Investing in Real Estate in Switzerland as a Non-Resident Foreigner: How and Why?

Is it possible to purchase real estate in Switzerland as a non-resident foreigner?

Yes, Switzerland is open to foreign real estate investors, but only under conditions strictly regulated by Swiss law. The purchase of real estate by a person not domiciled in Switzerland is strictly limited by the LFAIE (Federal Law on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad), also known as Lex Koller.​

This law aims to protect the Swiss real estate market from excessive demand pressure from abroad, particularly in tourist or high-demand areas. For non-resident foreigners, this law imposes several major restrictions:​

• Purchase limited to a secondary residence: for exclusive personal use in a recognized tourist area.

• National quotas: approximately 1,500 purchase authorizations are issued each year for all of Switzerland, then distributed by canton.

• Maximum authorized area: 250 m² of living space and 1,500 m² of land (sometimes 1,000 m² in cantons like Vaud).

• Only one property per family(per tax household).

• Prohibition on resale for 5 years, except under exceptional circumstances.​

These restrictions may seem complex, but they help preserve the patrimonial value of the Swiss market by making each acquisition highly qualitative, regulated, and secure.​

Opportunities remain numerous, especially in alpine resorts or certain Lake Geneva areas open to non-residents.However, it's essential to identify them, understand the eligibility criteria, and be accompanied by local experts.

Which Swiss regions are accessible to non-resident foreigners?

1 - Swiss mountain resorts

Some international resorts offer an exceptional living environment, combining sports, nature, and prestige real estate. Our BARNES agencies are present in the most emblematic resorts in Switzerland:

• Verbier:  a sporty and cosmopolitan resort, dynamic all year round.

• Crans-Montana :  a lively alpine town with summer and winter activities, still attractive prices.

• Gstaad:  discreet luxury, extreme rarity, very high patrimonial values.

• Andermatt: a national exception, exempt from the Lex Koller – free purchase for all foreigners, with no surface area limits or quotas.

Our local presence in all these resorts gives us access to off-market properties and allows us to provide tailored advice based on your profile and local regulations.

2 – The Vaud Riviera (Montreux, Vevey, La Tour-de-Peilz)

Less known to the general international public, the Lake Geneva Riviera is nonetheless open to the acquisition of secondary residences by non-residents.

Specific conditions:

• Recognized tourist area

• Maximum 250 m² of living space / 1,000 m² of land

• Subject to the same quotas and usage restrictions

A prestigious investment in a lakeside setting, with easy access to Geneva. Our local experts will guide you through the available opportunities.

Why invest in Switzerland as a non-resident?

Attractive and relatively affordable tax regime:

• Some cantons, such as Valais, offer a lump-sum taxation regime for individuals who are domiciled in Switzerland but not professionally active. Under this system, taxpayers are taxed not on their worldwide income, but on their annual living expenses (including those of any dependents).
  For example, a European couple renting an apartment in Crans-Montana for CHF 5,000 per month (CHF 60,000 per year) may be taxed on a lump-sum basis of approximately CHF 150,000 per year. This amount is considered relatively affordable for high-net-worth individuals and makes Valais particularly attractive from a tax perspective — often more advantageous than comparable regimes in other European countries, such as Italy.
  
  A tailored analysis remains essential to determine eligibility and benefits in each specific case.

A rare and secure asset:

• The Swiss market is regulated, stable, and minimally speculative.

• The restrictions imposed by the LFAIE, the law on secondary residences, and the LAT ensure a very limited supply, supporting strong long-term value growth.
   

A European safe haven:

• A strong Swiss franc, political stability, quality of life, and neutrality: all factors that reassure international investors seeking security.

A unique lifestyle:

• Whether in the mountains or along Lake Geneva, Switzerland offers a unique Swiss way of life and a comfortable environment combining nature, culture, gastronomy, and sport.

Who can assist you with your real estate and tax planning in Switzerland?

Investing in Switzerland as a non-resident foreigner often raises complex legal, tax, and estate planning questions. To address these with precision, we work closely with a trusted expert in international wealth structuring.

His areas of expertise include:

• Swiss and international estate planning, particularly for families with heirs in multiple jurisdictions;

• Wealth and tax structuring for families residing in Switzerland or with economic ties to the country;

• Relocation assistance for foreign families (USA, UK, France, South Africa), including access to lump-sum taxation, private schooling, and property search;

• Strategic support for entrepreneurs, especially real estate developers, in building and optimising their property portfolios in Switzerland.

This professional mainly works with private clients holding at least CHF 10 million in financial assets (excluding real estate), offering a tailor-made, confidential, and comprehensive service.

We would be pleased to connect you with him based on your project.

Conclusion

Investing in Switzerland as a non-resident foreigner is possible, but it requires an expert, rigorous, and personalized approach. It is precisely this rarity and regulatory framework that give the Swiss real estate market its strength and long-term resilience.
 

At BARNES Suisse, we offer you tailor-made support with a team of experts.

Are you considering a purchase in Verbier, Crans-Montana, Andermatt, or Montreux?
Contact our local teams — we’ll guide you from the first idea to the handover of the keys.