Europe: Switzerland

The Local - Switzerland (15 minutes ago)

Visiting Switzerland can be confusing — especially if you are aiming to visit a place that has a very different name in the local language, like Lake Geneva for example.

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The Local - Switzerland (15 minutes ago)

It goes without saying that — given how hard it is to find good apartments in Switzerland — you don't want to have a conflict with your landlord. If you can't totally avoid it, then you should at least know how to solve it constructively.

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The Local - Switzerland (An hour ago)

Lufthansa, SWISS airline's parent company, reportedly seeks to centralise more operations in Germany, at the detriment of Zurich airport.

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The Local - Switzerland (5 hours ago)

Swiss nationals are convicted of more crimes than other nationalities; Federal Council urges voters to reject the inheritance tax on the wealthy; and more news in our Tuesday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (22 hours ago)

Navigation on Lake Geneva between Switzerland's canton of Vaud and neighbouring French communities will be sharply reduced starting next year.

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The Local - Switzerland (A day ago)

Switzerland's bank secrecy is legendary, but does it apply to any resident, regardless of their nationality?

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The Local - Switzerland (A day ago)

The price of international flights from Switzerland has fallen compared to 2024, particularly for certain destinations. But the trend won't last for long, experts say.

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The Local - Switzerland (A day ago)

Netflix hikes prices in Switzerland; Swiss primary schools to need fewer teachers in future; and more news in our roundup on Monday.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 days ago)

From Sunday, non-EU travellers entering Europe's Schengen open-borders zone will gradually be photographed and fingerprinted at border crossings, as the European Union rolls out its much-delayed automated border checks.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 days ago)

Pro-Palestinian protesters marched in several cities in Europe on Saturday, voicing cautious hope with a dose of scepticism as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza entered its second day.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 days ago)

Drones flying over airports, commercial sites and other sensitive infrastructure in Europe is a growing phenomenon which EU leaders blame on Russia, and preventing the disruption they cause will prove a tough technical challenge, observers say.

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The Local - Switzerland (4 days ago)

New travel /border rules will go into effect on October 12th, and naturalised Swiss face discrimination from immigration authorities — these are among the news that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (4 days ago)

The debate about the merits of not allowing children to use social media is gaining momentum in Switzerland. Will it be the next country to ban the networks for youngsters?

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The Local - Switzerland (4 days ago)

One of the most important things to know about when settling in a new country is how to access medical care in your new place of residence. Here's how this process works in Switzerland.

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The Local - Switzerland (4 days ago)

Saving money, especially in an expensive country like Switzerland, is not easy — but it is not impossible either, as long as you know how to go about it.

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The Local - Switzerland (4 days ago)

The EU's new Entry & Exit System (EES) of enhanced passport controls will be launched on October 12th, albeit in a phased in approach, but how will it impact non-EU residents legally living in EU/Schengen countries?

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The Local - Switzerland (4 days ago)

While it is not one of Switzerland's four national languages, the use of English has nevertheless become more widespread in recent years, especially in certain cities.

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The Local - Switzerland (4 days ago)

People living abroad often imagine winter in Switzerland as it is portrayed on postcards: covered by a thick layer of snow. But is this really so?

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The Local - Switzerland (4 days ago)

English is more widely spoken in Switzerland than ever; Swiss cities have experienced a significant demographic change in the past years; and more news in our Friday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (5 days ago)

A new study sheds light on the migration status of Switzerland's population.

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The Local - Switzerland (5 days ago)

Swiss cantons are not equal in terms of their budgets for next year, While some are showing a deficit, others are making a profit. What difference does this make to their residents?

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The Local - Switzerland (5 days ago)

Switzerland on Wednesday extended partial unemployment benefits to limit layoffs by companies hit by rising US tariffs, which have particularly hurt watchmakers and small industrial exporters.

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The Local - Switzerland (5 days ago)

Zurich's ETH remains the best university in continental Europe; students will be able to get cheaper fares on SWISS airline; and more news in our Thursday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (6 days ago)

The Swiss city of Lausanne said it could start hiring foreign nationals for its police force. But what are the general rules around Switzerland when it comes to who can become a police officer?

