€5.5 million
Apartment in the centre of Geneva, on the shores of Lake Geneva
Property Investment in Switzerland as a Foreigner
The sale of real estate to foreigners without a residence permit is restricted in Switzerland; permission for the purchase is required. Permits are issued by quotas, in individual cantons, and only for holiday properties, not permanent residences.
Statistics confirm the liquidity of investments: residential real estate prices grow every quarter by an average of 1.1%. Seven years ago, an apartment of 100 m² cost an average of €862,000, and today it is sold for €1,430,000.
€14,300
Average price per 1 m²
1.1%
Average price growth per quarter
0.25—3.55%
Associated costs, of the property value
How the residential property price index is growing in Switzerland
Cost of a 3-bedroom apartment in Switzerland
€3.5 million
Apartment on a lakeside in Lugano or 8 km from Davos
€1.5 million
Apartment in Bern
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Switzerland residency or citizenship by real estate investment
Purchasing real estate in Switzerland does not directly lead to residency or citizenship. On the contrary, to buy real estate, a foreigner must get a residence permit because the sale of housing to foreigners without a residence permit is prohibited.
The residence permit obliges the holder to live for at least 183 days a year in Switzerland. After six years, they can get permanent residency and apply for citizenship after four more years.
Switzerland grants residence permits to financially independent persons. To obtain this residence permit, it is necessary to live in the country and pay a fixed tax every year. The canton administration determines the size of the lump-sum tax; the amount is at least ₣450,000.
The residence permit for financially independent persons can be obtained in any canton, except for Zurich, Appenzell-Ausserodden, Basel-Stadt, Basel-Land, and Schaffhausen.
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Trusted by 500+ investorsTaxes and associated costs
Countries to buy a property and get residency or citizenship
We offer proven properties that comply with the conditions of government programs for investors. You can buy real estate and obtain a residence permit or citizenship.
Country
Property investments
Status
Obtaining time
€375,000+
Permanent residency
6+ months
Show 11 properties
€375,000+Permanent residency6+ months
AED 750,000+
Residence permit
2+ months
Show 166 properties
AED 750,000+Residence permit2+ months
Not limited
Residence permit
4+ months
Show 36 properties
Not limitedResidence permit4+ months
Not limited
Residency after D Visas
6+ months
Show 73 properties
Not limitedResidency after D Visas6+ months
40+ guides with European countries
Find out how much it costs to buy and rent real estate in each country, what the market dynamics are and what taxes you need to pay when buying and selling.
Property Investment in Croatia as a ForeignerTo purchase a property in Croatia, one must get approval from the Minister of Justice. Foreigners can rent out real estate only through...
€3,400
Average price per 1 m²
2%
Average price growth per quarter
Property Investment in Belgium as a ForeignerSelling real estate to foreigners in Belgium is not limited: you can buy and sell housing and commercial real estate or rent it out.
€3,047
Average price per 1 m²
1,1%
Average price growth per quarter
Property Investment in Albania as a ForeignerThe sale of real estate to foreigners in Albania is not restricted: you can buy, lease and sell housing or commercial real estate.
€1,171
Average price per 1 m²
Property Investment in Slovenia as a ForeignerSelling real estate to non-EU citizens is prohibited in Slovenia. A legal entity can buy real estate if it’s a Slovenian company.
€2,809
Average price per 1 m²
2,2%
Average price growth per quarter
Property Investment in San Marino as a ForeignerThe sale of real estate to foreigners is not limited in San Marino: one can buy, lease and sell housing and commercial properties.
€2,669
Average price per 1 m²
Property Investment in Poland as a ForeignerForeigners can freely buy, sell and rent out apartments in Poland. You need permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Poland...
€2,697
Average price per 1 m²
2,1%
Average price growth per quarter
Material prepared by Igor Buglo, Head of the Maltese office, MBA
Updated:
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Foreigners are allowed to buy real estate in Switzerland. But there are restrictions: you need to get a purchase permit, which is issued according to quotas. In some cantons it is forbidden to buy real estate; in others, you can only buy real estate for temporary residence, but not a permanent residence.
Residents and citizens of Switzerland buy real estate without restrictions.
Swiss real estate prices are among the highest in Europe. The average cost of 1 m² of housing is €14,300.
A 180 m² house in Switzerland costs approximately 2 million euros. Investors most commonly buy villas and chalets. Prices for luxury properties are three to four times higher.
No. Swiss real estate prices are among the highest in Europe. The average cost of residential real estate is €14,300 per 1 m².
Yes. Real estate in Switzerland is among the best and most expensive in Europe. The average cost of residential property is €14,300 per 1 m². At the same time, Swiss real estate keeps growing in price, by 1.1% quarterly. For example, an investor who bought a 100 m² apartment in Switzerland seven years ago for €862,000, can now sell it for €1,430,000.
Buyers of real estate in Switzerland pay a one-time transfer tax. The rate is 0.2—3.3%, depending on the canton. For example, in Zurich, the transfer tax is 0%.
The annual ownership tax for property owners in Switzerland is 0.05—0.3% of the cadastral value. The rate depends on the canton; some have abolished the property tax, for example, Zurich.
Income from renting out a property is included in the income tax payment base. The owners who don’t rent out the property, pay the income tax on imputed income that they could receive from renting it out. Imputed income is equal to 70% of the average market rental price of a similar property. Imputed rental income is also included in the income tax base.
Buying property in Switzerland can be a good decision if you are looking for a stable and potentially price-growing asset, particularly if you plan to stay in the country long-term.
However, it is important to understand the regulations, costs, and market conditions. Consulting with a local real estate agent, financial advisor, and legal expert can help you make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances.
Owning property in Switzerland does not automatically grant you residency. You will need to apply for the appropriate residency permit based on your situation. Owning property can support your application, particularly if you make significant investments or demonstrate financial independence.