Have money – no need to learn the language
According to the newspaper Tages-Anzeiger, the authorities of Zug intend to exempt from attending German language courses foreigners whose assets exceed 20 million francs and income 1 million francs per year. The cantonal government is concerned about the growing risk that wealthy taxpayers may leave the region, which is famous for the most favorable fiscal climate in Switzerland.
As is known, Zug is popular among many wealthy foreigners, including people from post-Soviet countries. Exemption from 'language courses' would be a real gift for rich investors from Russia and South Africa, who have taken a liking to this corner of a small country located in the heart of Europe, notes the newspaper Le Matin.
Recall that not so long ago in Switzerland, the practice was criticized whereby residence permits are easier to obtain for foreigners whose presence in the country will favorably affect the level of tax revenues of a particular canton. According to statistics, Zug was among the most 'hospitable' regions in this regard.
However, a few months ago it became obvious that the measures taken were insufficient: the draft budget for the next year provides for a multi-million deficit, despite the use of 150 million francs from the reserve fund. Therefore, the cantonal authorities had to think about raising taxes. At the same time, already at the end of 2014, Zug, along with the 'millionaires' canton' Schwyz, led in terms of budget deficit.
The new idea to attract money to the cantonal treasury caused some concern in the Federal Department of Justice and Police (DFJP) due to the possible softening of the requirements of Lex Koller. True, it is not entirely clear how the exemption from learning the language of Goethe relates to the law introducing restrictions on the acquisition of Swiss real estate by foreigners (the only risk, in our opinion, is that rich foreigners will not be able to read the text of Lex Koller). Of course, obtaining a residence permit is the first step towards acquiring citizenship of the Confederation, but this path is not short, and its ultimate goal does not always correspond to the interests of wealthy foreigners who have tax benefits in some cantons (in particular, in Zug).
The fact that the right to acquire land and real estate does not depend on having a residence permit was stated by member of the Cantonal Council Beat Williger. However, law professor Alberto Ackermann from the University of Fribourg believes that the very fact of softening the requirements for obtaining a Swiss residence permit not only does not comply with federal legislation, but also violates the principle of equality enshrined in the constitution.
According to Nashagazeta.ch, amendments at the cantonal level are still in the preparation stage, and a final decision will be made in the coming weeks. Representatives of left-wing parties from Zug traditionally oppose expanding the list of privileges for wealthy taxpayers, while the local branch of the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) supports the innovations. True, at the federal level, the SVP, which advocates tightening conditions for foreigners (the party is the author of initiatives to limit immigration and deport foreign criminals), called such a project a 'problematic signal', noting that the party cannot interfere in the internal affairs of the canton.