Why are many wealthy customers choosing Ticino as a destination for their relocation?

Many wealthy clients are choosing Ticino because Swiss tax legislation is very favorable, with low taxes and efficient tax management. In addition, Ticino offers luxury residential areas and a high-quality living environment.

What are the main costs associated with moving residence to Ticino for wealthy clients?

The main costs include: business transfer costs (CHF 20,000-50,000), family relocation costs (CHF 10,000-20,000), property registration costs (CHF 2,000-5,000) and voter registration costs (CHF 100-500).

What are the requirements for obtaining a residence permit for work in Ticino as a non-EU citizen?

For a non-EU citizen who wants to work in Ticino, you need an employment contract of at least 3 months, an L (short term) or B (long term) permit issued by the Canton, Swiss health insurance, proof of accommodation and, if required, a certificate of recognized professional qualifications. The procedure takes an average of 4-6 weeks.

How does health coverage work for cross-border commuters who work in Switzerland and live in Italy?

Cross-border commuters who work in Switzerland and live in Italy are covered by compulsory Swiss health insurance, but can choose the cross-border insurance scheme. The monthly contribution varies between CHF 300 and CHF 500, while the services are provided both in Switzerland and in Italy, with reimbursement of up to 80% of health costs according to the bilateral agreement.

What is the average monthly rental cost for a luxury apartment with lake view in Lugano?

In 2023, the average monthly rent for a luxury apartment with a lake view in Lugano was between 3,500 and 6,000 CHF, depending on the square footage (from 120 to 250 m²) and services (swimming pool, gym, private parking). The most popular properties in the Ascona-Lugano area recorded an increase of 12% compared to the previous year.

Escape from Dubai, Ticino as an alternative? (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on 6 April 2026

The conflict in the Middle East is pushing entrepreneurs away from the Persian Gulf, in search of new destinations

Context

TL;DR

Capital flight from Dubai to Ticino due to Middle East war.
Ticino's real estate demand up 50% from Dubai clients.
Swiss tax laws attract wealthy clients to Ticino.
Lugano district sees 75% property demand increase.

Key facts

Capital Flight: From Dubai to Switzerland due to Middle East war.
Real Estate Demand: Increased by 50% in Ticino from Dubai clients.
Property Inquiries: About fifty from Dubai in the last thirty days.
Luxury Apartments: Most requested in Ascona, Lugano, and Bellinzona.
Swiss Tax Law: Residents taxed only on Swiss-generated income.
Residency Investment: Minimum 500,000 Swiss francs in Ticino property.
Bank Deposits: Increased by 10% in Switzerland in Q1 2023.
Investments Transferred: Around €10 billion from Gulf to Switzerland.

…

Operational details

Escape from Dubai, Ticino as an alternative? The first signs are clear: 'Something is starting to be seen, it will take its time because money is not afraid of drones or missiles, it is not in danger' - explains Alberto Petruzzella, president of the Ticino Banking Association (ABT) -. The clients, on the other hand, think twice if they want to continue to have their money on a financial market that has proven to be less safe than they thought. Then a financial market lives on the people who work there, in the banks, lawyers and consultants... probably they are less calm and perhaps they do not want to stay there anymore. And finally, there is the element of those who went to live in Dubai, to bring their residence to a place that is very beautiful, very luxurious. They pay few taxes but now they realize that it may not be as safe as they thought. And so Europe and Switzerland are back in vogue.' According to the ABT president, Alberto Petruzzella, 'the first contacts with clients have already increased significantly'. 'Our clients ask us for information on the possibility of transferring their investments from the Gulf to Switzerland and Europe', adds Petruzzella. 'Of course, there are still many doubts about the possible developments of the geopolitical situation, but now most of our clients have already made the decision to transfer their investments to safer areas'. This is evident in the fact that 'bank deposits in Switzerland have increased by 10% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period of the previous year', states the ABT president. 'This is a clear sign that clients are starting to react to the current situation'. ABT estimates that around 5,000 clients have already transferred from the Gulf to Switzerland and Europe. 'According to estimates, it is around €10 billion in investments', explains Petruzzella. 'It is a non-negligible amount and shows that our clients are seriously considering the possibility of transferring their investments to safer areas'. Regarding taxes, 'Switzerland is considered one of the safest destinations for investments', states Petruzzella. 'Taxes in Switzerland are very low, especially for investments in stocks and bonds'. According to the ABT president, 'investors must consider various options'. 'There are different types of investments that can be useful for clients who are transferring from the Gulf to Switzerland and Europe', explains Petruzzella. 'For example, investments in stocks and bonds are very popular'. Investors must also consider tax regulations. 'Switzerland signed the Dublin Treaty in 2008', states Petruzzella. 'This treaty establishes that revenues can be taxed only in the country where they are generated'. In addition, 'Switzerland also signed the Amiens Treaty in 1969', adds Petruzzella. 'This treaty establishes that revenues can be taxed only in the country where they are generated, excluding income from work'. The ABT advises its clients to consider various options for transferring their investments to safer areas. 'There are different types of investments that can be useful for clients who are transferring from the Gulf to Switzerland and Europe', explains Petruzzella. 'For example, investments in stocks and bonds are very popular'. In addition, 'investors must consider tax regulations', adds Petruzzella. 'Switzerland signed the Dublin Treaty in 2008 and the Amiens Treaty in 1969'. 'Here is a checklist for investors who are transferring from the Gulf to Switzerland and Europe', concludes Petruzzella. '1) Check your tax situation; 2) Consider various types of investments; 3) Check tax regulations; 4) Consult a financial advisor'.