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The Local - Switzerland (6 days ago)

Though, seen from abroad, Switzerland may seem like a homogeneous country, it is just the opposite – while small, it offers lots of variety and diversity throughout.

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The Local - Switzerland (6 days ago)

Switzerland will introduce the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) from October 12th, with Geneva, Zurich, and Basel EuroAIrport set to implement the checks for non-EU travellers.

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The Local - Switzerland (6 days ago)

Having spent almost a decade living in Switzerland, American journalist and author Chantal Panozzo knows a thing or two about the lesser known side of Switzerland.

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The Local - Switzerland (6 days ago)

The number of foreign residents who leave Switzerland to return home is well above the EU average for emigration, so why do so many leave? The Local's readers have offered a few reasons.

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The Local - Switzerland (6 days ago)

Whether you want to buy or sell second-hand items in Switzerland, these Swiss websites will help you do that.

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The Local - Switzerland (6 days ago)

Switzerland will not grant early residency permits to Ukrainian refugees; Lausanne police could hire foreign residents to join their ranks; and more news in our Wednesday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Your landlord in Switzerland may decide to sell the apartment you have been renting. Does the Swiss law grant you any rights in this matter?

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The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Reference letters from Swiss citizens on behalf of naturalisation applicants are a standard requirement in a citizenship procedure. But it appears some Swiss citizens are more equal than others when it comes to who can provide them.

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The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

A tranquil, peaceful and safe country, Switzerland's appeal is undeniable. But can US citizens retire here?

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The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Immigration authorities accused of 'discriminatory' practice regarding naturalisation reference letters; health experts recommend 'voluntary' mask wearing this winter; and more Swiss news in our roundup on Tuesday.

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The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Although the unemployment rate in Switzerland is low - 2.8 percent in September 2025 - there are fewer jobs around for some qualified professionals.

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The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Regardless of whether you are a Swiss citizen or a EU/EFTA national looking for work, you may be wondering whether an employment agency may boost your chances of getting a good job in Switzerland.

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The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Non-EU travellers heading to EU/Schengen countries will soon face biometric border controls as the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) comes into force from October 12th. But can travellers opt out?

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The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Swiss polytechnic institutes are vetting and rejecting dozens of foreign students; right-wing party is becoming more popular among Swiss voters; and more news in our Monday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

A Swiss company inaugurated two solar furnaces on Friday in a watchmaking city, aimed at melting down and recycling the key industry's steel offcuts by using green energy.

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The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Switzerland's military said Friday it plans to acquire a defence system against "mini-drones", after several European countries recently reported incursions into their airspace, pointing the finger at Russia.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Foreign drivers to be slapped with a 'transit fee', and was US president right about the number of illegal immigrants in Swiss prisons - these are among the news that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Voters in Zurich have approved a plan to cut the cost of an annual travelcard on local public transport (ZVV) down to 365 francs (1 franc a day) from the current price of over 800 francs. Will it really happen and how will it work?

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

If you have lived in the country a while, you know that things here change at a snail's pace. There are several reasons why the Swiss like to take their sweet time — and it has nothing to do with watches.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Residents in Switzerland have until November 30th to switch their current health insurance policy to a new one. But there are reasons to be wary of marketing calls from various insurance companies urging you to buy their policy.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Swiss government to lower motorway speed limits; doctors banned from practice abroad are working in Switzerland; and more news in our roundup on Friday.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

The Swiss labour market – and particularly export-oriented industries like pharmaceuticals and watch manufacturing - is under pressure due to the hefty US tariffs. But many companies keep hiring nevertheless.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

The government had said health insurance premiums in Switzerland will increase by 4.4 percent on average in 2026 but, in fact, consumers may end up paying quite a bit more.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

In all, about 40,000 foreign nationals receive Swiss citizenship every year. But where is the naturalisation rate highest and lowest?

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Proficiency in a 'local' language ('local' being the key word here) is a requirement residence permits and, even more so, for naturalisation in Switzerland. So what language does a foreigner need to master if living in the German-speaking part of Switzerland?

