Innovations and changes will come into force in the new year.Electricity prices fall and Moutier moves to the canton of Jura. All othre changes at a glance.
17.12.2025, 16:52
Stalking becomes a criminal offense
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From January 1st, protection for stalking victims will be improved. Stalking is anchored in the criminal code with its own criminal law.Stalking will thus be prosecuted under criminal law in the future at the request of a data subject. Perpetrators must expect a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine.
Moutier becomes Jurassic
It took a long time, but now it’s happening: On New Year’s Day, the residents of Moutier wake up in a new canton. The change from the canton of Bern to the canton of Jura is then completed. The final negotiations have been completed. The Jura question has preoccupied the authorities and residents as 2012. The electorate actually voted on the change in 2017, but the vote was subsequently declared invalid. In 2021 there was a community vote. In 2024, voters said yes to the change.
Switzerland to Modernize Defence and Adjust Financial Policies
Same-Day Delivery for Migros Online Orders
Migros plans to offer same-day delivery for online orders, initially in the greater Zurich area. This service will become available once the new distribution center in Regensdorf is fully operational.
Decentralization of the Air Force
The Swiss Air Force is undergoing decentralization to bolster national defense. this involves adapting leadership processes and structures, allowing combat aircraft, air transport, and air reconnaissance equipment to operate from various locations. The military police will also focus on streamlining cooperation between professional and militia organizations. Furthermore, a space competence center will be established to develop Switzerland’s capabilities in space operations. Modernization efforts also extend to the ground forces.
(Image: an F-35A fighter aircraft for the Swiss Army lands at the military airfield. Caption: The air force should be decentralized. Source: keystone)
Compulsory Protective Service Until the Age of 40
To combat the shortage of civil defense personnel, the age for compulsory service will be raised back to 40. Cantons have been permitted to lower this age to 36 since 2021, but this transitional provision will end at the close of the year. Civil defense will also be optimized through a two-step implementation process.
Federal Tax Adjustments
Adjustments will be made to the default and reimbursement interest rates for federal taxes, duties, and sanctions in 2026. The new rate will be 4 percent (down from 4.5 percent in 2025). The interest rate on voluntary advance payments will also be reduced to 0 percent (from 0.75 percent in 2025).These changes will impact taxes on items like tobacco, beer, and automobiles.
Switzerland in 2026: Key Changes Coming
Here’s a look at some of the important changes slated to take effect in Switzerland in 2026, impacting everything from food labeling to social security:
Food Labeling Changes
New regulations will remove the mandatory indication of cooking time on food packaging.This change aims to simplify labeling requirements for food producers.
Animal Welfare: Ending the Culling of Male Chicks
In a move to improve animal welfare,Bio Suisse decided in 2021 that the culling of male chicks in the organic poultry industry will be prohibited starting in 2026. Producers have been given time to adapt,and while the price of organic eggs is expected to rise slightly to cover the costs,the initiative will also foster the advancement of new poultry products. https://www.biosuisse.ch/en/media/news/no-more-killing-of-male-chicks-from-2026/
Strengthening National Languages: Romansh and Italian
The Federal Office of Culture will begin promoting the use of Romansh and Italian languages outside of their customary regions in 2026. This includes funding projects to enhance language learning in schools and initiatives to encourage broader language use in daily life. https://www.bak.admin.ch/bak/en/home.html
Introduction of the E-ID (Digital Identity)
Following a narrow public vote in September, Switzerland is preparing to launch its E-ID, a digital identity card, with availability expected no earlier than summer 2026.The E-ID is intended to streamline administrative processes and simplify everyday life for citizens. https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/news/federal-council/2023-09-24/people-have-spoken-eid-is-approved.html
Increased AHV (Old Age and Survivors’ Insurance) Pension
Pensioners in Switzerland will receive an additional monthly payment with the introduction of the 13th AHV pension in December 2025. https://www.bsv.admin.ch/bsv/en/home/the-bsv/projects/13th-ahv-pension.html
date: 2024-01-26
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