English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only, has no legal force and may not be relied on in legal proceedings.
Art. 1 Purpose
This Act limits the acquisition of immovable property by foreign non-residents, in order to prevent the excessive ownership of Swiss territory by foreign nationals.
Art. 2 Authorisation
1 Foreign non-residents require authorisation from the competent cantonal authority for the acquisition of immovable property. 2 No authorisation is required for acquisition if: a. the immovable property serves as the permanent establishment for a trading, manufacturing or other form of commercial operation, for a skilled crafts business or for the practice of a liberal profession; b. the immovable property serves the acquirer as a natural person as his or her main home at his or her lawful and effective place of residence; or c. an exception under Article 7 applies. 3 When acquiring immovable property in accordance with paragraph 2 letter a, homes or areas reserved for homes may also be acquired if required to meet residential quota regulations.
Para. 2 let. c — Inserted by No I of the FA of 30 April 1997, in force since 1 Oct. 1997 (AS 1997 2086; BBl 1997 II 1221). Para. 3 — Inserted by No I of the FA of 30 April 1997, in force since 1 Oct. 1997 (AS 1997 2086; BBl 1997 II 1221).
Art. 3 Federal law and cantonal law
1 Authorisation is granted only on the grounds set out in this Act. 2 The cantons may specify additional grounds for authorisation and further restrictions in order to safeguard their various interests provided this Act authorises them to do so.