Short-term rental in Switzerland : what are the rules ?
In short : in Switzerland, short-term rental is permitted, but the rules vary from one municipality to another. Key points to check : a potential municipal permit or registration requirement, the tourist tax to be collected from guests, a possible night cap on primary residences, and the co-ownership regulations if your property is in a PPE scheme. Heiwa handles the recurring administrative tasks (tourist tax, guest registration) on behalf of its owners.
Renting out your apartment or chalet for a few nights to travellers is perfectly legal in Switzerland. But between the municipality, the canton and — for co-owned properties — the building's internal rules, several layers of regulations apply. Here is what you need to know before getting started, without the legal jargon.
Important : this article provides general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Rules change and depend on your municipality ; always check with your local authority or a qualified professional.
1. Municipal permits
This is the most decisive level. In Switzerland, it is often municipalities that regulate short-term rental — there is no single federal rule. Depending on your location, you may be subject to :
- No formalities at all in many tourist municipalities, where seasonal rental is a normal part of life.
- A simple registration of your activity with the municipality (registering as an accommodation provider).
- A permit or change-of-use authorisation in certain cities that want to protect long-term housing supply.
The right first step : call your municipal office (or check its website) before accepting your first booking. It is quick, and it avoids any unpleasant surprises.
2. Tourist tax
Almost everywhere in Switzerland, a tourist tax is payable by guests for each night stayed. In practice :
- The amount is set by the municipality or the tourist destination (usually a few francs per adult per night).
- It is the host's responsibility to collect the tax from guests and remit it to the municipality, usually through a periodic statement.
- Some platforms collect the tax automatically ; others do not — in which case you must manage it yourself.
At Heiwa, this is built into our property management service : we configure the tax, collect it and handle the statements on behalf of our owners.
3. Primary residence, secondary residence and night caps
Some municipalities (particularly cities under housing pressure) limit the number of nights per year that a primary residence may be rented out. For a secondary residence or an investment property, these caps generally do not apply in the same way. Again, the rule is local : check municipality by municipality.
4. Co-ownership (PPE) and building regulations
If your property is in a strata title scheme, the PPE regulations may govern — or even prohibit — short-term rental. Before you start :
- Re-read the administration and use regulations of the co-ownership.
- If in doubt, raise the matter at a co-owners' general meeting.
- Good property management (hotel-standard cleaning, supervised guests, responsive communication) is often the key to maintaining good relations with neighbours.
5. Insurance and safety
Check that your building insurance and public liability cover extends to hosting guests. On the safety side, the standards of a well-run property (smoke detectors, compliant equipment, clear instructions) are as much a guarantee of peace of mind as they are a driver of excellent reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a permit to rent your property on Airbnb in Switzerland ?
It depends on your municipality. Many tourist municipalities impose no formalities ; others require registration or a permit. Check with your local authority before your first rental.
Who pays the tourist tax ?
It is payable by guests, but the host must collect it and remit it to the municipality. Heiwa manages this collection and the associated statements on behalf of its owners.
Can the co-ownership body prohibit short-term rental ?
Yes, the PPE regulations can restrict or prohibit it. Check before you start and, if necessary, put the matter on the agenda of the co-owners' general meeting.
Heiwa takes care of the admin
Understanding the regulations, collecting the tourist tax, registering guests : these recurring tasks are all part of our all-inclusive property management service. You keep your property ; we handle the framework and the day-to-day.