Reasons for permit

Permission for the acquisition of properties for which a permit is required may be granted in the following cases on the grounds provided for by law:

• Banks licensed in Switzerland may be granted a permit if the real estate is encumbered with a mortgage in their favour; insurance companies may be granted a permit on the grounds of actuarial reserves for domestic business
• A permit may be issued if the real estate acquisition is used by a Swiss company for the purposes of retirement plans for staff working in Switzerland
• A permit will be granted if the property will be used specifically for a charitable purpose
• Heirs and legatees: a permit is granted with the stipulation that the property must be sold within two years (exception: close relationship to the property worthy of protection)
• Hardship case: a permit may be granted for a vacation home or a hotel condominium unit if the seller is in financial difficulty and has offered the property without success to individuals who are not required to obtain a permit
• (Certain cantons only) A foreign national not resident in Switzerland may receive a permit to purchase a second home in a town with which he/she has close economic, scientific/academic or cultural ties
• (Certain cantons only) Persons abroad may be authorized to acquire real estate for the construction of subsidized housing