Less noise, more balance. Why do those who have achieved everything choose Switzerland?

In recent years, we have been shifting our attention more clearly from pure business efficiency to quality of life. For many, the decision to move abroad is no longer an escape but a conscious choice—one that does not stem from sudden impulses but from a change in life priorities. In this context, Switzerland proves to be the right direction. A country associated with neutrality, stability, and the premium segment regularly ranks among the best places to live. Geneva and Zurich are recognized year after year as some of the most livable cities according to the Global Liveability Index.

– More and more often, Switzerland is defined as a space that offers a harmonious, orderly lifestyle: free from excess noise, risk, or instability increasingly associated with other European locations. What sets this country apart is the ability to combine discreet luxury with everyday functionality. Instead of ostentatious amenities, the Swiss focus on precision and quality in every dimension: from education, through infrastructure, to social life. This quality, neither excessive nor imposing, creates value that is increasingly sought after by people who have already achieved much—and who now desire something less measurable: peace, balance, and a long-term perspective, says Anna Maria Panasiuk, wealth advisor.

A country full of contrasts

Switzerland is a federation of cantons, each offering very different life experiences. The north—Zurich or Zug—attracts those who value order, administrative efficiency, and social conservatism, creating an ideal environment for entrepreneurs seeking stability. By contrast, international diplomacy and cultural centers like Geneva or Lausanne, located in the French-speaking part of the country, offer a cosmopolitan atmosphere with a certain lifestyle freedom. Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton, tells yet another story. Lugano, Agno—these are places where the Alps meet Italian light. Life is calmer there, yet still infused with that Swiss quality that provides a sense of security.

– Moving abroad is not only about changing location. It is a decision about how I want to function every day, with what energy, at what pace. And that is the beauty of it. In countries like Switzerland, we can choose not only a place on the map but also the tone of our lives. We can match our surroundings to who we are and the moment of life we’re in, says Anna Turowska, mental coach, entrepreneur, and strategy expert. The decision to relocate often comes after closing a chapter in life—after selling a business, going through a divorce, or after children have become independent. That’s when the question arises: what do I need now? From my experience, it’s in calmer places like Switzerland that people discover something much deeper than order and stability. It’s a daily life that doesn’t overwhelm. A space that gives you room to breathe. And a sense that you can once again live more ‘inwardly’ rather than only ‘outwardly’.

Simplicity, without bureaucratic traps

Contrary to appearances, moving to Switzerland is not difficult at all. What may seem like a challenge—buying a home or obtaining a residence permit—is simple and straightforward here. You know exactly which office to go to, what documents to bring, and roughly how long the decision will take. The entire process is predictable, the rules are clear, and local advisors help at every step. For many, it feels more like planning than fighting bureaucracy.

Switzerland allows legal residence with just the residency requirement of 90 days of physical presence per year. There is no need to engage in the local job market. You don’t have to relocate a company or generate income locally. You simply need to demonstrate sufficient financial stability, have a place of residence, and spend the required number of days physically in the country.

More than four walls

Switzerland is renowned for its high standard of living, picturesque landscapes, and stable economy. These qualities are reflected in real estate prices. In major cities such as Zurich, Geneva, or Lausanne, average prices reach 16,000–18,000 CHF per square meter, while in smaller yet still prestigious locations such as Lugano, prices are somewhat lower—around 8,000 CHF per square meter.

– To buy a house in Switzerland, you should know whether you want to live there. Switzerland carefully regulates its real estate market, and if you don’t plan to reside there, you can’t purchase just any property. In practice, for cities, this restriction applies to properties over 100 square meters. However, if you plan to move, you can opt for lump-sum taxation, which is offered in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. Once you obtain residency, it becomes easier to purchase real estate, banks are more willing to cooperate, etc. Switzerland is very open to the international community, and Poles are currently very welcome there, says Anna Maria Panasiuk. When applying for lump-sum taxation, officials will ask about your home, its standard, and its location. They want to know how you live, as it helps them assess your lifestyle and predict expenses. Based on this, they may, for instance, determine the amount of your lump-sum tax. The better the location, the higher the cost of living—and that affects the tax amount. Choosing a property, therefore, becomes not just a matter of taste but an important element of the entire residency and tax strategy.

More than a place on the map

More and more people choose Switzerland not only as a safe haven for their wealth but above all as a peaceful home for living. Often, these are entrepreneurs who have sold or transferred their businesses and are looking for a place where they can not only rest but also wisely manage their assets. Families with children are also drawn to the country by its high-quality education, excellent healthcare, and safety. Likewise, international investors are attracted by the possibility of living there without having to engage in the local labor market. For them, Switzerland offers convenience and privacy, while also providing access to top financial institutions and advisors, enabling effective global wealth management—from the U.S., through Asia, to the Middle East.

Switzerland is one of the few places in Europe where everything seems to be in its proper place. Institutions are efficient, laws predictable, and people calm and respectful of privacy. In everyday life—from dealing with public offices, to healthcare, to day-to-day functioning—you can feel that the country was designed with people in mind, particularly wealthy people.

– One of my clients flew to Lugano just to open a bank account. Nothing more—it was meant to be a short trip. She had planned to move to Greece. But after just one walk along the lake, her tone of voice began to change. It became quieter, lighter, more spacious. Something inside her opened up. She met with a real estate agent—just out of curiosity. Two days later, we were already viewing villas in Collina d’Oro and houses with terraces in Morcote, says Anna Maria Panasiuk. Sometimes all it takes is one visit for the decision to be made, she adds.