Can I live in Switzerland after buying property?

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Switzerland Property Pack

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INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Switzerland. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

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At INVESTROPA, we explore the Swiss real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

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Laurence Rapp 🇬🇧

Sales representative at Skiing Property

Laurence is an authority on luxury ski properties in Switzerland, offering tailored expertise to buyers seeking exclusive investments. At Skiing Property, he provides access to premium chalets and apartments in the country's best ski resorts.

Can foreigners actually live in Switzerland just because they buy property there?

No, foreigners cannot automatically live in Switzerland simply because they purchase property there.

Property ownership in Switzerland does not grant residence rights, long-stay permits, or any form of automatic residency status. Swiss immigration law treats property ownership and residence permits as completely separate legal matters, with no connection between the two.

Switzerland does not offer a "Golden Visa" program or investment-based residency route tied to real estate purchases. Unlike some European countries that provide residence permits for significant property investments, Switzerland maintains strict separation between property rights and immigration status.

Foreign property owners in Switzerland are subject to the same visa limitations as any other tourist, regardless of how much they invested in Swiss real estate.

What types of residence permits exist in Switzerland, and do any come automatically with buying real estate?

Switzerland offers several residence permit categories, but none are automatically granted through property ownership.

The main permit types include the L permit for short-term stays up to one year, the B permit for annual residency typically granted for work or family reasons, and the C permit for permanent settlement after several years of legal residence. Cross-border workers can obtain G permits, while asylum seekers receive N permits and those under temporary protection get S permits.

Each permit type requires specific qualifying criteria such as employment contracts, family relationships with Swiss residents, or substantial financial independence for retirement-based permits. Property ownership alone does not qualify an applicant for any of these permit categories.

It's something we develop in our Switzerland property pack.

If I want to stay more than 90 days, what is the exact process to apply for a residence permit after buying property?

You must apply through the cantonal migration office where you intend to reside, but property ownership itself does not qualify you for a permit.

The application process requires submitting a valid passport, proof of accommodation (which your property can provide), evidence of sufficient financial means, and most importantly, a valid legal basis for residency such as employment, self-employment, or retirement with substantial income. The cantonal migration office evaluates applications based on Swiss immigration law, not property ownership status.

For financially independent individuals or retirees, some cantons may grant permits if you can demonstrate annual income of CHF 250,000 or more, plus substantial assets often in the millions of Swiss francs. However, not all cantons offer such permits, and approval is never guaranteed regardless of property ownership.

You must establish your legal basis for residency first, then use property ownership as supporting documentation for accommodation and financial stability, rather than as the primary qualification for the permit.

Are there restrictions on where foreigners can buy property in Switzerland, like cantons or tourist areas only?

Yes, foreigners without Swiss residence permits can only buy property in designated tourist areas for use as vacation or secondary homes.

Residency Status	Property Purchase Rights	Location Restrictions
Non-resident foreigners	Secondary/vacation homes only	Designated tourist areas only
B permit holders	Primary residence allowed	Canton of residence
C permit holders	Primary residence allowed	Throughout Switzerland
EU/EFTA nationals	Varies by agreement	Some restrictions apply
Swiss citizens	No restrictions	Throughout Switzerland

The Lex Koller law governs foreign property acquisition, limiting non-residents to tourist destinations typically in mountain regions or specific resort areas. These properties cannot be used as primary residences and are intended for holiday use only.

Foreigners who already hold B or C residence permits can purchase properties for primary residence use, but the permit must be obtained first through qualifying means other than property ownership.

How much time per year can I legally spend in Switzerland as a property owner without residency status?

Foreign property owners without residence permits are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period under Schengen visa rules.

This 90-day limitation applies regardless of property ownership value or location within Switzerland. The Schengen short-stay rules govern tourist visits, and property ownership does not change this legal framework or provide any extensions to the standard tourist visa duration.

Exceeding the 90-day limit without a proper residence permit constitutes illegal overstay and can result in entry bans for future visits to Switzerland and other Schengen countries. Swiss border authorities track entry and exit dates, making overstays easily detectable.

Property owners who wish to spend more time in Switzerland must obtain a qualifying residence permit through employment, retirement income, or other legal channels completely separate from their property investment.

Do I need to show proof of income or financial resources to get a residence permit tied to owning property?

Yes, you must demonstrate substantial income and assets for any residence permit, but the permit is never "tied to" property ownership.

For retirement or financially independent permits, cantonal requirements typically include annual income of CHF 250,000 to CHF 400,000 or more, depending on the canton and family size. Additionally, applicants often need substantial liquid assets, sometimes several million Swiss francs, to demonstrate long-term financial stability.

Property ownership can serve as evidence of financial capacity and provide required accommodation proof, but it does not reduce the income requirements or create a special permit category. Swiss authorities evaluate financial independence permits based on the applicant's ability to support themselves without working, not on their real estate investments.

The financial thresholds are designed to ensure permit holders will not require social assistance and can contribute to the local economy through taxes and spending, making the requirements quite substantial for most applicants.

What are the minimum property value or investment thresholds that make residency easier to obtain?

There are no official minimum property values that make Swiss residency easier to obtain or provide any advantages in the permit application process.

Swiss immigration law does not recognize property investment thresholds for residence permits, unlike some countries that offer investment visas for real estate purchases above certain amounts. All residence permit decisions are based on qualifying legal grounds such as employment, family relationships, or financial independence, regardless of property investment size.

