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Hotel studios and hotel suites are considered condominium ownership (Stockwerkeigentum) in Switzerland.
With the purchase, you acquire the condominium ownership of your unit as well as the associated communal shares, as defined in the regulations of the condominium owners’ association. These shares include all jointly used building parts and areas that are necessary for the operation and value preservation of the entire hotel complex.
Your interests as an owner are represented by the spokesperson of the condominium owners’ association, who coordinates all organisational and administrative matters together with the administrator and a representative of the owners’ association – in close coordination with Dorint Hotels & Resorts as the operator.
Your unit remains an integral part of the hotel complex and is fully rented out, managed and maintained by Dorint. On this basis, you benefit from a fixed, guaranteed lease over the coming years.
Each square metre of your future hotel studio or hotel suite participates in the profit generated by the Dorint Hotel Saas-Fee. Your return is calculated proportionally to the size of your unit in relation to the entire hotel complex – guaranteed under the Dorint lease and without any additional operating or ancillary costs for you.
As an owner, you additionally enjoy up to six weeks of personal usage per year, while your unit is professionally rented out during the rest of the year. In this way, you combine a legally secure, sustainable and high-yield real estate investment with first-class holiday comfort – transparent, managed and completely straightforward.
Yes, foreign investors are allowed to purchase property in Switzerland – however, under certain legal conditions. The legal basis for this is provided by the federal laws Lex Koller and Lex Weber, which regulate the purchase and use of real estate by persons without Swiss residence.
For tourist regions such as Saas-Fee, simplified regulations apply: here, foreign buyers may acquire holiday properties or hotel studios for tourist use. These units may not be used as a primary residence, but are professionally operated and rented – for example, within a hotel concept such as Dom 4545, operated by Dorint Hotels & Resorts.
This gives foreign investors a legally secure opportunity to invest in the Swiss hotel sector while benefiting from stable returns and exclusive personal usage rights.
The two federal laws Lex Koller and Lex Weber regulate the acquisition and use of real estate by persons without Swiss residence.
Lex Koller stipulates that foreign buyers in Switzerland may only acquire certain types of real estate – mainly those intended for tourist use. In addition, the maximum plot and living space is limited and a cantonal permit is required. Tourist cantons such as Valais (to which Saas-Fee belongs) issue most of these permits.
Lex Weber, on the other hand, restricts the construction of new second homes in municipalities where more than 20% of the housing stock already consists of second homes.
Saas-Fee is one of the places where professionally managed hotel studios or hotel suites such as in Dom 4545, operated by Dorint Hotels & Resorts, are permitted – because they are professionally rented and therefore actively contribute to tourist use.
For investors, this means: you can invest in Saas-Fee in a legally compliant and high-yield manner without violating the Swiss second home regulations.
In the canton of Valais, to which Saas-Fee belongs, the acquisition of property is particularly attractive for foreign investors: here, persons without Swiss residence may purchase tourist units such as hotel studios or hotel suites, provided that they are professionally managed and rented.
In tourist municipalities such as Saas-Fee, the purchase of such managed hotel properties is explicitly permitted – they contribute to the promotion of local tourism and fulfil all legal requirements.
The canton of Valais is one of the most attractive regions in Switzerland for foreign investors. It grants a large share of the national permits under Lex Koller each year for the acquisition of holiday and tourism properties.
In tourist municipalities such as Saas-Fee, the purchase of hotel studios and hotel suites for tourist use is explicitly permitted. Foreign investors may acquire these units, which are then professionally managed and rented. This creates a legally secure and high-yield investment opportunity in the Swiss Alpine region.
A cantonal regulation stipulates that a resale within the first five years after purchase is only possible in exceptional cases – for example due to health or financial reasons. This regulation protects the local tourism structure and strengthens long-term investments.
No. According to current legal regulations, a foreign person may only own one holiday or tourism property in Switzerland. A second property is only possible in exceptional cases – for example through inheritance or through adult family members with their own right to purchase.
Investors holding a Swiss B or C residence permit or Swiss citizenship are exempt from this regulation and are considered domestic buyers.
Yes, in some cantons there are time restrictions on the resale of properties by foreign owners.
In the canton of Valais, to which Saas-Fee belongs, a property may generally not be resold within the first five years after purchase.
An exception only exists in justified cases, for example in the event of illness, financial difficulties or if no profit is made on the sale.
This regulation is intended to secure the long-term character of tourism investments and avoid short-term speculation. After the expiry of this period, resale is unrestricted – which is particularly interesting for return-oriented yet sustainable investors.
There may be differences in the purchase process of a property in Switzerland from case to case, depending on whether you are buying a new-build property, where exactly you are buying, and what nationality you have. However, the process remains largely the same.
