Buying, selling, leasing and developing property, including advice for non-EU citizens and foreign investors.
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Leading international law firm with strong English-speaking team specializing in corporate and commercial law
Prominent Swiss firm with extensive English-language corporate and IP practice; active 2024-2025
Full-service law firm with bilingual English teams across Switzerland; active in corporate and real estate
Zurich-headquartered firm known for bilingual English-speaking team in corporate and tax matters
Top-tier Swiss firm with extensive English-speaking corporate practice; serving international clients
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Global CMS network with strong Zurich office offering comprehensive English-language legal services
Full-service Zurich law firm with experienced English-speaking lawyers in all practice areas
Geneva boutique firm with strong English practice in family and immigration law
Immigration-focused firm with multilingual English-speaking team; specializes in expat services
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Lausanne-based firm with English-language capabilities in corporate and real estate law
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Bern law firm with English-speaking professionals in corporate and real estate sectors
Geneva law firm specializing in banking and finance with strong English-speaking capabilities
Ticino firm with multilingual English team serving Italian and international clients
Geneva firm with bilingual English team focusing on real estate and corporate matters
Basel law firm offering English-language corporate and real estate legal services
Geneva-based international law firm with comprehensive English-speaking services
Leading Geneva law firm with established English-language practice in corporate matters
Zurich boutique firm with English-speaking specialists in corporate and IP law
Bern-based firm offering English-language legal services across multiple practice areas
International firm with strong Geneva office specializing in immigration and expat services
Lausanne firm with English-speaking team in corporate and real estate legal services
Lucerne-based law firm with English-speaking professionals serving corporate and individual clients
Zurich firm with established English-language corporate and banking practice
Geneva boutique firm offering English-language legal services in corporate and wealth areas
Basel law firm with English-speaking team offering comprehensive legal services
Full-service firm with strong Basel presence pharma specialists
Bilingual Italian/English Italian expat specialists
Most European countries allow foreigners to purchase property, though some have restrictions for non-EU nationals. A real estate lawyer can advise on your specific situation.
Title searches, planning permission checks, mortgage encumbrance searches, and review of the sale contract. Always use an independent lawyer, not the seller's lawyer.
Browse our verified directory of law firms across Switzerland's major cities. All listed firms offer English-language legal services to expats and foreign nationals.
Find My Lawyer in 60 SecondsGrundstückgewinnsteuer (GGSt) is a cantonal capital gains tax on property sales. Rates and holding periods vary dramatically:
| Canton | 0-1yr | 5yr | 10yr | 20yr+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zurich (ZH) | 40% | 30% | 20% | 10% |
| Bern (BE) | 30% | 15% | 10% | 5% |
| Geneva (GE) | 25% | 15% | 10% | 5% |
| Zug (ZG) | 35% | 20% | 10% | 5% |
Handänderungssteuer (Transfer Tax) is a supplementary cantonal/municipal tax on property transfers. Zurich exempts primary residence transfers, but Bern charges 1.8% and Geneva 3% on all transfers. Notariat and Grundbuch fees (~0.5-1% combined) are fixed; Maklerprovision (broker fees) typically 2-3% plus 8.1% MWST.
Stockwerkeigentum (Condominium Law) under ZGB art. 712a governs individual unit ownership within multi-unit buildings. Each owner holds title to their unit plus proportional share of common areas (Miteigentum). Condominium associations (Eigentümergemeinschaft) manage shared property, assessments, and repairs. Disputes often arise over capital reserves (Rückstellungen), special assessments, and renovation obligations.
Lex Koller (BewG – Foreign Ownership Restrictions) restricts non-residents and non-Swiss from acquiring residential property. EEA/Swiss nationals generally exempt; non-EEA citizens face cantonal approval and may require proof of legal residence. Example: German (EEA) buyer of Zurich apartment—exemption applies, no cantonal permission needed. Indian buyer requires cantonal approval and may face restrictions or special conditions.
MWST on New Construction: New buildings qualify for 3.8% reduced rate (vs. 8.1% standard); existing property transfers exempt from MWST but subject to Handänderungssteuer.
Grundbuch (Land Registry) under ZGB art. 942 is the official register of real property ownership and encumbrances (mortgages, easements, restrictions). Entries are prima facie evidence of ownership. Transfers require notarial certification and Grundbuch registration for legal effect (Eintrag = establishment of rights).
Case Study: German buyer acquires CHF 1.2M Zurich apartment. Purchase price CHF 1.0M. Holding 5 years, sells for CHF 1.5M. Gain: CHF 500,000. GGSt (Zurich, 5yr rate ~30%): CHF 150,000. Handänderungssteuer (Zurich, exempt for primary residence if buyer occupies): CHF 0. Notariat/Grundbuch: CHF 6,000. Makler (2.5%): CHF 37,500. Total costs: ~CHF 193,500 (~13% of gain). Lex Koller: EEA exempt—no cantonal approval required.