While expensive property ownership might demonstrate financial capacity for retirement-based permits, the property value itself carries no weight in the decision-making process. A CHF 10 million chalet provides no more advantage than a CHF 1 million apartment when applying for residence permits.

Swiss authorities focus entirely on the applicant's ongoing income, liquid assets, and legal basis for residency, treating property ownership as merely one form of asset among many rather than a special qualifying factor.

How much does it cost in taxes and fees each year to own property in Switzerland as a foreigner?

Foreign property owners face several ongoing costs including property taxes, imputed rental value taxation, and various cantonal fees.

Annual property taxes typically range from 0.1% to 0.5% of the property's official value, varying significantly by canton and municipality. Additionally, Swiss tax authorities calculate an "imputed rental value" - the theoretical rent the property could generate - and tax this amount as income even if you don't rent out the property.

Other annual costs include building insurance, maintenance reserves for condominiums, and potential special taxes for non-residents in tourist areas. Some municipalities impose additional fees on foreign-owned properties that remain vacant for extended periods.

Purchase-related costs include transfer taxes and notary fees typically totaling 2% to 5% of the purchase price, depending on the canton. These one-time costs can add CHF 50,000 to CHF 100,000 or more to a typical property purchase.

It's something we develop in our Switzerland property pack.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Switzerland versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

Does owning property reduce the chance of my residence permit being refused or make renewals easier?

Property ownership does not reduce permit refusal risk or make renewals easier, except as proof of accommodation and financial substance in specific cases.

Swiss immigration authorities evaluate residence permit applications based on the legal qualifying criteria for each permit type, not on property ownership status. Employment-based permits depend on job contracts and employer sponsorship, while retirement permits focus on ongoing income and liquid assets rather than real estate investments.

Property ownership can provide supporting evidence for accommodation requirements and demonstrate some level of financial stability, but it carries no special weight in the decision-making process. Permits can be refused for various reasons including insufficient income, criminal background, or failure to meet integration requirements, regardless of property ownership.

For permit renewals, authorities primarily evaluate whether the original qualifying conditions remain valid, such as continued employment or maintained financial independence, rather than real estate holdings or investments.

Can I bring my spouse and children to live with me in Switzerland if I get residency through property ownership?

You cannot obtain residency through property ownership alone, but family reunification is possible for valid residence permit holders.

If you qualify for and receive a Swiss residence permit through legitimate means such as employment, retirement income, or self-employment, you can typically apply for family reunification permits for your spouse and minor children. The family reunification process requires proof of adequate accommodation, sufficient income to support family members, and health insurance coverage for all family members.

However, since property ownership itself does not provide residence permits, you must first establish your own legal residency status through qualifying channels before applying for family permits. The accommodation requirement for family reunification can be satisfied by owned property, but the property ownership alone does not create the underlying legal basis for residency.

Family members receive permits tied to the principal permit holder's status and are subject to the same renewal requirements and conditions as the primary permit.

Is it possible to eventually get permanent residency or citizenship in Switzerland starting from property ownership?

Property ownership is not a pathway to permanent residency or Swiss citizenship, which require continuous legal residence on valid permits.

The C permit for permanent settlement typically requires 10 years of continuous legal residence in Switzerland on B permits, demonstrating integration through language skills, knowledge of Swiss society, and compliance with Swiss law. Property ownership during this period may show stability but does not accelerate the timeline or provide special consideration.

Swiss citizenship through naturalization generally requires 10 years of legal residence, including at least 3 years on a C permit, plus successful completion of integration requirements and cantonal naturalization procedures. The process evaluates the applicant's integration, language abilities, and knowledge of Swiss institutions rather than their property investments.

Only continuous legal residence under qualifying permits can lead to permanent status and eventual citizenship, making property ownership irrelevant to this progression unless it supports other qualifying criteria like financial independence.

It's something we develop in our Switzerland property pack.

Which Swiss authorities or cantonal offices should I contact first if I want to use a property purchase to try to live there?

Contact the cantonal migration office where your property is located, but understand that property purchase alone will not qualify you for residency.

1. **Cantonal Migration Office**: The primary authority for all residence permit applications in your canton of intended residence 2. **Swiss Immigration Lawyer**: Essential for understanding complex requirements and cantonal variations in permit criteria 3. **Municipal Integration Office**: Provides information about local integration requirements and language course offerings 4. **Cantonal Tax Office**: Explains tax obligations for property owners and potential permit holders 5. **Real Estate Legal Advisor**: Ensures property purchase compliance with Lex Koller regulations for foreign buyers

Before contacting authorities, prepare documentation demonstrating your qualifying legal basis for Swiss residency such as employment offers, retirement income statements, or business plans for self-employment. Property ownership documentation alone will not advance your residence permit application.

Each canton has different procedures and requirements for residence permits, making cantonal migration offices the authoritative source for specific local requirements and application procedures in your area of interest.

Swiss immigration lawyers or relocation specialists can provide valuable guidance on navigating the complex requirements and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations before making significant property investments.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Naef Prestige - Buying Property in Switzerland as a Foreigner
2. Nievergelt und Stoehr - Real Estate for Foreigners: Lex Koller Guide
3. Immigrant Invest - Switzerland Residence Guide
4. Lexial - Swiss Resident Permits
5. Goldblum Law - How to Obtain Swiss Residence Permit
6. Sequoia Consulting - Types of Swiss Residence Permits
7. Garantin - Switzerland Residence Permit Roadmap
8. CH.ch - Permits for Living in Switzerland
9. Henley Global - Switzerland Residence by Investment
10. Lawyers Switzerland - Property Purchase Guide