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Second residency options

Wealth Management

The Strategic Pursuit of Alternative Residencies

Individuals and families pursue alternative or multiple residencies to strategically access diverse global opportunities, mitigate risks, optimize tax obligations, and enhance lifestyles by spending time in different countries and engaging with various cultures. This approach can facilitate access to high-quality education and healthcare systems, fostering a global network of connections for both professional and personal growth.

Having diverse residencies not only provides the flexibility to respond swiftly to various situations but also instills a sense of security and belonging, ensuring individuals can feel safe and at home wherever circumstances may lead them.

With a multitude of options and diverse locations available for second or more residencies, Alpen Partners caters to forward-thinking individuals and families by customizing solutions that precisely match their unique requirements and preferences.

Switzerland

Mandatory interview:
No

Presence of applicant during process:
No required

Required legal presence day:
Minimum of 180 days per year

Time frame:
2-4 months

Portugal

Mandatory interview:
No

Presence of applicant during process:
Required to initiate process

Required legal presence day:
- 7 days in the first year
- 14 days in the following two year

Time frame:
6-8 months

Monaco

Mandatory interview:
Yes

Presence of applicant during process:
Required to initiate process and interview

Required legal presence day:
180 days per year

Time frame:
2-3 months

Italy

Mandatory interview:
No

Presence of applicant during process:
Required to initiate process

Required legal presence day:
6 months

Time frame:
4-6 weeks



Malta

Mandatory interview:
No

Presence of applicant during process:
Required for biometrics test after in principle approval

Required legal presence day:
None required

Time frame:
4-6 months



Alpen Partners | Secondary Residency

Many other jurisdictions offer residency programs.

Get in in touch with us to hear more

Canada

Mandatory interview:
No

Presence of applicant during process:
Required to initiate process

Required legal presence day:
Two years or 730 days out of 5 years

Time frame:
12-37 months

US

Mandatory interview:
Civics test

Presence of applicant during process:
Required

Required legal presence day:
30 months out of 5 years

Time frame:
12-36 months



Dominican Republic

Mandatory interview:
Yes (Virtual)

Presence of applicant during process:
Not required

Required legal presence day:
None

Time frame:
3 months



St. Kitts & Nevis

Mandatory interview:
Yes (Virtual)

Presence of applicant during process:
Not required

Required legal presence day:
None

Time frame:
4 months



Bahamas

Mandatory interview:
No

Presence of applicant during process:
Not required

Required legal presence day:
None

Time frame:
4-6 months



Many other jurisdictions offer residency programs. Get in in touch with us to hear more

Dubai

Mandatory interview:
No

Presence of applicant during process:
Required

Required legal presence day:
90 days per year

Time frame:
8-10 weeks



Abu Dhabi

Mandatory interview:
No

Presence of applicant during process:
Required

Required legal presence day:
90 days per year

Time frame:
8-10 weeks



Alpen Partners | Secondary Residency

Many other jurisdictions offer residency programs.

Get in in touch with us to hear more

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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.