Can EU and EFTA Citizens Buy Property in Switzerland?

EU/EFTA citizens resident in Switzerland

EU and EFTA citizens who are legally resident in Switzerland — holding a B or C permit — have the same property purchase rights as Swiss nationals. They can buy any type of residential property: a primary residence, a secondary residence, an investment property or a holiday home. No Lex Koller authorisation is required.

This right derives from the bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU, which grant EU citizens freedom of movement and equal treatment in Switzerland. EFTA citizens (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) benefit from similar provisions under the EEA Agreement.

EU/EFTA citizens not resident in Switzerland

EU and EFTA citizens who do not reside in Switzerland are subject to Lex Koller in the same way as non-EU nationals. They cannot freely purchase residential property and must obtain cantonal authorisation to buy a holiday home in a designated tourist municipality.

This is a common source of confusion. A French or German national living in their home country who wishes to buy a holiday home in Montreux is subject to Lex Koller — their EU citizenship does not exempt them from the restriction if they are not resident in Switzerland.

The B permit and property purchase

EU/EFTA citizens holding a B permit (temporary residence) can purchase a primary residence in Switzerland without Lex Koller authorisation. They can also purchase secondary residences and investment properties, as the bilateral agreements grant them equal treatment with Swiss nationals.

Non-EU/EFTA nationals holding a B permit are in a different position — they can purchase a primary residence but face restrictions on secondary residences and investment properties.

Practical implications for buyers

EU/EFTA citizens considering a property purchase in Montreux should first confirm their residence status. If they are resident in Switzerland with a valid permit, they can search the full market without restriction. If they are non-resident, they should focus on Foreign Buyer Eligible properties and plan for the Lex Koller authorisation process.

Key points

• EU/EFTA citizens resident in Switzerland have the same rights as Swiss nationals
• EU/EFTA citizens not resident in Switzerland are subject to Lex Koller
• Non-resident EU/EFTA citizens can only buy holiday homes in designated tourist municipalities
• B permit holders (EU/EFTA) can buy any residential property type
• Residence status — not nationality alone — determines purchase rights