The process begins with submitting an offer. This offer is prepared by an estate agent, who will advise you on a reasonable starting point. It is common for buyers and sellers to negotiate for some time when it comes to property in the Swiss Alps. Some sellers prove to be more open and flexible than others.
Once the price has been agreed, you may be asked to sign a reservation agreement. For off-plan projects, regardless of whether new construction or renovation, you will always be asked to sign a reservation agreement and make a small deposit. As a matter of courtesy, this is also becoming increasingly common for resale properties. The developer or seller will countersign the agreement and the property will not be marketed to other potential buyers for a certain period while you prepare your mortgage application and begin the purchase process.
If you wish to take out a mortgage, you should apply for it first. With Swiss banks, you can obtain up to 70% of the purchase price. You should bear in mind that local banks and local bank managers know the local property markets in the top ski destinations of Switzerland much more precisely. It is advisable to contact a local bank that offers both the best insight and value.
Once you have received a mortgage offer, a notary will be appointed to manage the sale on behalf of both buyer and seller. Usually the notary is appointed by the agency or the cooperating agencies that handled the sale. Notaries act impartially in the interests of both parties and charge according to fixed fees, which is why it makes sense to opt for the recommended notary. Estate agents recommend notaries who have proven to be most successful for their buyers in the past.
The notary must gather the necessary information about the sale. This includes basic information about the buyers, basic information about the sellers and information about the property being sold. This information is required to prepare an application for a purchase permit for foreigners and a draft of the purchase contract. All foreign buyers in Switzerland must apply for and present a purchase permit before they can complete a purchase by signing the purchase deed. The application is prepared by the notary and submitted to the canton for approval. This typically takes 2–4 weeks and is only rejected if you already own another property in Switzerland or if the property does not meet the requirements.
If you are resident in Switzerland and hold a Swiss passport or a B/C residence permit, you do not need to apply for a purchase permit. This can accelerate the property purchase process by approximately 2–4 weeks.
Once the purchase contract has been signed, the notary submits it to the land registry office of the canton of Valais. The registration usually takes between 2 and 6 weeks, depending on the workload of the authorities.
With the entry in the land register, the purchase is then formally completed.
In total, the entire process – from reservation to land register entry – takes approximately 2 to 4 months. The procedure is clearly structured, fully accompanied by a notary and uncomplicated for international buyers.
Please note that for these managed hotel properties, no individual modifications or special requests are provided. All units are realised according to the quality standards and design specifications of Dorint Hotels & Resorts – for a consistent, professional and high-performing hotel operation.
The buyer assumes all ancillary purchase costs. The seller does not pay anything. When you sell your property, you do not pay any notary fees.
Switzerland – and in particular the canton of Valais – is among the countries with very moderate acquisition costs in a European comparison.
The total ancillary purchase costs include notary fees, land registry fees as well as cantonal and municipal taxes and typically range between 2.5% and 4.5% of the purchase price in Valais.
These fees are levied by the local authorities according to clearly defined fee scales and depend, among other things, on the purchase price, any mortgage and the chosen form of ownership (e.g. condominium ownership).
This makes the canton of Valais one of the most cost-efficient real estate locations in the country – another advantage for an investment such as Dom 4545, operated by Dorint Hotels & Resorts.
Notary fees and buyer taxes are determined at cantonal level in Switzerland. They depend on factors such as purchase price, mortgage and property value and are calculated according to an official fee scale.
Before signing the contract, the notary prepares a transparent cost breakdown so that buyers always have full cost certainty.
For new-build properties, a statutory construction warranty applies in Switzerland: 5 years for visible defects and 10 years for hidden defects.
For existing or resale properties, there are usually no warranties.
No. In Switzerland, the entire purchase process is handled by an officially appointed notary who acts neutrally for both buyer and seller.
All payments – including the deposit – are made securely via the notary’s escrow account. Therefore, an additional lawyer is not required.
Only in exceptional cases. The permit is usually considered a formality and is typically granted within a few weeks.
A rejection only occurs if the buyer already owns another property in Switzerland or if the property does not meet the tourist requirements.
In the case of a sale to a foreign buyer, the notary transfers the sale proceeds after registration in the land register, which usually takes a few weeks.
The notary temporarily withholds 5% of the sale price in order to settle any outstanding taxes.
When purchasing a unit under construction or in planning, an initial down payment is made (approx. CHF 50,000).
With construction progress, payments are made in stages – usually 10% upon signing the contract, and further payments upon completion of the foundation and roof.
The remaining balance is paid upon handover of the keys.
If financing is arranged through a bank, the bank usually takes over all further progress payments directly after the initial down payment.
Swiss banks generally finance up to 70% of the purchase price.
The loan term is typically 25 years, and the loans are secured by the property.
