British Residents’ Association of Switzerland

SWITZERLAND

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Welcome / Information / SWITZERLAND

SWITZERLAND:
WHAT’S CHANGING IN 2025?

At the beginning of each year, a certain number of changes in laws and
regulations are introduced in Switzerland. So, what’s in store for us in 2025?
Well, not a lot, for once. Although there are, as ever, a fair number of
changes, many of them will not really be noticed by your average man or
woman in the street.

AHV/AVS and IV/AI payments will be going up by 2.9%. The minimum rise in
AVS payments is CHF 35 per month. A full individual AVS will increase by
CHF 70 per month, or CHF 840 per annum. The first of four steps to increase
the women’s retirement age will come into effect in 2025, On the other hand,
the 13th month payment that was accepted in the referendum of March of this
year will only be paid as from December 2026.

Train and bus tickets are not going up with few exceptions, and postal rate
increases are also not on the cards. Of course, both were
increased a year ago. I should add that, if you think that postal
rates are expensive in Switzerland, just take a look at the new
tariffs in the UK where, for example, sending a first-class domestic letter now
costs a whopping £1.65.

The tax-free allowance when bringing goods over the border into Switzerland
is being halved from CHF 300 to CHF 150. Beware, those
who do their shopping over the border in France, Germany
or Italy!

Finally, for those not yet retired, it will henceforth be possible to top up 3rd
pillar (3a) pension plans to cover any missing contributions.

Peter Payne, Helfides SA