Foreigners Authorised Property: What Does the Term Mean?

Origin of the term

The term originates from the cantonal authorisation process under Lex Koller. When a property is sold to a foreign buyer with cantonal approval, the authorisation is noted in the land register. Subsequent listings of the property use "Foreigners Authorised" to signal that the property has this history and can be sold again to a foreign buyer.

In some cantons and listing platforms, the term is used more broadly to indicate that the property type and location are eligible for foreign ownership — even if no previous foreign buyer has owned it. Buyers should verify the precise status with the notary.

Practical implications

When you see "Foreigners Authorised" in a Swiss property listing, it means the property is in a category that can be sold to non-resident foreign buyers subject to cantonal authorisation. It does not mean the purchase is unconditional — the buyer must still apply for and receive authorisation within the annual quota.

Properties without this designation cannot be sold to non-resident foreign buyers. If you are a non-resident foreign national, filtering your search to "Foreigners Authorised" properties is the first step in identifying what you can legally purchase.

Verifying the status

The most reliable way to verify a property's status is to request the land register extract (extrait du registre foncier). This document shows all registered rights, restrictions and authorisations attached to the property. A notary can interpret the extract and confirm whether the property is eligible for foreign purchase.

Agents in Montreux who work regularly with international buyers will be familiar with this process and can confirm eligibility before arranging viewings.

Key points

• "Foreigners Authorised" and "Foreign Buyer Eligible" are equivalent terms
• The designation indicates the property can be sold to non-resident foreign buyers
• Cantonal authorisation is still required — the designation is not a guarantee of approval
• Verify status via the land register extract before making an offer