Retiring in Switzerland offers expats a blend of stunning scenery, a high quality of life, and excellent healthcare. However, retiring in Switzerland as a U.S. taxpayer involves some research.
The process can be easier or more difficult depending on the strength of your ties to the country. Additionally, understanding the Switzerland retirement age, U.S. pension distributions, and the Swiss Pillars are essential. And we can’t neglect to mention the importance of understanding taxes in Switzerland.
But, don’t let the to-do list dissuade you!
In this guide, we’ll cover these key areas, helping you determine whether the decision to retire in Switzerland is right for you.
What is the Retirement Age in Switzerland?
As a result of the 2024 pension reform, the retirement age in Switzerland is now set at 65 for both men and women. (1) (There are transitional provisions for women born between 1961 and 1969.)
💡Research Tip: In English versions of government communications around the Switzerland retirement age, the term “retirement age” has been replaced by “reference age.”
What is the Age of Retirement in the U.S.?
The retirement age in the U.S. for those born in or after 1960 is 67.
So, theoretically, a U.S. citizen could retire in Switzerland slightly “early” by U.S. standards. But as you’ll see, retiring in Switzerland is not necessarily an easy immigration pathway for U.S. citizens.
A Note on Early Retirement in Switzerland
U.S. citizens retiring in Switzerland who are younger than 65 will be required to pay Swiss social security taxes (as well as income taxes) until retirement age is reached, even if they aren't working.
If you do not have a spouse who is paying minimum contributions and you do not have income, early retirement contributions will be tied to your wealth and pension income. (2)
Legal and Residency Requirements
In general, retiring abroad will require you to prove two key things, that you can:
- support yourself financially and
- that you have adequate health insurance coverage. Switzerland is no exception here.
The Switzerland Retirement Visa Application Process
If you are moving from the U.S. to retire in Switzerland, you will need to apply for a Swiss long-stay residency (Type D) visa. (3)
This visa is also known as a “National Visa.”
Although often referred to as the “Switzerland Retirement Visa” there is no designated retirement visa for foreigners seeking to retire in Switzerland.
All applications for the Type D visa will go through your nearest Swiss consulate. (4)
Eligibility & Requirements to Retire in Switzerland
The requirements for an American to retire in Switzerland are a little different than those for citizens of EU/EFTA countries.
U.S. citizens moving to Switzerland to retire will need to ensure they meet the following requirements when applying for a Switzerland long-stay visa:
- Over 55 at the time of applying
- Have close connections with Switzerland (e.g., previous residency such as from working, family members in the country)
- Not pursue gainful employment within Switzerland or abroad
- Proof of sufficient financial resources*
- Proof of sufficient health and accident insurance recognized by the Swiss government (note that U.S. Medicare does not qualify)
*The exact amount of financial resources you will need varies by canton. A canton is like a Swiss state, and there are 26 of them in Switzerland. Similarly to the U.S. states, each canton conducts its affairs slightly differently, and each has a corresponding immigration office.
Next Steps: Arrive in Switzerland and Apply for a Swiss B Permit
Once your long-stay residency visa is issued, you will have 14 days from the time of arrival in Switzerland to apply for a “B” residency permit.
This is done at the cantonal immigration authority in which you wish to reside. Retirees should request a “non-working residency permit.”
After completing this process and your residency is approved, you will receive an identification card noting your Permit B immigration status.
How to Get Permanent Residency in Switzerland
You will be required to renew your residency permit every year.
After five years, U.S. and Canadian citizens may request a permanent residency card (“C” permit).
For all other non-EU countries, 10 years of continuous residency in Switzerland is required before applying for Swiss permanent residency.
Cost of Living in Switzerland VS USA
The cost to retire in Switzerland will require a careful analysis of the overall cost of living.
According to LivingCost.org, the cost of living is about 27% higher in Switzerland than in the U.S. (5). It’s worth noting that both countries are considered extremely expensive to live in.
Even though American retirees in Switzerland will have different priorities than Americans working in Switzerland, the cost of living remains an important factor to consider when evaluating a country for retirement.
As one U.S. citizen formerly living in Switzerland as a retiree put it, “...you just have to be mindful of what you want vs. what you need and what part of the country you want to live in.” (6)
Housing Options and Costs
Housing in Switzerland is typically prohibitively expensive. Both rental costs and property prices have surged in recent years, and only 36% of Swiss households own property. (7)
Does Switzerland Tax Retirees Living in Switzerland?
A key aspect of a U.S. citizen’s ability to retire in Switzerland hinges on their willingness to make the country the center of their personal interests. This includes for tax purposes.
