Persons benefiting from a C or B permit from the European Community (EU or EFTA) are free to acquire any property that they wish. From this point of view they are treated as Swiss nationals.

For other foreigners (non-European B permits) they may acquire a primary residence without authorisation (in their own name) as long as the surface area does not exceed 3,000 m2. Above the figure of 3,000 m2 a special authorisation can be requested if the property represents a whole (for instance an estate).

They will have to occupy the property themselves and use it as their main home.

A European B permit (EU or EFTA) is easy to obtain when the person is no longer working and has sufficient financial means, regardless of his age. For non-Europeans obtaining a B permit is more difficult: one has to have a certain wealth, be no longer working and in principle have an age of 55 plus.

Persons exercising a lucrative activity can, through the company they are working for, obtain a B permit.