Switzerland consumed significantly less gas in November 2022, according to the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). In November 2022, Switzerland imported 3084 giga watt hours of gas, 29% less than the monthly November average of the prior five years, reported RTS. October 2022 saw a similar year on year decline (-40%). However, despite lower […]
Financial pessimism in Switzerland worst in 6 years
A survey published on 27 December 2022 shows Swiss consumer sentiment is at its lowest since 2017. More than one in four of those surveyed expects their financial situation to deteriorate. Rises in health insurance premiums and energy costs were cited as the main reasons for financial pessimism by the 27.5% of people expecting their […]
1 in 4 changed health insurer this year
Sharply rising health insurance premiums appear to be a key driver behind 27% of people changing insurance provider in 2022, according to a survey by Comparis. Average premiums for 2023 are 6.6% higher than those for 2022. This sharp rise in premiums was cited as a key factor for changing insurer by 61% of the […]
Franco-Swiss deal reached on taxing remote workers
This week, after two years of negotiating, France and Switzerland reached an agreement on the tax treatment of workers employed in one country who work remotely in the other, announced the Swiss government. From 1 January 2023, up to 40% of an employee’s annual working hours can be worked from home without having any impact […]
Date announced for start of higher Swiss VAT
On 25 September 2022, Swiss voters voted in favour of raising the rate of VAT to pay for state pensions. On 9 December 2022, the government announced the date the new higher rates will start. From 1 January 2024, the standard rate of VAT will rise from 7.7% to 8.1% and the reduced rate will […]
Sanctions reduced for overtaking in right lane in Switzerland
Passing in the right on multiple-lane roads is illegal in Switzerland and the penalties for those caught are severe. However, confusion abounds when it comes to the application of the rule. As more cases are challenged in court the definition of what is acceptable and the penalties evolve. This week, another case concluded setting a […]
An end-of-year meter reading could have a big impact on your electricity bill
Electricity prices are going up in Switzerland in 2023. For those expecting to consume less electricity in 2023 than in 2022, reading the meter at the end of 2022 could save you money. Most electricity bills are calculated by taking the difference between two meter readings and dividing total consumption by the number of days […]
Swiss cantons to get most of extra company tax money
On 12 January 2022, Switzerland’s Federal Council decided to implement the minimum tax rate for companies that was agreed by the OECD and G20 member states in 2021. The 15% minimum tax, which will be applied to large companies from 1 January 2024, will generate extra tax revenue. This week, after a degree of wrangling, […]
Bern against federal plan to subsidise health insurance
A federal initiative aimed at subsidising health insurance premiums once they exceed 10% of disposable income met with resistance in Bern this week, reported RTS. The idea, which was put forward by the Socialist Party, would require the federal government to foot two thirds of the bill for the subsidy with cantons left to find […]
Pay rise agreed for Switzerland’s public sector workers
On 2 December 2022, Switzerland’s Federal Council agreed to boost the salaries of those working for the federal government by 2.5% in 2023. Inflation, which was 3% at the end of November 2022, has fuelled demands for higher pay. During negotiations, staff representatives pushed for a pay deal that fully made up for inflation. However, […]
