Permit for self-employed, non-EU citizen

• I am a U.S. citizen and have been working successfully as a freelance translator for several years. After spending some time in Switzerland, I wanted to move here. Already I have run into a brick wall in terms of residence permits despite the fact I have health insurance, a stable income above the official average Swiss annual salary, speak fluent German and have personal ties here.
  
  In my current situation, I do not threaten a single job by being here but would be more than willing to pay taxes here should the Swiss be so inclined to grant me a permit. Apparently this is impossible. I was immediately turned away when I went to the "Fremdenkontrolle" to inquire about the process. Likewise, a private consulting firm specializing in all matters surrounding residence rejected my case outright.
  
  
  Several other discussion threads here have pointed out that no one checks or stamps your passport at the border, etc. (Indeed this is true, and it would seem that as a freelancer officially running my business from my home country I could do fine without a permit since I'm not trying to work here.) As I see it, one reason for this perceived laxness is also that isolationist and cost-prohibitive price structuring is a far more effective method for keeping unwanted foreigners out. Without a residence permit you cannot apply for a half-fare train card or monthly train pass (General Abo) or numerous other commune or Gemeinde-specific discounts offered only to residents. A sizable portion of the resident Swiss population could never afford to pay the prices tourists do.
  
  My point is that unless money is absolutely no object, trying to live in Switzerland without a permit is foolish. Unfortunately I haven't found a way yet. Marriage is the only theoretical possibility I know of.
  
  While my situation may be slightly unusual, I cannot imagine that I am the only person who is in this situation. Any ideas?

  14 Aug 2008, 10:34 Neal