Moving to United States: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in United States: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 6 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In United States the top income tax rate is 50%, dividends are taxed at up to 23.8% and companies pay 25.8% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in United States from arrival once you take up residence (Green card (e.g. EB-5): resident from first day present as LPR; else substantial presence (183 weighted days, ≥31 this yr)). The typical route is EB-5 investor green card (US$800k TEA) or E-2 treaty investor (Swiss eligible): EB-5: US$800k in TEA project (US$1.05m elsewhere) + I-526E, lawful source of funds; E-2: substantial active US business; Gold Card US$1m per person There are 6 open residence programmes in United States — see the list below.
Living there
New York has a humid subtropical climate with winter highs around 4.2 °C and summer highs around 29.6 °C. The economy grew +2% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 2.1% for 2026. Its passport opens about 159 countries without a visa in advance. Security: Belligerent abroad (Iran war, Venezuela strikes); no attacks on US soil; elevated political violence; local curfews possible.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 50% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 23.8% |
| Corporate tax | 25.8% |
| 税务居所 | 自抵达起 — Green card (e.g. EB-5): resident from first day present as LPR; else substantial presence (183 weighted days, ≥31 this yr) |
| 您的路径 | EB-5 investor green card (US$800k TEA) or E-2 treaty investor (Swiss eligible) — EB-5: US$800k in TEA project (US$1.05m elsewhere) + I-526E, lawful source of funds; E-2: substantial active US business; Gold Card US$1m per person |
| 护照 | 可免签或落地签前往 159 个国家 |
| Economic growth | +2% (2025), forecast 2.1% (2026) |
| 气候类型 | humid subtropical · 4.2° / 29.6° (New York) |
| 战争与冲突 | tension — Belligerent abroad (Iran war, Venezuela strikes); no attacks on US soil; elevated political violence; local curfews possible |
| 所有自然灾害 | 7.8/10 |
| 银行稳健度 | 8.5/10 · AA+ |
| 财产保护 | 8.5/10 |
| 冬季住宅温暖度 | 10/10 |
Residence programmes in United States
- EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program — 投资 CHF 640'000 · open · 2026-10
- E-2 Treaty Investor Visa — 投资 CHF 80'000 · open · 2026-10
- Trump Gold Card (Form I-140G) — 投资 CHF 800'000 · changing · 2026-10
- L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Executive/Manager) → EB-1C green card — entrepreneur · open · 2026-10
- Employment-based visas and green cards (H-1B, O-1, EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, EB-2/EB-3) — employment · changing · 2026-10
- Family-based immigration (spouse/child/parent of US citizen or green-card holder) — 收入 / 年 CHF 21'200 · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in United States to become tax resident?
自抵达起. Green card (e.g. EB-5): resident from first day present as LPR; else substantial presence (183 weighted days, ≥31 this yr) Worldwide tax + estate tax; dual-status arrival year; pre-immigration planning crucial
How much tax will I pay in United States?
In United States the top income tax rate is 50%, dividends are taxed at up to 23.8% and companies pay 25.8% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does United States offer?
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program (CHF 640'000); E-2 Treaty Investor Visa (CHF 80'000); Trump Gold Card (Form I-140G) (CHF 800'000); L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Executive/Manager) → EB-1C green card; Employment-based visas and green cards (H-1B, O-1, EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, EB-2/EB-3)
What is the usual way to move to United States?
EB-5 investor green card (US$800k TEA) or E-2 treaty investor (Swiss eligible). EB-5: US$800k in TEA project (US$1.05m elsewhere) + I-526E, lawful source of funds; E-2: substantial active US business; Gold Card US$1m per person
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