Land purchase without a permit

EU citizens resident in Switzerland have the same rights as a Swiss citizen when purchasing land or real estate. Persons resident abroad may purchase land or real estate but are subject to some limitations. The following objects, intended for commercial use can be purchased without a permit: 

• manufacturing plants
• warehouses
• office buildings
• shopping centres
• shops
• hotels
• restaurants
• handicraft workshops
• medical practices
• apartments, which are necessary for running the plant; which cannot be separated from the business premises or where such a separation it would be unreasonable
• land reserves, to the extent of on third, and in some cases half of the total area, for medium-term extension of an existing works site or a works site which is under construction.

Purchase of main residences without permits

Main residences (such as detached houses, apartments) and building land in the place of residence of the purchaser, may also be bought without a permit. The following conditions apply:

• The purchaser must be in possession of an annual residence permit.
• The purchaser must live in the main residence himself as long as he has his place of residence in this town.
• Construction work on building land must be initiated within 12 months.

Purchase of real estate requiring a permit

Purchase of the following real estate objects require a permit:

• holiday apartments and units in an apartment hotel (hotel with apartments)
• second homes (an average residence time of 2-3 days per week is required)

A current review of land/real estate regulations for foreigners according to type of real estate can be found at the real estate page:  www.gkb.ch