Do I need authorisation to buy Swiss property?

In Switzerland expatriates who are considering purchasing property in Switzerland should be familiar with “Lex Friedrich,” the Federal Law on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Non- Residents, a law which has been in force since January 1985. Named after the former federal justice minister Friedrich, it restricts the ownership of real estate in Switzerland by non-residents.

Resident expatriates who may buy property without restriction or special authorisation include those holding a C-permit or working in embassies, consulates, and international organisations. They must have held resident status for either five to ten years, depending on nationality.

EU citizens with a Swiss permit B (and all foreign buyers with a permit C) can buy as many properties as they like. Foreign non - Swiss national buyers without a Swiss permit B or C need a "permit to purchase" (or "authorization") to buy property in Switzerland. Authorisations are obtained through a Swiss notary who applies to the relevant cantonal authority. Each Swiss Canton has a yearly quota of authorizations and it usually takes 3 months to obtain one.

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