Purchase of real estate by non-Swiss citizens
The purchase of real estate for business or residential purposes by foreigners and Swiss-controlled companies in the Canton of Zug is possible.
The purchase of real estate as a pure capital investment is forbidden. In the Canton of Zug it is also impossible to acquire second or holiday homes.
Legal basis:
- The Federal Law on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Non-Residents (BewG)
- Introductory Act to the Federal Law on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Non-Residents.
PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE BY CITIZENS OF THE EU/EFTA MEMBER STATES RESIDENT IN SWITZERLAND
Citizens of EU and EFTA Member States with a legitimate and actual residence in Switzerland are not regarded as non-residents, irrespective of the type of residence permit held. They possess the same rights for acquisition of real estate as Swiss nationals (known as national treatment). The purchase of a holiday home is also possible. The acquired real estate may be freely disposed of upon a change of domicile or upon leaving Switzerland.
PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE BY CITIZENS OF THE EU/EFTA MEMBER STATES NOT RESIDENT IN SWITZERLAND
Citizens of EU and EFTA Member States holding Swiss residence permits, but not having their main place of residence in Switzerland, hold the same rights as Swiss nationals for the acquisition of real estate only in respect of pursuing an occupation (commercial premises). That also applies if the real estate is not used by the purchaser but is rented or leased out to a third party. No permit is required, even purchases are made by foreign-controlled companies for business purposes.
The purchase of second and holiday homes requires a permit. Canton Zug still recognises no reason to authorize acquisition of second and holiday homes.
PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE BY CITIZENS OF THE EU/EFTA MEMBER STATES NOT RESIDENT IN SWITZERLAND WITH THE GUARANTEE OF
AN EU/EFTA RESIDENCY PERMIT
Citizens of EU and EFTA Member States who still have their main place of residence outside Switzerland, but who will be able to justify a legal and actual place of residence in Switzerland based on the guarantee of an EG/EFTA residency permit of the Zug Cantonal Office for Foreign Nationals, may purchase any type of property even before actual establishment of residency. However in this event, a request to establish non-requirement of a permit must be submitted to the appropriate authority.
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