Changes in Swiss Life: January 2025 Updates
Here's a Fresh Take on the Changes Coming to Switzerland in 2025:
Say goodbye to the old and hello to the new, my friends! 2025 is bringing a slew of exciting changes to Switzerland, and we're here to give you the lowdown. Buckle up!
A New President, Karin Keller-Sutter, Takes the Helm
Karin Keller-Sutter, the no-nonsense woman who has served as the Swiss Federal Councillor for Finance since 2023, is now stepping up to become the country's president. She'll hold the title until the end of 2025. Don't worry—she'll keep her Finance gig too, delivering her stellar leadership from both posts.
Before her Finance stint, Keller-Sutter served as head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police. This St. Gallen native and Liberal-Radical Party member is a force to be reckoned with in the political arena. Get ready to witness this powerhouse in action!
Health Insurance Premiums Go Up
It's true—some Swiss citizens will be facing a 6 percent increase in health insurance premiums in 2025. But remember, it's only an average—some cantons' rates could be even higher! Stay tuned to find out who's in for the steepest increases.
Pension Benefits Increase
Good news for retirees! As of January 1st, state and disability pensions will see a nice 2.9 percent boost. Minimum pensions will climb from 1,225 to 1,260 francs per month, while maximum pensions will rise from 2,450 to 2,520. That's cold, hard cash that'll make a real impact on folks' lives!
Facial Concealment Ban in Public Spaces
A hot topic in Switzerland is the new public spaces facial concealment ban, which goes into effect from January 1st. This law applies to both religious and non-religious forms of facial coverings and carries a fine of 100 francs for failure to comply. However, there are exceptions: face coverings will still be allowed on airplanes, in places of worship, and for artistic purposes.
Marriages with Minors: stricter laws get implemented
Starting in 2025, measures to combat marriages with minors will be more robust. Specifically, people married before the age of 18 living in Switzerland will be better protected under the law and foreign-married minors will no longer have their marriages recognized by the Swiss government if one spouse was domiciled in Switzerland at the time of the marriage.
Cross-border shopping taxes tighten
Bad news for cross-border shoppers, the tax exemption for imported goods is getting a cut. Travellers will now only be able to import goods worth a total of 150 francs per person per day without paying tax. If the total value exceeds this amount, Swiss Value Added Tax (VAT) must be paid on the total value of the imported goods.
Swiss trains go green
The Swiss national railway, SBB, will now be powered by 100 percent renewable electricity, with most power coming from hydropower and additional renewable sources. The company hopes to contribute to the Paris Climate Agreement and halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Free public transport for some young people in Geneva
From January 1st, residents aged 24 and under in Geneva will be eligible for free public transportation, as long as they are in training or have low income. Additionally, pensioners and individuals receiving disability benefits will receive a 50-percent discount for evenings travel.
Lower taxes in Geneva
In a move aiming to boost the purchasing power of middle-class households, Geneva residents will experience an average of up to 11 percent reduction in personal income tax. The change goes into effect on January 1st.
Discover more about Switzerland's latest laws
From inheritance laws to green energy and lower taxes, Switzerland's 2025 changes are covering all bases! Stay informed, and let the countdown begin!
- Karin Keller-Sutter, who served as the Federal Department of Justice and Police deputy before assuming the role of Swiss Federal Councillor for Finance in 2023, will assume the presidency of Switzerland from 2025 to the end of the year.
- As a result, Keller-Sutter will simultaneously lead the country and continue her Finance gig, showcasing her impressive political prowess.
- Brace for an increase in health insurance premiums by an average of 6%, with certain cantons potentially facing steeper hikes.
- In a positive move, state and disability pensions will receive a 2.9% boost, with an increase from 1,225 to 1,260 francs per month for minimum pensions and from 2,450 to 2,520 francs per month for maximum pensions.
- Come 2025, Switzerland introduces a public spaces facial concealment ban, affecting both religious and non-religious forms of face coverings, with violators facing fines of 100 francs.
- Marriage laws in Switzerland will become stricter to combat marriages with minors, offering better protection for those under 18, and refusing to acknowledge foreign marriages where one spouse was based in Switzerland at the time.
- Cross-border shoppers face tougher taxes, as the tax exemption for imported goods drops from the existing 300 francs to 150 francs per person per day.
- In efforts to combat climate change and adhere to the Paris Climate Agreement, Swiss trains, operated by SBB, will transition to 100% renewable energy, focusing mainly on hydropower and additional renewable sources, with a goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Residents aged 24 and under in Geneva will enjoy free public transportation, while pensioners and individuals with disabilities will receive a 50% discount for evening travel. Finally, Geneva residents can expect a decrease in personal income tax by up to 11%, effective from January 1st.