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Students take to Zurich's streets to protest planned tuition hikes; regions where most and least job openings are advertised; and more Swiss news in our roundup on Thursday.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Even though the pandemic is long gone (though probably not quite forgotten), Covid-19 is still circulating in Switzerland. Health experts continue to recommend periodic immunisation against this disease.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Even though Switzerland does not have a 'tipping culture', a new practice of 'set' tips is increasingly seeping into Swiss restaurants and coffee shops. However, most customers don't seem to like it.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Switzerland's glaciers, which are disproportionately impacted by climate change, have lost a quarter of their volume in the past decade alone, a study warned, heightening concerns over accelerating melting.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

From October 1st 2025, landlords in several Swiss cantons will have to provide new information when renting out an apartment. What is it, and how does it benefit tenants?

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

A new, tenant-friendly law goes into effect today in several cantons; new health insurance premiums to place significant burden on many Swiss households; and further news in our Wednesday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Hopefully, this will never happen. But if you unexpectedly lose your job in Switzerland, there are some things you should do – the sooner the better.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

After a failed referendum in 2021, the Swiss government's push for the electronic identity card was finally approved at the ballot box on September 28.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

In September, Switzerland's Council of States unanimously accepted a motion seeking to tax foreign tourists using Swiss motorways just to transit the country. What is this about?

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Autumn is a great month in Switzerland, with many markets, food festivals, as well as cultural events taking place around the country. So what's happening in the various regions of the country?

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Switzerland and the United States said Monday they had agreed that monetary policies should not target exchange rates to gain a competitive advantage

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Switzerland could face recession if Washington slaps its vital pharmaceutical sector with the threatened 100-percent tariff, a leading Swiss economic expert told AFP Monday.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Skiing in the Swiss Alps will cost more this season; Zurich residents to benefit from lower public transport fares; and more news in our Tuesday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Filled with dusty books and filled with 'hush-hush' atmosphere, they are relics of the past. But you may be surprised at the fun (and education) you can have in the 21st century at hundreds of Switzerland's libraries.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

US President Donald Trump recently claimed that 72 percent of prisoners in Switzerland were foreigners and tied it to illegal migration. Was he right or did he fail to mention some important context?

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Two key issues were at stake in a national referendum in September 28th - one that affects rent and the other was the controversial subject of electronic ID. These are the results, and what they mean to you.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

After having stirred controversy for a number of years, e-ID law was finally approved by Swiss voters on September 28th. What will it mean to you?

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Swiss vote in favour of scrapping rental tax and introduction of electronic identity; government earmarks more money to build affordable housing; and other news in our roundup on Monday.

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The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Residents of Zurich, Switzerland, voted Sunday to ban the use of petrol-fuelled leaf blowers and leaf vacuums over noise and air pollution concerns in public and private spaces.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

Health insurance costs will increase in Switzerland in 2026, but more in some cantons than in others; and the political decisions the parliament made this month — these are among the news that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

The tardiness of Germany's national rail company, Deutsche Bahn, is notorious in Switzerland, prompting yet another canton, Schaffhausen, to take measures to restore punctuality on its territory.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

As both chambers of Switzerland's parliament wrap up their two-week-long autumn session, we look at some of the issues they dealt with including the 'No to 10 million' anti-immigration proposal.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

Tens of thousands of Americans, Brits, Indians, Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders, Nigerians and South Africans moved to European countries on first residency permits in 2024. But where did they all go and what for?

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

The US-based coffee company chain, Starbucks, will close some of its Swiss branches as part of global cost-cutting measures.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

Aside from the national referendums on September 28th, Swiss citizens will also cast their votes on various issues locally. This is what's at stake in cities and cantons..

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

MPs approve a 'transit tax' for foreign drivers; Swiss drug regulator refutes US claims about the risk of paracetamol use in pregnancy; and more news in our Friday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

European countries countries issued some 3.57 million first time residency permits to non-EU nationals in 2024, 315,000 fewer than in 2023. How can the drop be explained?

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

If you need to vacate your Swiss rental temporarily but plan to return there, you may think sub-leasing your apartment is a good solution. But can you earn some money in the process?

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

It has often been said – and it is mostly true – that it is difficult to find truly ugly towns and villages in Switzerland. And yet, according to one ranking, they do exist.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

Switzerland's central bank kept its policy rate at zero percent on Thursday, warning that massive US tariffs are weighing on the country's export-dependent economy.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

Paper money is being used less and less so why are residents across Europe being advised by the European Central Bank to keep between €70 and €100 in cash at home?

