Obtaining Residency in Switzerland Through Property Purchase
Acquiring residency in Switzerland through property purchase cannot lead to permanent residency in the country, and this method is only one of the ways to invest in Switzerland. Therefore, if you are seeking residency, it is better to consider other methods of immigration to Switzerland.
Luxury areas like Geneva, Zurich, and St. Moritz have high property prices—around 10,000 to 12,000 CHF per square meter. More remote places like Raron (Valais) offer prices near 3,000 CHF per square meter. Non-EU citizens without Swiss residency can only buy property in designated tourist areas.
With nearly 20 years of experience, the Malekpour Immigration Institute offers free consultations to guide you. Ask your questions in the comments for quick answers.
Reasons to Buy Property in Switzerland
- Economic and political stability
- Long-term capital appreciation
- High quality of life and advanced infrastructure
- Central location in Europe and access to other countries
- High security in all regions
- Diversity of regions with different natural features
- Low unemployment rate and strong economy
- Opportunity to rent out property
Conditions for Buying a House in Switzerland
Buying property in Switzerland does not require special conditions; it is only necessary for the applicant to have sufficient financial means to purchase the property.
- EU citizens have no restrictions on buying property in Switzerland.
- People who have Swiss residency and have lived in the country for 6 months can apply to buy property.
- People who are citizens of other countries and do not have Swiss residency can only apply to buy property in tourist areas of Switzerland.
Legal Steps for Buying Property in Switzerland
First, choose the property and sign a reservation agreement. Next, apply for a mortgage from Swiss banks. Then, register your purchase request at the notary office, providing buyer and seller details. After that, sign the sale deed—either in person or via power of attorney. Finally, ownership is officially transferred, which can take several weeks, though key handover often happens earlier.
House Prices in Switzerland
For those looking to invest in real estate, knowledge of property prices is of great importance. If you wish to know the price of a house in Switzerland in tomans, based on the prices listed in the table below and considering currency exchange rates at the time of exchange, you can estimate the approximate costs.
In each canton of Switzerland, the cost of buying and renting properties varies; for example, expenses in cities like Zurich and Lausanne are very high, while rural house prices in Switzerland, such as in Albinen village in Switzerland, is lower.
In the table below, you can see the average rental and purchase prices in different cantons of Switzerland.
| City | Average House Purchase Price (CHF per m²) |
|---|---|
| Zurich | 12,000 |
| Geneva | 10,800 |
| Bern | 8,000 |
| Lausanne | 9,000 |
| Basel | 8,500 |
| Lugano | 7,000 |
| City | One-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Monthly CHF) |
|---|---|
| Zurich | 1,900 |
| Geneva | 2,000 |
| Bern | 1,300 |
| Lausanne | 1,800 |
| Basel | 1,600 |
| Lugano | 1,200 |
| Tourist Destination | House Purchase Price (CHF per m²) |
|---|---|
| Zermatt | Around 13,000 |
| St. Moritz | 15,000 |
| Grindelwald | 10,000 |
| Tourist Destination | Apartment Rent (2-3 Bedrooms, Monthly CHF) |
|---|---|
| Zermatt & St. Moritz (average) | 3,600 |
| Luxury Properties | Up to 6,000 or more |
Most Expensive House in Switzerland
The most expensive houses in Switzerland are typically found in luxury areas such as Geneva, Zurich, and St. Moritz. For example, a luxury property in Geneva with a large area, stunning views of the lake, and top-notch amenities can cost over 50 million Swiss francs. Additionally, in St. Moritz, very luxurious properties near the ski slopes are sold at even higher prices.
Affordable House in Switzerland
In less populated and remote areas like Raron in the Valais canton, houses are available at around 3,000 Swiss francs per square meter.
For example, a small house or apartment may cost around 300,000 Swiss francs, which is significantly cheaper compared to larger cities like Zurich or Geneva.
Reputable Websites for Buying Property in Switzerland
For purchasing property in Switzerland, you can use the following reputable websites that provide accurate information, images, and details about available properties:
- Homegate: One of the largest platforms for buying, selling and renting real estate in Switzerland
- ImmoScout24: The most popular real estate website in Switzerland with a wide range of offers for houses and apartments.
- Properstar: An international platform specifically designed for foreign buyers.
- Comparis: Allows you to compare property prices and provides additional information on taxes and additional costs.
- LuxuryEstate: Focuses on luxury properties in high-demand areas such as Zurich, Geneva, and St. Moritz.