Now, Switzerland may be one of the most expensive countries in Europe, but establishing Swiss tax residency can also come with significant benefits. As with anything, though, planning will be key.
U.S. Expatriate Taxation in Switzerland
When tax residency is established, American retirees living in Switzerland will still be liable for US expatriate taxes due to citizenship-based taxation.
Fortunately, a strong double taxation agreement (DTA) between the United States and Switzerland (8) enables nimble financial planning maneuvers – when executed correctly.
That all said, there are some U.S. tax tripwires to be mindful of.
Accessing U.S. Pensions and Retirement Distributions from Abroad
Switzerland will have the right to tax U.S.-qualified, tax-deferred retirement accounts. It’s also worth noting that Roth IRAs are generally considered for Swiss wealth tax. (Don’t forget, this will vary by canton.)
This potentially makes working with a cross-border financial planner paramount for a successful move. As a retiree, if you arrive in Switzerland with your finances reliant on distributions from a robust Roth IRA, you may find yourself liable for Swiss taxes.
This hypothetical would obviously be frustrating for someone who had worked responsibly to accumulate a retirement nest egg. Fortunately, this scenario may be avoided with advance planning.
How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Switzerland?
This question is actually quite complex when we consider that the U.S. dollar has been steadily declining in value against the Swiss franc since 2001. (9)
This phenomenon evokes a need for currency risk management, particularly in cases where the majority of an American’s wealth is concentrated in U.S. dollars.
Inheritance Taxes in Switzerland
Planning for retirement inevitably involves planning for the transfer of your wealth and distributions of your assets.
Retiring abroad adds complex planning wrinkles to this.
With respect to Switzerland, the country does not levy an inheritance tax at the federal level. However, inheritance taxes may apply at the cantonal level.
Retiring in Switzerland for Foreigners Who Worked There
Earlier on, we mentioned that retiring in Switzerland can be complicated if you can’t demonstrate personal ties to the country.
One of the best ways to prove ties is by demonstrating that you have previously lived and worked in Switzerland. In this case, you may also have access to the Swiss pension system.
For an intro to/refresher on the Swiss pension pillars, be sure to check out the following three articles. We break down the distinctions between each pillar:
When planning to retire in Switzerland, you may find it helpful to work with a cross-border financial planner specializing in the U.S. and Switzerland who can advise as to the most efficient path forward considering your particular expat profile.
Reviewing the U.S.-Switzerland Totalization Agreement
The Totalization Agreement (10) exists to help streamline benefit claims when a U.S. citizen contributes to both Swiss Pillar 1 and U.S. Social Security.
Update for 2025
The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) has long been a thorn in the side of U.S. expats, reducing Social Security benefits for those who also receive foreign pensions.
However, since the Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law on January 5, 2025, the landscape for U.S. retirees abroad is shifting dramatically. (11)
Millions of Americans, including expats, could see a significant boost in their Social Security payments.
Payments are backdated to January 1, 2024, so those already receiving U.S. Social Security will receive a back payment and increased benefits going forward. Those who have not started drawing U.S. Social Security can log into their SSA.gov account and confirm estimated benefits without having to factor in the complex Windfall Elimination Provision calculator.
Retire in Switzerland: FAQ
Can Americans retire in Switzerland?
Yes, it is possible for Americans to retire in Switzerland if they can demonstrate sufficient ties to the country and financial stability.
Does Switzerland tax American retirees living in Switzerland?
Yes, if an American retiree is considered a tax resident in Switzerland, their worldwide income, including retirement income like Social Security and pensions, is generally subject to Swiss income tax, though the specific cantonal tax laws and any applicable double taxation treaties will determine the exact tax liability.
References
- Preparing for Retirement in Switzerland
- Non-employed contributions to Old-Age and Survivors’ Insurance (OASI), disability Insurance (DI) and Income Compensation Insurance (IC)
- Visa requirements - Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA
- Switzerland - Foreign Consular Office Contact Information
- Expat Retiree Profile: Testing the Waters in Switzerland
- Switzerland vs US Comparison: Cost of Living
- Swiss households that own property
- US/Switzerland Tax Treaty
- US Dollar Swiss Franc Exchange Rate (USD CHF) - Historical Chart
- Totalization Agreement US/Switzerland
- Social Security Fairness Act 2025
Meet the Author
Arielle Tucker is a Certified Financial Planner™ and IRS Enrolled Agent with Connected Financial Planning. She's spent over a decade working with U.S. expats on U.S. tax and financial planning issues. She is passionate about working with U.S. expats and their families to help secure a financial future that is reflective of their core values. Arielle grew up in New York and has lived throughout the U.S., Germany, and Switzerland.