Zurich Airport smashed its previous passenger record on 19 December, handling just over 100,000 travellers in a single day, according to figures released on 20 December. The spike, driven by transatlantic demand and winter-sun getaways, is emblematic of Switzerland’s magnetism for both tourists and mobile talent.
Seizing the moment, National Councillor Andreas Gafner tabled a motion in parliament proposing a simplified naturalisation route for foreign entrepreneurs who create jobs and pay Swiss taxes. Proponents say the measure would complement existing cantonal tax incentives and help Switzerland compete with ‘start-up visas’ offered by the UK, France and Canada.
Tourism and economic-development boards see a virtuous circle: a vibrant hub airport attracts high-value visitors and business founders, while streamlined citizenship could encourage them to base R&D teams permanently in the country. HR directors in the tech and life-sciences sectors note that faster passports would eliminate residence-permit renewals and give spouses unfettered labour-market access, easing dual-career challenges.
![Record Holiday Traffic at Zurich Spurs Debate on Fast-Track Citizenship for Job-Creating Entrepreneurs]()
Meanwhile, anyone who needs to secure a Swiss visa or residence permit under the current rules can turn to VisaHQ’s dedicated portal (https://www.visahq.com/switzerland/), which offers up-to-date requirements, digital application support and courier services—useful for entrepreneurs scouting locations as well as tourists chasing winter sun.
Critics warn of ‘passport shopping’ and question whether the proposal dilutes the integration standards that underpin Swiss society. They are calling for safeguards such as minimum language skills and claw-back clauses if a start-up folds within five years. The Federal Council has not yet taken a position, but observers expect the idea to surface during the 2026 overhaul of the Citizenship Act.
In the interim, corporate travel managers are bracing for more record days at Zurich over New Year’s. Airport authorities recommend evening bag-drop, online check-in and early arrival—advice global-mobility teams are passing to staff returning from holiday home leave.
Seizing the moment, National Councillor Andreas Gafner tabled a motion in parliament proposing a simplified naturalisation route for foreign entrepreneurs who create jobs and pay Swiss taxes. Proponents say the measure would complement existing cantonal tax incentives and help Switzerland compete with ‘start-up visas’ offered by the UK, France and Canada.
Tourism and economic-development boards see a virtuous circle: a vibrant hub airport attracts high-value visitors and business founders, while streamlined citizenship could encourage them to base R&D teams permanently in the country. HR directors in the tech and life-sciences sectors note that faster passports would eliminate residence-permit renewals and give spouses unfettered labour-market access, easing dual-career challenges.
Meanwhile, anyone who needs to secure a Swiss visa or residence permit under the current rules can turn to VisaHQ’s dedicated portal (https://www.visahq.com/switzerland/), which offers up-to-date requirements, digital application support and courier services—useful for entrepreneurs scouting locations as well as tourists chasing winter sun.
Critics warn of ‘passport shopping’ and question whether the proposal dilutes the integration standards that underpin Swiss society. They are calling for safeguards such as minimum language skills and claw-back clauses if a start-up folds within five years. The Federal Council has not yet taken a position, but observers expect the idea to surface during the 2026 overhaul of the Citizenship Act.
In the interim, corporate travel managers are bracing for more record days at Zurich over New Year’s. Airport authorities recommend evening bag-drop, online check-in and early arrival—advice global-mobility teams are passing to staff returning from holiday home leave.
