Family Office
For many families and entrepreneurs, Switzerland represents a stable foundation for long-term wealth and business planning - and at the same time a hub for international activities within a favourable, secure, and reliable environment.
For more than twenty years, FABRICAL has been advising international families and their businesses on establishing and structuring their presence in Switzerland, acting as an independent partner across all aspects of a modern family office.
Our services range from designing efficient ownership and operating structures to the selection and coordination of partners, as well as the ongoing oversight and strategic development of assets.
In addition, we support our clients on key future-oriented topics such as family governance, compliance, and succession planning - always with foresight, discretion, and a deep understanding of both family and entrepreneurial dynamics.
Trust, reliability, and expertise are the driving forces behind everything we do.
Trusted by families.
Built to last.
Frequently Asked Questions
Family Governance is a framework of rules and processes that a family creates to organize itself, make decisions, and manage its collective wealth across generations.
It is crucial for preventing conflict, preserving family unity, and ensuring the smooth transition of assets and values. It formalizes communication, roles, and responsibilities.
A family office becomes relevant when the complexity of your wealth, including businesses, real estate, and investments, requires more dedicated management than you or your existing advisors can provide.
This is typically triggered by a significant liquidity event (like a business sale) or when managing multiple cross-border assets and legal structures becomes a full-time job.
Our role is one of strategic oversight, not direct investment management. We help families define their investment philosophy, establish risk tolerance, and select the most suitable asset managers for their specific needs. We then monitor the performance of these managers, provide consolidated reporting, and ensure that all financial activities are aligned with the family's governance structure and succession plan.
This separation of duties prevents conflicts of interest and provides an essential layer of independent control.
Yes. Switzerland is a very strong location for succession planning due to its political and economic stability, reliable legal system, flexible structuring options, high level of confidentiality, and predictable tax environment.
These factors provide long-term security and continuity for families and entrepreneurs planning across generations.
Yes, as a private individual you can take up residence in Switzerland; however, the legal process depends on your nationality and personal situation:
- EU/EFTA citizens can obtain a residence permit relatively easily (e.g. with an employment contract, self-employment, or sufficient financial means).
- Third-country nationals require a residence permit subject to stricter conditions (e.g. demonstrated economic interest for Switzerland, entrepreneurial activity, or a senior management role).
- Entrepreneurs and investors may qualify for a permit under certain conditions, particularly when founding a company and creating jobs.
- Alternatively, for high-net-worth individuals, lump-sum taxation may be available in certain cantons (without engaging in gainful employment in Switzerland).
In all cases, a registered residence, health insurance, and compliance with cantonal regulations are required.
