Real estate and living in Zug

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Zug combines a lakeside setting, a safe environment and short distances to Zurich and the Alps. These qualities, together with the low taxes, make housing in Zug expensive and scarce. International families should plan their housing search and their schooling arrangements early.

Property prices and rents

Residential property prices and rents in Zug are among the highest in Switzerland. Demand from internationally mobile professionals and wealthy families meets a limited supply of land, and lakeside properties in particular command high prices. Rental flats are often allocated quickly, and landlords usually ask for references, proof of income and an extract from the debt enforcement register. Newcomers frequently start with a furnished or temporary flat and look for a permanent home once they are established.

Lex Koller: buying property as a foreigner

The Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad, commonly known as Lex Koller, restricts the purchase of residential property by persons abroad. Citizens of EU and EFTA states who live in Switzerland are generally not considered persons abroad. Holders of a settlement permit are also exempt. Other foreign nationals who are resident in Switzerland may, as a rule, acquire a home for their own main residence without authorisation. Purchases of residential property as an investment by persons abroad are largely excluded, whereas commercial property used for one's own business is generally not subject to authorisation. The rules are detailed, and the status of the buyer, including indirect acquisitions through companies, should be examined before any purchase.

Schooling for international families

Families can choose between the Swiss public school system and private international schools in the region. Swiss public schools are well regarded and help children integrate, although lessons are taught in German. Several private international schools in the Zug and Zurich area offer English-language and bilingual programmes, including internationally recognised curricula. Places at popular schools can be limited, so applications should be submitted well before the move.

Quality of life

Zug offers a calm, well-organised environment, good public transport and easy access to nature, from the lake to the nearby hills and mountains. Zurich, with its cultural life and international airport, is within easy reach. The canton has a sizeable international community, and English is widely spoken in business and in daily life, although learning German remains helpful for integration and for dealing with authorities.

What pays off in practice

Secure schooling before housing. School availability often determines where the family should live.
Check Lex Koller before signing. A purchase concluded without required authorisation is invalid.
Budget realistically. Housing costs can offset part of the tax savings, especially for families needing larger homes.

How Ressos Legal helps

I advise international families on relocating to Zug, including residence permits, property acquisitions under Lex Koller and tax aspects of the move. Contact me for a first conversation.

For general information only. This article does not constitute legal or tax advice, does not replace advice on an individual case and creates no lawyer-client relationship. It reflects the legal position as of October 2026.

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Dr Alexander Ressos, TEP

Rechtsanwalt/Attorney-at-Law

I am a Swiss attorney-at-law and also admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong and in England & Wales, with almost 25 years of experience.

Together with my multilingual team, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian and French native speakers, I advise companies and their owners from around the world on the full range of banking, corporate, commercial and tax law matters in Switzerland, including international tax planning, fiduciary services, and legal family office services including immigration & relocation or real estate investments. My practice has a particular focus on clients from growth and frontier markets in Greater China, Central Asia and the Caucasus, the rest of Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, and I equally advise clients from Europe and North America. Through an affiliated Swiss trust company, we also take care of the incorporation and ongoing administration of their companies and other structures, including accounting, tax returns and corporate secretarial services, and I serve as a professional director where required. With the support of a network of first-class cooperation partners, I also implement solutions worldwide.

My approach is to act as a trusted advisor who works directly with decision-makers, on an equal footing: I start from what you want to achieve and shape every structure, contract and tax decision around your commercial goals and how it improves your after-tax return. As “lawyers who make it happen”, my team and I stay involved until your company is set up, your structure is in place and your transaction has closed, and we remain available for any follow-on work that may be required. You benefit from bespoke solutions and personal attention, and sound, friendly and practical advice. We are not the lowest-cost provider in the market, nor do we intend to be; our aim is to deliver well-founded, proper solutions and excellent value for money.

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