Business immigration in France, Belgium and Switzerland

Business immigration in France, Belgium and Switzerland is not a single immigration program, but a set of national legal routes allowing entrepreneurs, investors, executives, highly qualified employees and self-employed professionals to obtain residence and work authorization, subject to the rules applicable in each country.

In Belgium, business immigration mainly relies on two routes: the professional card for non-EU nationals who wish to carry out a self-employed activity, and the single permit for non-EU employees working in Belgium for more than 90 days. Applications are assessed by the competent regional authority and, where applicable, by the federal immigration authorities.

In France, the Talent residence permit is a flexible route for several categories of non-EU nationals, including highly qualified employees, researchers, company founders, innovative project holders, investors, corporate officers, artists and internationally recognized professionals. Depending on the duration of the stay and the applicant’s category, the process may involve a long-stay visa and, where applicable, a multi-year Talent residence permit.

In Switzerland, immigration rules differ significantly depending on whether the applicant is an EU/EFTA national or a third-country national. Third-country nationals are admitted to the Swiss labour market only under restrictive conditions, generally where they are highly qualified and where the employer can demonstrate that no suitable candidate is available in Switzerland or within the EU/EFTA labour market.

In Brussels, Paris and Geneva, Lexial is also a leading firm in the field of professional immigration for expatriated executives and their employers in obtaining authorizations of occupation and work permits (including for posting / secondment), or in setting up special tax systems for foreign executives, as well as in all legal aspects of the employment relationship and daily life.

Long-term residence may, in certain cases, lead to eligibility for permanent residence or citizenship. The applicable timeframe and conditions differ by country and depend on the applicant’s personal situation, immigration status, integration, language knowledge and compliance with local legal requirements.