Guide for foreign buyers
Buying property in Switzerland as a foreigner
A villa on Lake Geneva, an apartment in Geneva or Lausanne: what a foreign buyer can purchase in Switzerland, under which conditions, and how we support you from the first viewing to signing.
In short
EU and EFTA nationals who live in Switzerland (B or C permit) and C permit holders buy freely, like Swiss citizens. Other B permit holders can buy their main residence. EU cross-border commuters (G permit) can buy a second home in the region where they work. Non-residents can in practice not buy a home on the Geneva and Vaud shores of Lake Geneva: the Lex Koller law only allows holiday homes in certain tourist resorts. The real question is therefore often relocation to Switzerland, which we organise with you alongside the search.
Your situation
Who can buy under the Lex Koller law
B or C permit
You move to Switzerland
EU and EFTA nationals domiciled in Switzerland are outside the Lex Koller law: villa, apartment, main residence or investment property, with no authorisation. Other nationalities with a B permit can buy their main residence, and C permit holders buy freely. The notary checks your status at signing: we align the purchase timeline with your relocation.
G permit
You commute across the border
You live in France and work in Geneva or Vaud? As an EU citizen, you can buy a second home in the region where you work without authorisation. An often overlooked option for a pied-à-terre in Geneva, Nyon or Lausanne.
Living abroad
You remain a non-resident
Without a Swiss domicile, buying a home requires authorisation and is only possible for a holiday home in a tourist resort designated by the canton, mainly in the Vaud Alps. Geneva grants none. The Lake Geneva shoreline is therefore in practice reserved for buyers living in Switzerland.
Relocating
Living on the Swiss shore of Lake Geneva
Residence permit
EU and EFTA nationals obtain a B permit with a Swiss employment contract, as self-employed, or without gainful activity if they have sufficient means and Swiss health insurance. Other nationalities follow stricter rules, often through employment or lump-sum taxation. Registration with the commune is due within 14 days of arrival.
Lump-sum taxation
Geneva and Vaud offer taxation based on expenditure (lump-sum taxation) to foreigners who settle in Switzerland without working there. Tax is assessed on living expenses rather than worldwide income, with a high minimum. Some tax treaties, including the one with France, add specific conditions: have a tax adviser confirm before deciding.
How a Swiss purchase works
Reservation agreements and the deed of sale are signed before a notary of the canton where the property lies, and the deed is binding from signature. Agency fees are paid by the seller. Prices are in Swiss francs: currency risk matters if your wealth is held in another currency.
Financing
Swiss mortgages
Swiss bank rules
Banks require at least 20% equity, of which at least 10% must not come from the second pillar. They check that theoretical costs (interest at around 5%, amortisation and maintenance) stay below one third of gross income. The part of the loan above two thirds of the value must be repaid within fifteen years.
Newcomers and non-residents
Cross-border commuters and new arrivals can obtain Swiss financing, usually with more equity and a closer review of the file. We work with mortgage brokers used to these profiles, and a bank in your home country may also lend against your wider wealth.
Costs and steps
What buying costs, how it unfolds
Transfer tax is 3% in Geneva and up to 3.3% in the canton of Vaud. Notary and land registry fees come on top, plus mortgage deed costs where a loan is involved. In total, budget around 3% to 5% of the price.
Review your situation
Status, relocation timeline, budget and financing, before any viewing.
Search and off-market
A selection of listed and confidential homes, viewings grouped over one or two days.
Offer and negotiation
We negotiate on your behalf and coordinate bank, notary and tax adviser.
Signing at the notary
Signature of the deed, payment and registration in the land register.
Swiss or French shore
Lake Geneva, Swiss side
Évian and Thonon on one side, Geneva, Nyon, Lausanne and Montreux on the other: Lake Geneva is shared between France and Switzerland. Bellerive Properties works exclusively on the Swiss shore, in the cantons of Geneva and Vaud, where the shoreline has been fixed for decades and lakefront homes mostly sell without a public listing.
Where we work in Switzerland: Geneva · Cologny · Terre Sainte · Nyon · Lausanne · Lavaux · Montreux · Lake Geneva waterfront homes
Let's talk about your project
A first confidential conversation, by phone or video call, to review your situation and the properties available, including off-market.
General information as of October 2026, not legal or tax advice. Each situation is reviewed with our partner notaries and tax advisers.
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