Life alterations in Switzerland effective from January 2025: an overview

Ch-ch-changes coming in '25! 🇨🇭

Wake up Switzerland! The new year is bringing a tsunami of changes to our fine lands. Here's a breakdown of what's going down.

A Brand New Prez for Switzerland 🔥

Meet our new numero uno, Karin Keller-Sutter. She's taking over the reigns as President, starting January 1st and won't be giving them up until the ball drops again. Don't forget, she's also our Finance Guru, so she's still calling the shots on that front.

Before landing the presidency gig, this St. Gallen native was the head honcho of the Federal Department of Justice and Police from 2019 to 2023, then moved on to the Federal Department of Finance in 2023. Both positions she manages to balance while being Prez - because who said women can't multitask? 💪

Health Care Premiums Up by 6% 💸

No need to panic, but we've got some extra bills coming our way. Health care premiums will rise by 6 percent in 2025. If you live in Ticino, Glarus, or Jura, brace yourself for some rate increases even higher than the national average. Easy peasy – just shell out a little more green for your health.

Pensions on the Rise 🎉

It’s a jackpot for those collecting State (AHV/AVS) and disability pensions! From January 1st, pensions will increase by 2.9 percent. That means the minimum pension goes from 1,225 to 1,260 francs per month, and the maximum one jumps from 2,450 to 2,520. Hello, extra cash for a much-needed vacation!

Facial Concealment Ban Enacted 🙅‍♀️

Attention, pocket mumbles! A ban on facial concealment in public spaces goes into effect on January 1st. Whether it's religious or non-religious, any material disguising the wearer's face will be illegal. First-timers get a 100 francs fine, but if you pull a repeat offender and refuse to pay up, you could be looking at a hefty 1,000 francs fine, mates.

But don't worry – there will be exceptions. Face coverings are allowed on airplanes, in places of worship, and for artistic purposes.

Marriage with Minors – No More! 💕

As of January 1st, people married before the age of 18 will be better protected under the law, and combating marriages with minors will become more effective. Marriages concluded with minors abroad will no longer be recognized if present in Switzerland at the time of the marriage.

Lower Tax Exemption for Cross-Border Shopping 🛍️

Travellers will have a stingier allowance for tax-free shopping from now on. From January 1st, you can only import goods for personal use or as gifts 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. Sorry for the squeeze – let's keep this money local!

Flexibility in Changing Health Insurance 🧛‍♂️

Want more choices when it comes to your health insurance plan? You got it! From January 1st, consumers will be able to change their insurance model whenever they want during the year, giving them more freedom to find the right fit for their needs.

Climate Law in Effect 🚀

From January 1st, the Climate and Innovation Act (CIA) and the Climate Protection Ordinance (CPO) will be implemented, ensuring Switzerland's commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 and supporting the Paris Climate Agreement.

New Inheritance Laws 👻

Death and taxes - two certainties in life. New inheritance laws will go into effect on January 1st. If you die without a will, the new laws describe what happens to your stuff, and even with a will, the rules become more flexible. Dual nationals will also have to follow some rules in this case.

Swiss Trains Powered by Renewable Energy 🌱

Say goodbye to dirty energy, Switzerland! From January 1st, all Swiss National Railway trains will be powered by renewable electricity. Most of it comes from hydropower, with the remaining portion coming from renewable electricity purchased on the market. The SBB is hopping on board with the fight against climate change, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030.

Free Public Transport for Young Fancy Pants in Geneva 🚇

Attention young Geneva residents up to 24 years old! Starting January 1st, you can hop on the bus, tram, or train for free when you're in training or have a low income. Plus, pensioners and people receiving disability benefits will get a 50-percent discount for evening travel.

Take a Break, Geneva Residents! 🎲

Geneva residents are in for a double win from January 1st! Not only will they enjoy a lower income tax rate on average, but their purchasing power will increase with the new tax break. Geneva isn't the only one set to benefit from lighter pockets, though. Parents in Lucerne will also take home more of their hard-earned cash thanks to higher tax deductions for children and other tax advantages.

Happy New Year, my dear Switzerland! Stay jolly and prepare yourself for some more changes! 🍾🙌🎉🎈🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭💰💰💰💰🙏💰💰💰💰🙌🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭

Karin Keller-Sutter, Switzerland's new President, is also a former Finance Guru.
Keller-Sutter served as the head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police from 2019 to 2023.
She then moved on to the Federal Department of Finance in 2023.
In 2025, Swiss citizens can expect a 6% increase in health care premiums.
Pensions will increase by 2.9% from January 1st, 2025.
A ban on facial concealment in public spaces will come into effect on January 1st, 2025.
Marriages with minors will no longer be recognized in Switzerland from January 1st, 2025.
The allowance for tax-free shopping from abroad will decrease to a total of 150 francs per person per day.
Consumers will have more flexibility in changing their health insurance plan from January 1st, 2025.
The Climate and Innovation Act (CIA) and the Climate Protection Ordinance (CPO) will be implemented on January 1st, 2025.
New inheritance laws will take effect on January 1st, 2025.
Swiss National Railway trains will be powered by renewable energy from January 1st, 2025.
Geneva residents under 24 will enjoy free public transportation starting January 1st, 2025.
Geneva residents and parents in Lucerne will benefit from reduced income taxes and increased purchasing power.
Switzerland's commitment is to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, according to the Climate and Innovation Act (CIA).
All Swiss trains will be powered by mostly hydropower and some renewable electricity purchased on the market.
The SBB aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
Public transportation discounts will be available for pensioners and people receiving disability benefits in Geneva.
Swiss citizens are encouraged to keep their money local due to the lower tax exemption for cross-border shopping.
The Climate Law is implemented to ensure Switzerland’s compliance with the Paris Climate Agreement.
Keller-Sutter has managed to balance the positions of President and departmental head since taking office.
Switzerland's policy and legislation will prioritize combating climate change, renewable energy, and environmental science in the coming years.
Entrepreneurship, investment, and small-business growth are expected to be focus areas in the 2025 industry landscape.
Men's health, sexual health, family health, fitness and exercise, skin care, and mental health will gain more emphasis in the health and wellness sector.
The housing market, venture capital, personal finance, and banking and insurance sectors are expected to evolve in the financial industry.
The finance sector will be driven by fintech, real estate development, and private equity investments.
The retail sector will be impacted by changes in consumer behavior, sustainable and ethical practices, and e-commerce growth.
The automotive, transportation, leadership, diversity, and inclusion, and aviation sectors will experience changes due to technological advancements and environmental consciousness.
The space and astronomy, environmental science, and climate change sectors will be critical in shaping Switzerland's future, with an emphasis on research and innovation.
Public transit, policy, and politics will be influenced by sustainable practices, urban planning, and population growth, driving the need for more efficient transportation systems and infrastructure.
The CBD industry, a subsegment of the health and wellness sector, is expected to see growth due to increased awareness about its therapeutic potential.
Business, careers, and business opportunities will be shaped by innovation, adaptability, and resilience in the face of ongoing changes and challenges.