If you happen to inherit a house or an apartment in Switzerland but are a foreigner who lives abroad, can you legally move there?
Since January 1st, 2025, new law went into effect in Switzerland pertaining to international successions.
New provisions, intended to align with the European standards, relate particularly to the jurisdiction – that is, the state whose rules the non-resident heir will have to follow: Switzerland’s or the country’s of residence.
Also, Swiss dual citizens can now choose whether to comply with the Swiss inheritance law or that of their other home country; foreign nationals living in Switzerland can also opt to follow the legislation of their home country.
Also relating to this legislation, Switzerland’s government is seeking to harmonise the inscription of properties in question – once they are inherited by a foreign resident – in the Swiss land registry.
That’s because inscriptions of Swiss real estate inherited abroad are currently “sometimes unclear,” the Federal Council explained.
Therefore, it intends “to clarify and standardise the rules applicable to the transfer of real estate in international successions,” it added.
READ MORE: Switzerland to clarify rules for international property inheritance
But what if you a foreigner who lives abroad and inherits a property in Switzerland? Does this mean you can now pack up your bags and settle in your new Swiss home?
The answer is – it depends.
Basically, regular immigration rules apply in this situation as well.
If you are a citizen of the European Union or EFTA (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein), you can move, but only if you can prove that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself and not rely on social assistance.
‘Sufficient’ in this context is defined by the canton where you intend to live; in addition, you must have adequate accident and health insurance
If, however, you find a job in Switzerland and earn a salary, you can pretty much live in your new dwelling – or anywhere in Switzerland, for that matter – with no limits.
Rules are different for heirs from outside the EU/EFTA, however.
They are much stricter, and inheriting a home in Switzerland doesn’t give you any advantages in terms of permanent residence.
There are two ways you can go about it: find a Swiss employer willing to hire you and obtain a visa for you – which, depending on your profession and its relevance to Switzerland’s labour market – may not be a simple matter.
Or, if you are very wealthy and can support yourself and your new inherited home (and prove your financial standing to cantonal authorities) you may be eligible for a residence visa reserved for the super-rich from non EU/EFTA states.
READ MORE: How many wealthy foreigners get one of Switzerland’s golden visas?
Exemptions…
Now, you will not have to jump through any legal or administrative hoops to be able to move into your inherited dwellings if you are a Swiss citizen living abroad: You can return to Switzerland and claim succession at any time.
And if you are a foreign national already living in Switzerland with a C permit, you face no restrictions either – regardless of whether you are a EU/EFTA or third-country national.