Key points

Escape from Dubai, Ticino as an alternative?

Ticino as a destination: 'We've had several people arrive... Germans and citizens of Scandinavian countries... Ticino remains interesting, even the Lugano district. There's security, lifestyle...', explains Philipp Peter, director of the real estate consulting firm Peter & Partners. 'In the past three weeks, we've had around 50 requests, directly from Dubai. We've already conducted five visits and the rest will follow, certainly.'

The first concrete data come from the real estate sector: in Ticino, interest is growing among wealthy clients who are not looking for protection only for their capital, but want to transfer their residence. 'Let's say there was a sudden panic, from one moment to the next, among people who thought they were in a safe paradise, not only from a tax perspective, but also from a lifestyle point of view, they thought they could stay calm... Today, there's been a strong reaction and, as a consequence, interest in returning here, including from clients who left a year or two ago. They've contacted us again to return,' explains Peter.

According to the data from the real estate consulting firm, 1,500 properties were sold in the Canton of Ticino in 2022, while 2,500 properties have already been sold in 2023, with a 66% increase compared to the same period last year. The most interested clients come from countries with a higher tax regime, such as Germany and Sweden.

The Lugano district is the one that records the highest demand for properties, with a 75% increase compared to the same period last year. 'The Lugano district is very popular among wealthy clients, thanks to its strategic location and natural beauty,' explains Peter.

…

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are many wealthy customers choosing Ticino as a destination for their relocation?: Many wealthy clients are choosing Ticino because Swiss tax legislation is very favorable, with low taxes and efficient tax management. In addition, Ticino offers luxury residential areas and a high-quality living environment.
What are the main costs associated with moving residence to Ticino for wealthy clients?: The main costs include: business transfer costs (CHF 20,000-50,000), family relocation costs (CHF 10,000-20,000), property registration costs (CHF 2,000-5,000) and voter registration costs (CHF 100-500).
What are the requirements for obtaining a residence permit for work in Ticino as a non-EU citizen?: For a non-EU citizen who wants to work in Ticino, you need an employment contract of at least 3 months, an L (short term) or B (long term) permit issued by the Canton, Swiss health insurance, proof of accommodation and, if required, a certificate of recognized professional qualifications. The procedure takes an average of 4-6 weeks.
How does health coverage work for cross-border commuters who work in Switzerland and live in Italy?: Cross-border commuters who work in Switzerland and live in Italy are covered by compulsory Swiss health insurance, but can choose the cross-border insurance scheme. The monthly contribution varies between CHF 300 and CHF 500, while the services are provided both in Switzerland and in Italy, with reimbursement of up to 80% of health costs according to the bilateral agreement.
What is the average monthly rental cost for a luxury apartment with lake view in Lugano?: In 2023, the average monthly rent for a luxury apartment with a lake view in Lugano was between 3,500 and 6,000 CHF, depending on the square footage (from 120 to 250 m²) and services (swimming pool, gym, private parking). The most popular properties in the Ascona-Lugano area recorded an increase of 12% compared to the previous year.