Whether a foreign national can buy property in Montreux depends on their nationality, residence status and the type of property they wish to purchase. Switzerland has specific rules — primarily the Lex Koller legislation — that govern foreign property acquisition, and Montreux falls within the cantons where these rules apply.
The short answer
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Montreux — but not all foreigners, not all property types, and not without conditions. The rules depend on whether you are an EU or EFTA citizen, whether you hold a Swiss residence permit, and whether the property is classified as a primary residence, secondary residence or holiday home.
EU and EFTA citizens who reside in Switzerland have broadly the same purchase rights as Swiss nationals. Non-residents and nationals from outside the EU and EFTA face more significant restrictions under the Lex Koller law.
Who can buy without restriction
Swiss nationals and EU/EFTA citizens who are resident in Switzerland (holding a B or C permit) can purchase any type of residential property in Montreux without requiring special authorisation. They can buy a primary residence, a secondary residence or an investment property subject to the same rules as Swiss buyers.
C permit holders — regardless of nationality — are treated as Swiss nationals for property purchase purposes and face no additional restrictions.
Who faces restrictions
Non-EU, non-EFTA nationals who are not resident in Switzerland, and EU/EFTA nationals who are not resident in Switzerland, are subject to Lex Koller restrictions. They can generally only purchase a property designated as "Foreign Buyer Eligible" — typically a holiday home in a designated tourist area — and must obtain cantonal authorisation before completing the purchase.
B permit holders from outside the EU and EFTA can purchase a primary residence without Lex Koller authorisation, but cannot freely purchase secondary residences or investment properties.
Montreux as a designated tourist area
Montreux is classified as a tourist municipality, which means a limited number of holiday home purchases by foreign buyers are permitted each year under the cantonal quota system. This makes Montreux one of the few Swiss locations where non-resident foreign buyers can legally acquire residential property — provided the property carries the Foreign Buyer Eligible designation and a quota place is available.
The number of authorisations granted each year is limited, and demand from international buyers is consistent. Properties with Foreign Buyer Eligible status are therefore a specific and sought-after segment of the Montreux market.
Key points
- EU/EFTA residents in Switzerland can buy freely
- C permit holders have the same rights as Swiss nationals
- Non-residents can buy Foreign Buyer Eligible holiday homes with cantonal authorisation
- Montreux is a designated tourist area with an annual quota
- B permit holders (non-EU/EFTA) can buy a primary residence without authorisation
Contact Montreux Real Estate to discuss your eligibility and identify properties that match your purchase rights.
Related articles
Lex Koller Explained: Buying Property in Switzerland as a Foreigner
A plain-language explanation of the Lex Koller law and how it affects foreign property buyers.
Read →Buying a Holiday Home in Montreux Under Lex Koller
How Lex Koller applies to holiday home purchases by foreign buyers in Montreux.
Read →Foreign Buyer Eligible Properties in Montreux
What the "Foreign Buyer Eligible" designation means and how to identify qualifying properties.
Read →Looking for a property in Montreux? Browse our current selection of apartments, villas and off-market opportunities.