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

France leaves Basel airport without rail funding; cross-border shopping has gained in popularity; and more news in our roundup on Thursday.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

Working hours, rest periods, and Sunday work are to be relaxed for employees working from home, according to a bill approved by the lower house of the parliament. The Federal Council has also introduced a right to disconnect.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

Switzerland's health infrastructure is consistently rated among the best in the world, but how does it compare with other countries?

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

Health insurance rates will rise by 4.4 percent next year, which means an average increase of 16.60 francs per month. But the situation in your Swiss canton may be different.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

Double-barrelled surnames are making a comeback in Switzerland; MPs revise working from home rules; and more news in our Wednesday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

As it does each year at this time, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) has revealed the increase in the health insurance premiums that residents of Switzerland will pay in 2026.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

Anecdotal and observational evidence, as well as numerous comments on social media, indicate that eating in Swiss restaurants can cost you a lot. But a new international study refutes this.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

Property price increases in Switzerland's two largest cities - Zurich and Geneva - have far outpaced income growth, according to a recent UBS study. This is making housing "unaffordable for residents," experts warn.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

If you have just arrived in Switzerland, or are about to do so, you may not be aware of the financial obligations that will be imposed on you. Here's what you should know.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

Chances are that you, like the majority of people in Switzerland, own a car and depend on it to get around. But do you really need it?

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

Lucerne to lower the price of naturalisation procedure; MPs debate the rightwing anti-immigration proposal; and more Swiss news in our Tuesday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

The Swiss government intends to continue reducing the state budget by cutting its spending in various areas. This could lead to a rise in the cost of university tuition fees and public transport.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

When you move yourself, your family, and belongings from the United States to Switzerland, you may be tempted to bring your vehicle as well. But there are good reasons to leave it behind.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

Government wants to obligate Swiss-German cantons to teach French; new federal budget to skimp on public transport and universities; and more news in our Monday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

European airports were starting to recover on Sunday from a cyberattack affecting their check-in systems that has caused flight cancellations and huge delays for thousands of passengers over the past two days.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

Amid a threat of towering US tariffs, Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis is seeking ways to enable Americans to pay less for their medicines, its chief said in an interview published Saturday.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

Major European airports including Brussels, London Heathrow, two German airports and two Irish airports were on Saturday hit by "cyber-related disruption" affecting check-in and baggage drop systems and causing delays and cancellations.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

Enjoying a beer or two - but not too many - can help you speak a foreign language more clearly, a prize winning scientific study claims.

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The Local - Switzerland (3 weeks ago)

From attitudes towards foreigners and improvements in work-life balance, Clare O'Dea examines how Switzerland has changed over the last 20 years and how it hasn't ('the Swiss still don't know how to queue'). Her book All About Switzerland is now available - details below.

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The Local - Switzerland (4 weeks ago)

Quality of life in Swiss cities can depend on avoiding being the victim of crime. So which city in Switzerland has the highest burglary rates?

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The Local - Switzerland (4 weeks ago)

Burglary rates in Switzerland have been rising in recent years although the chances of being targeted depend very much on where you live. But Swiss authorities advise residents to take certain measures to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

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The Local - Switzerland (4 weeks ago)

Swiss MPs favour mentioning offenders' nationality in police reports; new rents in Switzerland exceed the one-third 'rule' average; and more news in our Friday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (4 weeks ago)

Life in Switzerland is expensive, and even more so if you have several children. But will the government give you financial assistance?

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The Local - Switzerland (4 weeks ago)

Swiss exports to the United States fell to their lowest level since 2020 in August when massive US tariffs came into effect, official data showed Thursday.

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The Local - Switzerland (4 weeks ago)

New travel rules and consultation about the Swiss-EU agreement, are among changes you can expect in Switzerland in October 2025.

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The Local - Switzerland (4 weeks ago)

Alpine community joins the ranks of Switzerland's 'most beautiful villages'; Zurich wants more money for the protection of its synagogues; and more news in our roundup on Thursday.

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The Local - Switzerland (4 weeks ago)

Nobody can deny that Switzerland is beautiful at any time or season of the year, but autumn, with its changing colours, is expesially magnificent. If you'd like to enjoy these views by train, you have several options to do so.

