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

Property Investment in Switzerland as a Foreigner

How the residential property price index is growing in Switzerland

Cost of a 3-bedroom apartment in Switzerland

€5.5 million

Apartment in the centre of Geneva, on the shores of Lake Geneva

€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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Taxes 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

Malta11 properties

€375,000+

Permanent residency

6+ months

Show 11 properties

€375,000+Permanent residency6+ months

Grenada22 properties

$270,000+

Citizenship

8+ months

Show 22 properties

$270,000+Citizenship8+ months

UAE143 properties

AED 750,000+

Residence permit

2+ months

Show 143 properties

AED 750,000+Residence permit2+ months

Spain36 properties

Not limited

Residence permit

4+ months

Show 36 properties

Not limitedResidence permit4+ months

Portugal73 properties

Not limited

Residency after D Visas

6+ months

Show 73 properties

Not limitedResidency after D Visas6+ months

Show all countries

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.

Material prepared by Igor Buglo, Head of the Maltese office, MBA

Updated:

06 March, 2025

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners buy real estate in Switzerland?
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.
How much does the average house cost in Switzerland?
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.
Is real estate cheap in Switzerland?
No. Swiss real estate prices are among the highest in Europe. The average cost of residential real estate is €14,300 per 1 m².
Is Switzerland good for real estate?
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.
How much is property tax in Switzerland?
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.
Is it a good time to buy property in Switzerland?
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.
Can I move to Switzerland if I buy a house?
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.