BUILDING PERMIT IN SWITZERLAND: A GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL OWNERS

Owning property in Switzerland is an exciting adventure — whether it's a mountain chalet, a lakeside villa, or a city apartment. But if you plan to build, extend, or renovate, you'll quickly encounter Switzerland's comprehensive building permit process.

After working with 90%+ international clients, I'm well aware of the confusion and discouragement this process can generate. Often, international owners compare building permit in Switzerland to how it works in their home country or rely on advice from friends and family who may have had different experiences.

The Reality About Building Permit in Switzerland

The challenges are real:

• Yes, it can look confusing because elements vary from Canton to Canton, and sometimes from Municipality to Municipality

• Yes, in most cases the requirements appear strict

• Yes, it requires substantial paperwork, often quite technical

• Yes, you need to anticipate more details than in many other countries

• Yes, it might take long (months for a standard procedure)

But here's the truth:

• In reality, it's easier than it looks at first glance

• The strict regulations exist for good reason — imagine if everyone could build whatever they wanted without restrictions. Where would Switzerland's pristine nature end up?

This guide is designed specifically for expats and international owners, giving you a clear roadmap from initial idea to final approval.

Step 1: Check Local Regulations First

In Switzerland, construction rules operate at three levels: municipal, cantonal, and federal.

Your first stop should be the Municipality's urban planning office. Rules vary significantly — a project allowed in Vaud may be forbidden in Ticino. Local zoning maps will tell you exactly what type of construction is permitted on your plot.

This applies even to small interior interventions. It's always better to check with local authorities to ensure you're following the correct process for your specific case. While most small internal modifications don't require full planning permission, the municipality may still need to provide consent.

For Small Projects

If you have good proficiency in the local language, you should be able to communicate directly with the municipality and understand what's feasible. For minor interventions that don't require public planning application, you might be able to proceed independently without professional help.

You'll need to prepare the documentation required by the municipality, which may include additional documents from specialists or contractors. After submitting to the municipality for review, they'll officially inform you of their decision. If permitted, construction can begin. Depending on the work type, the municipality might need to inspect the completed work to close the procedure.

Step 2: Engage a Licensed Professional

However, if your project requires full planning application, it's time to find a professional — typically an architect. To sign the project and apply for permission, they must be a licensed architect registered with the REG.

I strongly recommend seeking professional advice as early as possible to clarify ideas and ensure the project is properly conceived from the beginning. The following steps describe the project phases until permission is granted.

Step 3: Project Development

Your chosen architect will handle consultations with authorities, exploring possibilities and constraints related to your project. You'll work through the initial project phases (concept design and scheme design), developing both architectural and technical details to a level that allows you to validate the project definitively while providing authorities with required information.

During this phase, you and your architect will select relevant consultants necessary to develop the project and provide information for planning permission.

Step 4: Documentation Preparation

Your architect will coordinate, compile, and submit the final documentation, which typically includes:

• Official surveyor's site plan

• Photos of the existing building or land with project description

• Architectural drawings and site plans

• Exterior material and colour specifications

• Energy efficiency and technical information

• Specialist reports as required for your specific plot or building

• All forms and paperwork per authority requirements

The exact amount of information and documents required depends on your project's extent and complexity. Your architect will inform you of requirements at the previous stage, impacting the number of consultants involved and total fees.

Step 5: Application Submission

Once documentation is finalised, your architect submits it to the municipality. The responsible official analyses it, ensuring all relevant information is incorporated, then submits it to the relevant canton for consultation.

Each cantonal department reviews it according to their expertise and provides consensus or requests relevant modifications for approval.

Step 6: Public Display Period

Meanwhile, your project will be displayed publicly for approximately 30 days. During this period, neighbours can raise objections — your architect can respond, adapt plans, or provide clarifications.

Step 7: Review and Decision

Once the public display period ends, the municipality reviews your file, considering cantonal department positions, and makes a decision. The overall process, from submission to decision, can take several months, depending on complexity, location, and project scope.

Step 8: Construction Begins

If approved, you typically have two years to start construction before the permit expires. If more time is needed, you can request an extension.

Step 9: Occupancy Permit

Once construction is complete, your architect arranges a municipal inspection to ensure the executed building matches the approved project. The architect also provides final plans of the completed building to the municipality for their archives.

After the municipality checks the final result and requires any necessary changes or adaptations, they'll issue the occupancy permit. This completes the process, and authorities will archive the project.

Tips for International Owners

• Language: Applications must be in the local language (French, German, or Italian). A multilingual architect is invaluable

• Remote management: If you're abroad, you can grant power of attorney to your architect

• Budget planning: Factor in time and costs for possible adjustments during the review process

• Local customs: Swiss authorities value precision — a complete, well-prepared file avoids delays

How AFLOW Can Help

At AFLOW, we guide clients — both local and international — through every step of the Swiss planning process:

• Local knowledge of municipality-specific regulations

• Clear communication and precision

• Experience handling public inquiries and neighbour concerns

• Multilingual support (English, French, Italian)

Your dream project in Switzerland starts with the right plan — and the right partner.

Contact us to discuss your vision.