Alterations in Swiss Lifestyle Effective from January 2025: A Comprehensive Overview
'2025: It's a New Year, a New Swiss Game'
Get ready folks, as we bid adieu to the old and welcome the new! Here's a lowdown on the fresh regulations and changes that'll kick in from January 1st, 2025.
Karin Keller-Sutter: Switzerland's New (yet again) President
The ever-vibrant, Karin Keller-Sutter takes over the presidency and serves until the last day of the year. A six-time delegate, she's no stranger to the Federal Department of Finance, which she's been managing since 2023. Prior to that, she headed the Federal Department of Justice and Police from 2019 to 2023. Born in St. Gallen and a member of the Liberal-Radical Party (PLR), this Stalwart of Swiss politics is sure to bring a new zest to the role.
Swiss Healthcare: A Heavy Pill to Swallow
Healthcare costs in Switzerland are set to rise, with an anticipated raise of 6 percent in 2025. What's more, some cantons' rates will soar far beyond the national average – Ticino, Glarus, and Jura, for instance, are looking at increases of 10.5 percent, 9.2 percent, and 8.9 percent respectively.
Pension Hikes
Great news for pensioners! From January 1st, both state (AHV/AVS) and disability pensions will see a 2.9 percent increase. This bump means the minimum pension will rise from 1,225 to 1,260 francs per month, while the maximum pension increases from 2,450 to 2,520 francs.
Banhammer for Facial Coverings
Wearing masks in public spaces becomes illegal from January 1st. However, it's not as straightforward as it seems! While it's often called the 'anti-burqa' law, any material that conceals the wearer's face will be forbidden. But relax, you can keep your masks on when traveling by air, in places of worship, or for artistic purposes. And remember - non-compliance could cost you 100 francs. If you refuse to pay, be prepared to shell out 1,000 francs instead!
Marriage with Minors: A Closer Eye
With the new regulations, people married before the age of 18 will receive enhanced protection under the law. The fight against marriages with minors will also get a boost. Marriages concluded with minors abroad will no longer be recognized if one of the spouses was domiciled in Switzerland at the time of the wedding.
Slashing Tax Exemption for Cross-border Shopping
Gone are the days of shopping tax-free. You can only bring back goods worth a total of 150 francs per person per day without paying tax starting from January 1st. If the value exceeds this amount, you'll have to cough up Swiss Value Added Tax (VAT) on the total value of the goods. The old tax exemption was 300 francs per person.
Loose Inheritance Laws
Say goodbye to the strict rules of succession with the new rules surrounding inheritances. Starting from January 1st, the rules become more flexible, describing what happens if someone living in Switzerland passes away without a will.
If you're a dual national (of Switzerland and another country), you'll have to follow these rules, too.
For more information, click here.
Eco-Friendly Trains
From January 1st, all Swiss trains run on renewable energy, primarily hydropower. They'll also purchase renewable electricity from the Swiss or European market to replace the portion previously sourced from nuclear power. This transition to 100-percent renewable electricity is part of a broader sustainability strategy aimed at contributing to the Paris Climate Agreement and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030.
Free Rides for Geneva's young guns
From January 1st, residents up to and including the age of 24 can enjoy a free ride on public transport, provided they're either in training or have a low income. Additionally, pensioners and people receiving disability benefits will receive a 50-percent discount for travel during evenings.
Learn more.
Lower Taxes, Higher Lifestyle
Voters in Geneva have approved a move to reduce personal income tax rates by an average of up to 11 percent to boost the purchasing power of middle-class households. This change takes effect from January 1st.
But it's not just Geneva residents who get a break. Parents in Lucerne can expect higher tax deductions for children, along with several other tax reductions.
- In the New Year, Karin Keller-Sutter, a six-time delegate and former head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police, will take over as Switzerland's President, serving until the end of 2025.
- Steep increases in healthcare costs are anticipated for 2025, with some cantons seeing rates rise by over 10 percent.
- Thankfully, state and disability pensions will see a 2.9 percent increase from January 1st, raising the minimum pension from 1,225 to 1,260 francs per month.
- The ban on facial coverings in public spaces comes into effect from January 1st, but exceptions will be made for travel, places of worship, and artistic purposes.
- Minors married before the age of 18 will receive enhanced legal protection, and marriages concluded with minors abroad will no longer be recognized if one of the spouses was domiciled in Switzerland at the time of the wedding.
- Cross-border shopping tax exemptions have been reduced considerably, with only goods worth a total of 150 francs per person per day being tax-free from January 1st.
- Flexible inheritance laws will apply from January 1st, allowing for more freedom with regard to estate distribution when someone dies without a will.
- All Swiss trains will run on renewable energy (primarily hydropower) from January 1st, with the aim of reaching 100-percent renewable electricity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.
- Residents under the age of 24 in Geneva can enjoy free public transport from January 1st, while pensioners and people receiving disability benefits will receive a 50-percent discount for evening travel.
- Geneva residents can expect a lower personal income tax rate by an average of up to 11 percent from January 1st, boosting the purchasing power of middle-class households.
- Lucerne parents will benefit from higher tax deductions for children, as well as several other tax reductions, starting from January 1st.
- Medical conditions, chronic diseases, and chronic kidney disease may find relief from the potential benefits of CBD, a compound found in the cannabis plant, thanks to developments in the fields of science and environmental science.
- As renewable energy, health and wellness, climate change, and politics continue to shape the landscape, policy and legislation, traveling by electric vehicles, public transit, and cars become integral parts of the lifestyle, embracing the general news and the future of Switzerland in 2050.