Please note: citizens of the USA and certain other countries often require additional documentation for Swiss financing – we will be happy to advise you individually.
The purchase price must be paid in Swiss francs (CHF).
For international transfers, the use of a foreign exchange broker is recommended, as they often offer better exchange rates than banks and, if required, can hedge forward transactions – minimising currency risks.
With your investment in Dom 4545 – operated by Dorint Hotels & Resorts, your unit is leased to Dorint under a guaranteed long-term contract. Dorint operates, manages and leases the hotel centrally and covers the full operating and administrative responsibilities.
As an owner, you participate in 50% of the net profit generated by the hotel*, calculated proportionally to the size of your unit. At the same time, no operating or ancillary costs arise for you as the owner – Dorint assumes all costs related to operation, maintenance, administration and vacancies.
This creates a secure and transparent investment model with predictable income and professional hotel management – combined with up to six weeks of personal use per year in your own unit.
*The profit distribution is based on the hotel’s operating model and is calculated proportionally to the unit size in relation to the entire hotel complex. The full calculation model can be provided upon request.
Rental income is subject to an income tax of around 20% on the actual net income (after deduction of mortgage interest and expenses).
Thanks to existing double taxation agreements, international investors do not pay tax twice – the income is recorded in Switzerland and can be credited in the investor’s home country.
In managed hotel projects, rental is part of the overall concept, as the property is integrated into the hotel operation.
Owners generally enjoy several weeks of personal use per year, while the hotel suite or hotel studio is professionally rented during the rest of the year.
This structure ensures high occupancy, regular income and complies with the requirements of Lex Weber regarding tourist use. A small portion of the units has the right, after 25 years, to no longer be used for tourism purposes.
Your agent will be happy to assist you and inform you about which units this applies to.
Yes. Swiss real estate is considered particularly stable in value – especially in established tourism regions such as Saas-Fee.
Since the construction of second homes is strictly limited, the supply remains permanently scarce, which ensures long-term stable or rising values.
An additional advantage for international investors is the strong Swiss franc, which is one of the safest currencies in the world.
When selling a property, a capital gains tax on the increase in value is levied in the respective canton.
In the canton of Valais, the rate is initially up to 30% (if sold within one year), but decreases with each year of ownership – after 10 years to around 9%, after 25 years to around 1%.
The following may be deducted:
Double taxation agreements with most countries ensure that you do not pay the same tax again abroad.
For security, a codicil (amendment to your will) or a separate Swiss will with a notary is recommended.
Inheritance tax is regulated at cantonal level and is very low in Switzerland compared to other countries.
In the canton of Valais, where Saas-Fee is located, no inheritance tax is levied in the direct family line (e.g. between parents and children).
This allows property to be inherited easily – particularly advantageous when registered to several family members.
As a rule, foreign buyers must acquire property in Switzerland in their own name.
For tourism resorts such as Saas-Fee, the purchase is made personally, but it can be divided between several owners – for example within a family.
This structure is ideal for estate planning or joint investments, as several people (e.g. children or spouses) can be directly entered into the ownership.
Owning a property in Switzerland does not automatically entitle you to a longer stay.
For citizens of Schengen states (EU/EFTA): you may stay in Switzerland visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Citizens of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland may also enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourist purposes since Brexit.
For other countries (“third states”), visa requirements depend on nationality. A current overview can be found on the official pages of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
No. Owning property alone does not grant an automatic right of residence.
Anyone wishing to stay in Switzerland for longer than 90 days or work there requires a cantonal residence permit. This is issued by the local migration authorities.
There are several types of permits:
For EU/EFTA citizens, the path to residence is comparatively straightforward.
A B permit allows residence, while the work permit additionally allows employment.
Non-EU citizens may apply for a residence or work permit if they either have an employment contract with a Swiss company or establish their own business that creates jobs and generates an income of at least CHF 50,000 per year.
With a residence permit, you may also acquire properties that are otherwise not accessible to foreign buyers.
Yes, under certain conditions this is possible.
Persons aged 50 and over may obtain a B permit for pensioners if they:
This tax regime is called “taxe à forfait” – a flat-rate five-year agreement negotiated individually with the local tax office.
For EU/EFTA citizens: the residence permit is valid for five years and is automatically renewed if the requirements continue to be met.
For non-EU citizens, the authority decides on a case-by-case basis.
Generally required are:
In Switzerland, there is no uniform law for calculating floor space. Therefore, the methods vary depending on the canton.
In the canton of Valais (e.g. in Saas-Fee), the gross floor area (BGF) is usually used. It includes all rooms as well as the areas of load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls and facades.
These differences explain why square metre figures in Swiss property listings may vary slightly. It is therefore always important to check which calculation method is used in the official project documents.