Legal information on acquisition of
real estate in Switzerland by persons abroad

Undeveloped land

Basic principle 

It is essentially the case that the acquisition of the following real estate plots is subject to the obligation to obtain a permit pursuant to BewG:

  • undeveloped land in a residential zone
  • undeveloped land in an industrial zone
  • undeveloped land in a commercial zone

Exceptions 

  • The ability to develop the land with a building that is not subject to licensing obligations with one twelve months
  • Use as permanent establishment real estate
    • Storage site
    • Parking lot
    • Access route
  • Permissible land reserve

Vacancy 

Vacant buildings are deemed to constitute undeveloped land. 

Hoarding of land 

The hoarding of building land of all types constitutes an impermissible capital investment