Price Differences of Houses in Different Cities of Switzerland
The price of properties in Switzerland heavily depends on geographical location, city, and even neighborhood. Major cities such as Zurich and Geneva offer the most expensive real estate markets, while smaller cities or rural areas typically present lower prices. The following examines the price differences in various cities:
| City | Average Price per m² (CHF) | Market Features |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich | 12,000 – 18,000 | Switzerland’s economic center with high demand for luxury apartments and commercial areas. |
| Geneva | 10,000 – 16,000 | International city with strong demand due to global organizations and housing shortage. |
| Basel | 8,000 – 12,000 | Important economic city with more affordable prices compared to Zurich and Geneva. |
| Lausanne | 9,000 – 13,000 | Student and cultural city with relatively high prices, especially near the lake. |
| Bern | 7,000 – 10,000 | Swiss capital with more affordable prices and a stable housing market. |
| Lugano | 6,000 – 9,000 | City in Ticino influenced by Italian style, with lower prices than major cities. |
| Rural Areas | 4,000 – 6,000 | Lower prices due to less demand and distance from economic and commercial centers. |
Factors Affecting the Real Estate Market in Switzerland
The real estate market in Switzerland is influenced by a range of economic, geographical, and social factors that affect prices, supply, and demand for housing. The country’s strategic location, high quality of life, and certain legal restrictions have made this market one of the most stable and competitive in Europe. Below are the key factors impacting this market:
- Stable Economy – A strong, secure economy attracts both local and foreign investment.
- Low Interest Rates – Affordable mortgages encourage more property purchases.
- Legal Restrictions – Laws like Lex Koller limit foreign ownership, controlling supply.
- International Demand – Cities like Zurich and Geneva attract expats and global organizations.
- Limited Land Supply – Mountainous terrain restricts building space, pushing prices up.
- Taxes & Fees – Property taxes and title transfer fees impact buying decisions.
- High Income Levels – Strong purchasing power maintains steady property demand.
- Prime Locations – Properties near lakes, business hubs, or tourist spots hold higher value.
- Quality of Life – Safety, healthcare, and social services make Switzerland attractive.
- Urban Migration – Growing population in cities fuels demand for housing.
Taxes on Property Purchase in Switzerland
When buying property in Switzerland, several taxes and fees apply, depending on the canton and municipality:
| Tax / Fee Type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Property Transfer Tax | 0.2% – 3.3% of property value | Varies by canton; not applied in some cantons like Zurich and Schwyz |
| Notary & Land Registry Fees | 0.1% – 0.15% of property value | Standard rate for official documentation and property registration |
| Annual Property Tax | 0.5% – 1.5% of taxable property value | Many cantons apply it; exemptions exist in cantons like Zug and Zurich |
| Imputed Rental Value Tax | Based on estimated rental income of owned property | Considered part of annual income tax for homeowners |
For standard property purchases, total initial costs (including taxes and fees) range from 2.5% to 5% of the property’s value, with some cantons like Vaud being at the higher end.
Real Estate Lawyer in Switzerland
Using an immigration lawyer is crucial for investment-based immigration, especially for property purchases in Switzerland. A skilled lawyer ensures clarity on all legal aspects, protects your capital, and reduces financial risks. The Malekpour Institute, with over 20 years of experience and a top European legal team, offers expert legal support to safeguard your interests and guide you through the immigration process.
Obtaining Residency by Purchasing Property in Switzerland
Purchasing property in Switzerland will not lead to residency and can only be regarded as an investment for the person. If you intend to obtain permanent residency in Switzerland, it is better to consider other methods such as self-sufficiency in Switzerland or company registration in Switzerland.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying property in Switzerland
- What is the best city in Switzerland to live in?
Switzerland is one of the best countries in the world regarding living standards, job security, societal security, level of tranquility, etc. The level of living is very high in all cities and cantons of this country, but cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern are among the most important and populous cities.
- How do living costs in Switzerland compare to other countries?
Overall, Switzerland is considered a high-quality country, and social services in this country are at the highest levels; therefore, living costs are also much higher than in other countries. The average cost of living in Switzerland is high.
- Does investing in property in Switzerland lead to residency or citizenship?
Purchasing real estate in Switzerland only serves as an investment for the person and will not lead to residency or citizenship. Other methods, such as self-sustenance or company registration in Switzerland, or property purchases in countries like Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Cyprus, can lead to residency and citizenship.
Conclusion:
Switzerland’s security, high quality of life, and low unemployment make it a top choice for immigration. Property purchase in Switzerland involves specific legal steps, and costs vary by city—both for buying and renting per square meter. While buying property doesn’t guarantee residency, it can support your immigration goals.
The Malekpour Institute, with 20 years of experience and top European lawyers, offers expert guidance. Stay updated via our Telegram, Instagram, and YouTube channels, or ask your questions about property prices and Swiss immigration in the Q&A section for quick answers.
