Documents Required to Buy Property in Switzerland

Identity documents

All buyers must provide valid identity documents — a passport or national identity card. For non-Swiss buyers, the notary will verify the identity document and may require a certified copy. For corporate buyers (purchasing through a company), the company's constitutional documents and the identity of the beneficial owners must be provided.

The notary is required by Swiss anti-money laundering regulations to verify the identity of all parties to a property transaction and to understand the source of funds for the purchase. Buyers should be prepared to provide documentation of the source of funds — bank statements, investment account statements or other evidence.

Residence and permit documents

Swiss residents must provide their residence permit (B, C or other permit) or Swiss passport. EU/EFTA residents with a B permit who are purchasing a primary residence must provide evidence that the property will be their primary domicile in Switzerland.

Non-resident foreign buyers must provide documentation to support their Lex Koller application — typically a copy of their passport, evidence of their country of residence and a declaration of intended use (holiday home). The cantonal authority will review these documents as part of the authorisation process.

Financial documents

If financing the purchase with a mortgage, buyers must provide the bank's mortgage commitment letter (lettre d'engagement) to the notary before the deed is signed. The notary will not proceed without confirmation that financing is in place.

For cash purchases, buyers must provide evidence of the availability of funds — typically a bank statement or a letter from the buyer's bank confirming that the funds are available and will be transferred to the notary's escrow account. Swiss anti-money laundering regulations require the notary to understand the source of funds.

Property documents

The notary will obtain the land register extract and other property documents directly. However, buyers should review the following documents during due diligence: the land register extract (extrait du registre foncier); the building plans and floor plans; the PPE regulations and service charge accounts (for apartments); any building permits or planning permissions; and any known defects or legal encumbrances.

For older properties, buyers may wish to commission an independent building survey to assess the condition of the structure and identify any renovation requirements.

Key points

• Identity documents: valid passport or national ID card for all buyers
• Source of funds documentation required by anti-money laundering regulations
• Residence permit or Swiss passport for Swiss residents
• Mortgage commitment letter required before deed signing if financing
• Review: land register extract, building plans, PPE regulations, service charge accounts