Can I buy property as a foreigner in Switzerland?
It depends on your status — the Lex Koller restricts property purchase by persons abroad. The federal law on the acquisition of real estate by persons abroad (Lex Koller) restricts the purchase of residential property. Buying without restriction: holders of a C settlement permit (any nationality) and EU/EFTA citizens with a B permit and actual residence in Switzerland — they may buy a primary home and investment property like Swiss nationals. Non-resident foreigners and third-country nationals abroad generally need a permit; buying residential property is restricted. Holiday homes are subject to cantonal quotas and only possible in certain tourist cantons. In short: with a C permit or as a resident EU/EFTA citizen free, otherwise with a permit.
📋 The rules
- Lex Koller restricts purchase by persons abroad
- C permit: free (any nationality)
- EU/EFTA with B permit & residence: primary home free
- Non-resident/third country: permit needed
- Holiday homes: cantonal quotas
🔓 Exceptions
- Business premises for an actual business: usually permit-free
- Holiday homes only in certain tourist cantons with size limits
- Planned 2026 tightening not yet in force (in consultation)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Acquiring property without the required permit or circumventing the Lex Koller (e.g. via front persons) risks the nullity of the transaction, its reversal or a forced sale, plus criminal consequences. Beware a myth: "as a foreigner I can freely buy property in Switzerland" is only partly true — without a C permit or residence as an EU/EFTA citizen you need a permit, and holiday homes are subject to quotas. Tip: clarify your status and the permit requirement with the cantonal authority before buying; a planned tightening of the law is not yet in force.
📎 Official sources
- Canton of Zürich · property acquisition by persons abroad →
- Fedlex · Lex Koller (BewG) →
- ch.ch · property →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I buy property as a foreigner?
It depends on your status. With a C settlement permit you can buy like Swiss nationals, regardless of nationality. EU and EFTA citizens with a B permit and actual residence may buy a primary home. Non-resident foreigners generally need a permit to buy residential property in Switzerland.
What is the Lex Koller?
The Lex Koller is the federal law on the acquisition of real estate by persons abroad. It restricts the purchase of residential property by persons resident abroad and by certain foreigners, to prevent foreign domination of Swiss land. A permit is often needed for the purchase.
Can I buy a holiday home?
Holiday homes are subject to cantonal quotas and are only possible in certain tourist cantons and communes, with size limits. There's an annual federal quota. You need a permit, and availability is limited, so you should enquire with the canton early in the process before committing.
Does this apply to business premises?
Acquiring business and commercial premises used for an actual business activity is generally exempt from the permit requirement. The Lex Koller mainly targets residential property. Pure residential investment property for persons abroad, by contrast, remains restricted under the law.
Is the law changing?
The Federal Council has proposed tightening the Lex Koller, for example new permit requirements for primary homes of third-country nationals. This proposal was in consultation in 2026 and is not yet in force. Until then the existing law applies. Clarify your case with the cantonal authority.
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