Advisory Guide
Lex Koller is a federal law, but its application is administered at the cantonal level. Each canton designates its own tourist zones, administers its own annual quota of authorisations, and applies the law through its own cantonal authority.
Advisory disclaimer: This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Canton designations, quotas and rules change. Final confirmation must be obtained from the relevant cantonal authority and a qualified Swiss notary or lawyer.
The following canton-by-canton overview covers the key Swiss cantons relevant to international private clients. For each canton, the table indicates whether tourist zones are designated, whether an annual quota system applies, and a summary of foreign buyer conditions. For commune-level detail, see the commune-by-commune guide.
Alps / Rhône Valley
Valais has the largest number of designated tourist zones in Switzerland and historically issues the highest volume of Lex Koller authorisations for holiday home acquisitions by non-resident foreign nationals.
Foreign buyer summary
Non-resident foreign nationals may acquire holiday homes in designated tourist communes subject to cantonal authorisation and annual quotas. Living space is typically limited to approximately 200 m² and land plot to approximately 1,000 m². Properties must be used as holiday homes and may not be rented out commercially without restriction.
Key communes / resort areas
Lake Geneva / Alps
Vaud has designated tourist zones primarily in the Alpes Vaudoises (pre-Alps and Alpine resort areas) as well as certain locations on the Lake Geneva corridor. Non-resident foreign nationals may be authorised to acquire eligible holiday residences in qualifying communes, including Montreux, subject to cantonal quota, individual approval and property eligibility under Lex Koller.
Foreign buyer summary
Non-resident foreign nationals may acquire holiday homes in designated Alpine tourist communes in Vaud subject to cantonal authorisation and quotas. The Lake Geneva lakeside corridor is not a tourist zone; Lex Koller applies in full and non-resident foreign acquisition is generally not permitted for residential property.
Key communes / resort areas
Alps / Eastern Switzerland
Graubünden is home to some of Switzerland's most prestigious ski resorts and has numerous designated tourist zones. The canton has historically been active in issuing Lex Koller authorisations for holiday home acquisitions.
Foreign buyer summary
Non-resident foreign nationals may acquire holiday homes in designated tourist communes in Graubünden subject to cantonal authorisation and annual quotas. The canton is known for its international clientele in resort areas. The Weber Act (Lex Weber, 2012) additionally restricts the proportion of second homes in any commune to 20% of total housing stock.
Key communes / resort areas
Alps / Central Switzerland
The Bernese Oberland contains designated tourist zones in the major Alpine resort areas. The canton of Bern applies Lex Koller in the standard manner for non-resident foreign buyers.
Foreign buyer summary
Non-resident foreign nationals may acquire holiday homes in designated Bernese Oberland tourist communes subject to cantonal authorisation and quotas. Gstaad (Saanen) is among the most internationally recognised resort markets in this canton.
Key communes / resort areas
Southern Switzerland / Italian-speaking
Ticino has designated tourist zones primarily in its lake and mountain resort areas. The canton is Italian-speaking and has a distinct Mediterranean character. Non-resident foreign nationals may be authorised to acquire eligible holiday residences in qualifying communes, including Lugano, subject to cantonal quota, local planning rules and individual approval under Lex Koller.
Foreign buyer summary
Non-resident foreign nationals may acquire holiday homes in designated tourist communes in Ticino subject to cantonal authorisation and quotas. Ascona and Brissago on Lake Maggiore are among the most internationally known resort areas. In Lugano, eligibility depends on the specific property, its authorised use and local planning rules — prior cantonal confirmation is required.
Key communes / resort areas
Central Alps
Uri has limited designated tourist zones. The canton is less internationally prominent than Valais or Graubünden but has some resort areas.
Foreign buyer summary
Andermatt has been subject to a special federal authorisation framework for the Andermatt Swiss Alps resort development, which has allowed foreign acquisition under specific conditions. Standard Lex Koller rules apply elsewhere in the canton.
Key communes / resort areas
Central Switzerland
Obwalden has designated tourist zones in its Alpine resort areas.
Foreign buyer summary
Non-resident foreign nationals may acquire holiday homes in designated tourist communes subject to authorisation and quotas. Engelberg is a well-known international resort.
Key communes / resort areas
Central Switzerland
Nidwalden shares the Engelberg resort area with Obwalden.
Foreign buyer summary
Non-resident foreign nationals may acquire holiday homes in designated tourist communes subject to authorisation and quotas.
Key communes / resort areas
Western Switzerland / Pre-Alps
Fribourg has some designated tourist zones in its pre-Alpine areas.
Foreign buyer summary
Non-resident foreign nationals may acquire holiday homes in designated tourist communes in Fribourg subject to authorisation and quotas. The market is smaller and less internationally prominent than Valais or Graubünden.
Key communes / resort areas
Lake Geneva
Geneva has no designated tourist zones. Lex Koller applies in full. Non-resident foreign nationals generally cannot acquire residential property in Geneva. Swiss residents (B or C permit holders) may purchase without restriction.
Foreign buyer summary
Non-resident foreign nationals cannot acquire residential property in Geneva under Lex Koller. EU/EFTA nationals with a valid Swiss residence permit (B or C) may purchase without restriction. Non-EU/EFTA residents with a C permit are also generally unrestricted.
Key communes / resort areas
Northern Switzerland
Zurich has no designated tourist zones. Lex Koller applies in full. Non-resident foreign nationals generally cannot acquire residential property in Zurich.
Foreign buyer summary
Non-resident foreign nationals cannot acquire residential property in Zurich under Lex Koller. Residents with appropriate permits may purchase without restriction.
Key communes / resort areas
Northwestern Switzerland
Basel has no designated tourist zones. Lex Koller applies in full.
Foreign buyer summary
Non-resident foreign nationals cannot acquire residential property in Basel under Lex Koller. Residents with appropriate permits may purchase without restriction.
Key communes / resort areas
Central Switzerland
Lucerne has no designated tourist zones. Lex Koller applies in full.
Foreign buyer summary
Non-resident foreign nationals cannot acquire residential property in Lucerne under Lex Koller. Residents with appropriate permits may purchase without restriction.
Key communes / resort areas
Important note
The information above is a general overview only. Canton designations, tourist zone boundaries, annual quotas and applicable rules change over time. For any specific property acquisition, final confirmation of the applicable rules must be obtained from the relevant cantonal authority and a qualified Swiss notary or lawyer. Swiss Private Group does not provide legal advice.
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Advisory
Swiss Private Group advises international private clients on Swiss property acquisition across all cantons and can facilitate introductions to qualified Swiss legal specialists.
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