discreet, from a strong network
Gastro Consulting: concept, positioning, revenue management
Gastro Venue: find, buy, lease, sell
Fiduciary: accounting, annual accounts, payroll for hospitality & gastronomy
Company foundation or acquisition
Founding or acquiring a company that creates jobs is a recognised path to a residence permit. Common forms: GmbH (min. CHF 20,000) or AG (min. CHF 100,000). Minimum investment for residency: approx. CHF 1M in projects or commercial real estate.
Commercial real estate: offices, production facilities, hotels
Switzerland offers attractive commercial properties with a stable legal position. Off-market properties are often only accessible through personal networks. Permit questions and authority contacts require local expertise.
HOW B_WELCOME HELPS:
Switzerland offers attractive commercial properties with a stable legal position. Off-market properties are often only accessible through personal networks. Permit questions and authority contacts require local expertise.
Site analysis & market potential
Commercial real estate: search, assessment, negotiation, authority support
Business support: market entry, structure setup, local representation
Board mandates: seat on the board of your Swiss company
The path to Switzerland — residence permits & settlement with b_welcome.
b_welcome accompanies hotel and gastronomy investments from start to finish:
A — Short-term permit (up to 12 months)
For temporary work, education or projects. Not renewable without new proof. Suitable for interim managers or project leaders.
B — Residence permit (annually renewable)
For employed, self-employed, investors and retirees with proof of financial means. Access to C permit after 5 years (EU/EFTA) or 10 years (third countries).
C — Settlement permit (unlimited)
Unlimited residence, full access to labour and real estate market. Requirements: integration, language skills, no welfare dependency.
What is lump-sum taxation?
A special tax procedure for wealthy foreign nationals who reside in Switzerland but do not work here. Taxes are not levied on worldwide income, but on living expenses in Switzerland — calculated as a lump sum. Predictable. Transparent. Efficient.
✓ Fixed, foreseeable tax amount
✓ No access to worldwide assets or income
✓ Double tax treaties applicable
✓ No disclosure of worldwide income sources
✓ Cantonal negotiation options
✓ Attractive for international entrepreneurial families
Swiss citizenship — benefits, requirements, support.
Benefits of Swiss citizenship
✓ Visa-free travel to over 170 countries
✓ Dual citizenship permitted
✓ Full democratic rights
✓ EU freedom of movement via bilateral agreements
✓ Access to civil service positions
Ordinary naturalisation
→ Min. 10 years of lawful residence
→ Demonstrable integration & language skills
→ No welfare dependency
Facilitated naturalisation
→ Spouses of Swiss nationals
→ 3rd generation
→ Stateless persons
b_welcome accompanies your naturalisation process strategically:
→ Early planning: which municipality, which canton optimises your chances
→ Structuring integration evidence & documentation
→ Network to naturalisation specialists and lawyers
→ Ongoing support throughout your residence in Switzerland
→ Connections to local networks that promote acceptance in the community
Taxes and cantons
What you need to know, and how b_welcome makes the right choice.
Zug —
For entrepreneurs & investors
Schwyz —
For individuals & families
Lucerne —
For hotel investors & culture
Valais/Ticino —
For lump-sum taxation & lifestyle
Geneva —
For international families & diplomats
Vaud —
For UHNW & private schools
You want to be present in the Swiss market — without setting up your own subsidiary?
Why local presence is decisive
Switzerland is a relationship market.
What a Swiss representative delivers
Representation with authorities, clients and partners.
Board mandates & governance
Every Swiss AG and GmbH requires a board with Swiss domicile.
When do companies need interim management?
Sudden leadership vacancy. Restructuring. Growth and expansion. Pre-opening of a hotel. Digitalisation projects. Reorganisation.
What distinguishes b_welcome interim managers
They take on operational responsibility — not just advising.
Everyday life in Switzerland — and how b_welcome eases the transition.
What you need to know, and how b_welcome makes the right choice.
Housing —
High rental prices, low homeownership rate.
Healthcare —
Mandatory health insurance (KVG).
Transport —
Best public transport network in the world.
International schools —
Switzerland has one of the densest international school networks worldwide.
Language & culture —
Depending on canton: German, French or Italian as main language.