Yes, it is possible to buy a property in Switzerland as a non-resident.
The acquisition of real estate by non-residents is regulated by Swiss Federal Law under the Lex Koller regulations. The Lex Koller requires "persons abroad" to obtain a permit from the appropriate cantonal and federal authorities before buying real estate in Switzerland.
This map of Switzerland shows that in certain areas of the main Cantons of Vaud, Valais, Fribourg, Bern, Neuchâtel, Ticino and Graubünden it is possible to buy property through the Lex Koller legal process.
Numbers of properties available to non-residents are also limited by the Swiss Government. At present the total number of homes that can be sold each year to non-residents in the whole of Switzerland is 1,440. Each Canton has a proportion of the 1,440 'permits' allocated to them each year.
It is possible to buy in most of the main ski resorts and tourist areas within Switzerland. The majority of the 1,440 permits are allocated to the south-west region of the country, namely Vaud, Valais and the Bernese Oberland.
Alternatively, if the property is to serve as a main residence, no permission is required provided that the property serves the purchaser as their main residence at the place of their rightful and actual residence, and provided that the purchaser actually lives there (renting out is not allowed). This is commonly known as the 'Permit B' route and involves acquiring Swiss Residency at the time of the property purchase.
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