🇨🇭 Switzerland

Buying Property in Switzerland: A Guide for Foreign Buyers

Apartments in Switzerland cost from €14,200 to €15,800 per m² across the cities we track. Expect to pay another 1–5% of the price in taxes and fees.

Can foreigners buy property in Switzerland?

Restricted for foreign buyers

Under Lex Koller, persons abroad (non-residents, and non-EU/EFTA nationals without a C permit) need cantonal authorisation, mostly limited to quota-based holiday homes in designated areas. EU/EFTA nationals resident in Switzerland and C-permit holders can buy freely; a draft tightening of Lex Koller was in consultation in 2026.

Tax ID you'll need: None required to buy

How to buy, step by step

  1. 1Check whether Lex Koller authorisation is required in the canton
  2. 2Reserve the apartment and pay a reservation deposit
  3. 3Obtain cantonal authorisation if required
  4. 4Sign the notarised purchase deed (öffentliche Beurkundung)
  5. 5Pay the price and taxes at closing
  6. 6Ownership is entered in the land register

What it costs

A 60 m² apartment in Geneva at the average €14,200/m² costs about €852,000. Purchase taxes and fees add roughly €8,520–€42,600. Full breakdown of Switzerland property taxes and costs.

Geneva€14,200/m² · gross yield 3.2%Zurich€15,800/m² · gross yield 3%

Mortgages and residency

Approx. 50–60% LTV for non-residents; Swiss rules require at least 20% equity even for residents.

Switzerland has no real-estate golden visa; a property purchase does not grant residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners buy property in Switzerland?↓
Under Lex Koller, persons abroad (non-residents, and non-EU/EFTA nationals without a C permit) need cantonal authorisation, mostly limited to quota-based holiday homes in designated areas. EU/EFTA nationals resident in Switzerland and C-permit holders can buy freely; a draft tightening of Lex Koller was in consultation in 2026.
How much are buying costs in Switzerland?↓
Typically 1–5% of the purchase price for a resale apartment, including transfer tax, notary or legal fees and registration.
How much does an apartment cost in Switzerland?↓
Average prices range from €14,200/m² to €15,800/m² across 2 cities; in Geneva a 60 m² apartment costs about €852,000.
Can non-residents get a mortgage in Switzerland?↓
Approx. 50–60% LTV for non-residents; Swiss rules require at least 20% equity even for residents.
Property prices in Switzerland →Apartments for sale in Switzerland →Rental yield calculator →

Last reviewed 2026-10. General information, not tax or legal advice: rates change and often depend on region and buyer status, so confirm with a local notary, lawyer or tax adviser. Sources: PwC Switzerland: Lex Koller tightening ahead, admin.ch: Cantonal property taxes on second homes.