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How we set up a second residency or passport for you

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Discover the benefits of a second residency and passport

In a rapidly changing world, securing a second residency or passport can provide you with unparalleled flexibility and security. Whether you're planning a move or seeking a backup plan, Alpen Partners is here to guide you through the process of obtaining the right residency or passport tailored to your needs.
Graphic of our second residency and passport process
how we work

4 steps to a second residency or passport

step 1

Initial contact

  • Contact us:
    After you got in touch with us, we arrange a meeting via phone, Zoom or in person. whether in Switzerland or in the US. Get in touch with us now.
  • Purpose:
    Our goal is to thoroughly understand your specific needs, whether it's opening an account, arranging a financing, or assisting with relocation and second passport.
step 2

Country selection and requirements

  • Country selection:
    Every location has advantages and disadvantages. Out of over 30 different options, we aim to find the best solution for you.
  • Requirements:
    We will explain all the requirements in terms of investments and co to get access to the country of your choice.
step 3

Application process

  • Applications:
    We will gather all required information and prepare the application for residency or passport. The process to get a second residency can be as quick as 1 month (up to 6 months). The process to get a second passport can take between 3 months and 10 years depending on the country.
  • Local advisory:
    We work with local advisors in order to expedite the process for the application.
step 4

Ongoing support

  • Asset management:
    We help with establishing banking relationships and asset management that are suited to the local rules and regulations.
  • Regular communication:
    Regular contact is maintained to discuss your portfolio and provide ongoing administrative support, ensuring your financial needs are continuously met.

Residency vs. Passport

What's the difference between a second residency and a seond passport?

Understanding the distinction between residency and citizenship is crucial when considering a second residency or passport. Each offers different benefits and serves different purposes in your global strategy.

Second Residency

Residency explained: Residency is the place where you live, and it may offer you the right to stay in a country without being a citizen.

Why seek a second residency: Clients often look for a second residency to have a backup plan if circumstances change in their home country or to potentially relocate.

 

Second Passport

Passport explained: A passport is a document that shows your citizenship and allows international travel under that nation's protection.

Benefits of a second passport: A second passport can offer greater travel freedom, and in some cases, the ability to renounce your original citizenship if needed.

 

Pierre talking to Thomas min
Your Trusted Financial Partner

Alpen Partners is the right choice for second residency and passport options

  • Faster and cheaper
    Alpen Partners is both faster and more affordable than most of our competitors.
  • End-to-End service
    From the initial consultation to establishing local banking relationships, we offer complete support tailored to your needs.
  • Global reach, local expertise
    We combine global experience with local knowledge, ensuring you receive the best advice and service no matter where you choose to establish residency.
Important details

What else you need to know

Before making a decision on a second residency or passport, consider the following essential factors. These insights will help you make an informed choice that aligns with your long-term goals.

Legal and tax considerations

We help you understand the legal and tax implications of holding a second residency or passport.

Local integration

We assist with the practical aspects of relocating, including establishing local banking and asset management in accordance with local regulations.

Long-term planning

Consider the long-term benefits and potential challenges of your new residency or citizenship.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about second residency and passports

Residency is the place where you live, and it may offer you the right to stay in a country without being a citizen. A passport is a document that shows your citizenship and allows international travel under that nation's protection.

The timeline for obtaining a second residency varies by country and specific program requirements but typically takes between 1 and 6 months. Factors such as document preparation, government processing times, and any additional requirements may influence the timeline.

A second passport offers increased travel freedom, allowing visa-free or simplified entry to more countries. In addition, it can provide financial and legal flexibility, including access to new markets and banking systems, and the option to renounce your original citizenship if needed, for tax or personal reasons.

Yes, many residency programs offer the possibility of obtaining a second passport after meeting specific criteria over time. This often depends on the country’s laws and your personal circumstances, such as the length of stay, financial investments, or language proficiency requirements.

We expedite the process of obtaining a second residency or passport through our established network of local advisors in each country. These experts have deep knowledge of the legal requirements and processes, allowing us to guide you efficiently through each step, minimizing delays and ensuring a smooth transition.

The time to obtain citizenship varies based on the country’s laws and individual circumstances. It typically involves fulfilling residency requirements, completing an application, and passing any required interviews or tests.

Get in touch with us

We are excited to hear from you! Our partners are ready to guide you through your financial future. We want to make your fiscal dreams a reality. Please send us a detailed message below or give us a call at +41 (0)58 105 75 50.

Your personal contact
Pierre Gabris
Pierre Gabris
Founder and Managing Partner
US resident? Click here

Website: Agenza GmbH

US resident?

Please visit our dedicated website for US residents.

Wealth Management

Following the establishment of his Swiss banking structure, David required a coordinated framework to manage assets across jurisdictions while maintaining compliance with U.S. reporting obligations.

Alpen integrated his assets into a Swiss wealth management structure tailored for internationally active clients. The focus was on aligning investment strategy, currency exposure, and financial planning within a single cross-border framework.

Through Alpen’s wealth management services, David gained access to

  • Global investment advisory, allowing participation in international markets while considering U.S. regulatory requirements
  • Multi-currency portfolio management, reducing reliance on a single currency exposure
  • Cross-border financial planning, supporting his relocation and long-term wealth objectives
  • Centralized oversight of assets held with Swiss custodian banks

Switzerland’s stable political environment, strong financial sector, and long-standing expertise in wealth management provided a reliable foundation for administering David’s international assets.

Offshore Banking Structure

With the Swiss account in place, Alpen integrated it into a broader offshore banking structure designed for diversification and asset protection.

This framework allowed David to

  • Hold assets across multiple currencies
  • Access international investment opportunities
  • Diversify assets outside a single jurisdiction
  • Ensure the highest standards of financial privacy while maintaining full transparency for international reporting

The Swiss banking environment also offered political stability, robust financial regulation, and a historically strong currency base.

Relocation and Swiss Residency Path

As part of his relocation planning, David explored the process of establishing residency in Switzerland. For non-EU citizens such as U.S. nationals, residency typically requires either employment in Switzerland, the establishment of a local company, or a negotiated tax arrangement with cantonal authorities.

Working alongside local legal and tax advisors, Alpen helped David evaluate the available options and coordinate the financial aspects of the move. This included aligning banking structures, documenting international assets, and preparing financial disclosures required during the residency process.

Swiss Bank Account Setup

Opening a Swiss bank account as a U.S. client follows a defined onboarding process based on regulatory requirements and internal bank standards. This includes identity verification, source-of-wealth documentation, and alignment with international reporting frameworks. It also involves coordination with the selected institution, including the negotiation of account terms and applicable fee structures.

Alpen supported David throughout this process by coordinating each step

  • Assessing eligibility and identifying Swiss private banks experienced with U.S. clients
  • Preparing and reviewing required documentation, including passport verification, financial history, and source-of-funds evidence
  • Advising on account structures (e.g. personal vs. investment accounts) aligned with his objectives
  • Coordinating communication with the selected bank and managing the submission process

As part of the onboarding, David was required to provide detailed documentation regarding his financial background and the origin of his assets. Minimum deposit thresholds and internal bank criteria were also considered when selecting the appropriate institution.

Once all documentation was complete and approved, the account opening process typically took approximately 1–2 weeks. Alpen then coordinated the initial asset transfers and ensured a smooth transition from existing banking relationships.