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The Local - Switzerland (4 weeks ago)

Foreigners in a handful of Swiss municipalities and cantons are able to vote in some elections, but many of them don't. We look at the reasons behind this, and how the canton of Fribourg wants to change this.

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The Local - Switzerland (4 weeks ago)

France is bracing for a day of nationwide protests on Thursday September 18th, in addition to the widespread strike action that is likely to bring severe disruption, especially to transport. Transport to Switzerland won't be spared.

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The Local - Switzerland (4 weeks ago)

Ever wondered how much the chief executives of Switzerland's largest firms earn? A new study sheds light on their income – and how it compares to the lowest earners at their companies.

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The Local - Switzerland (4 weeks ago)

Public transport users in the Swiss city of Zurich have been warned to prepare for "historic" changes to its tram system that authorities say will certainly cause "confusion".

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The Local - Switzerland (4 weeks ago)

Swiss canton encourages its foreign residents to vote; another Briton caught speeding on Swiss mountain roads and more Swiss news in our Wednesday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (4 weeks ago)

If you're on the lookout for a new job in Switzerland, or you want to relocate, you may be wondering about which resources to turn to. We've compiled the best websites and ways to find English-speaking jobs.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Switzerland is home to some spectacular tourist sites that bring visitors from across the world, but police have warned that they are also attracting petty criminals.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

A study reveals the extent of a wage gap in Switzerland; MPs vote in favour of financial aid for Geneva; and more news in our Tuesday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

If your move is taking place during the week, you may wonder if your Swiss employer will give you time off from work. Here's what you should know.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Switzerland regularly tops rankings of the most expensive countries in the world and it is unlikely to win any prizes for being a budget destination. But not everything in the country costs a small fortune.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

The Swiss city of Geneva is notorious for its heavy traffic and frequent congestion on its roads. Authorities therefore want to solve this problem by developing alternative transport on Lake Geneva.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

If you've been dreaming of owning a house or an apartment in Switzerland, autumn 2025 may be a good opportunity to do so - at least for some people.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

The Swiss government is considering lifting a ban on the import of chlorinated chickens from the US, in a bid to persuade US president Donald Trump to lower his steep trade tariffs.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Autumn is a time for making resolutions, and what better goal than to build bridges with the Swiss by learning a national language. Whether you're a beginner or languishing at the half-way stage, Clare O'Dea has some tips on how to get the job done.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Switzerland's polytechnic institute in Zurich (ETH) has tripled its tuition fees from the September semester for international students joining this year. Has this move had any impact on enrolment numbers?

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Government aims to relieve the burden of health insurance premiums; Switzerland may start importing chlorinated US chickens to appease President Trump; and more news in our roundup on Monday.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

The birth of a child is an exciting milestone for families. But in Switzerland it also requires you to complete a substantial amount of paperwork - all at a time when you're operating on minimal sleep. Here's what you need to know.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Swiss voters could approve the right-wing anti-immigration initiative, and the government has set a list of its goals for 2026 — these are among the news that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

With the number of available homes dwindling, finding an apartment or house in Switzerland is a major challenge. Just how bad is it – and where is it getting worse?

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

New Swiss watch is making fun of US tariffs; Migros and Coop recall potentially contaminated spices; and more news in our Friday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

If you have ever been stuck in a traffic jam on a road, you know how frustrating this can be. But the situation is worst in some Swiss cities.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

English is the main foreign language (aside from national ones) being taught in Swiss secondary schools, but how many hours do students get each week? Tell us your own experiences below.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

As autumn arrives and Switzerland's political life is back in full swing, the Federal Council, MPs, as well as voters will have their say on a range of key issues.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

More and moire Germans moving to Switzerland, most Swiss want closer ties to the EU and more news in our Thursday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Switzerland has a reputation as one of the world's safest countries. But is this really so? Tell us how safe you feel if you live in Switzerland.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Geneva is the only canton in Switzerland that has a public holiday on the Thursday after the first Sunday in September.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Like other countries, Switzerland too is a bureaucracy, where various government agencies oversee different functions of public and private life.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

More consumer loans requests are being rejected in Switzerland than ever before and there are several reasons to explain the refusals.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

The majority of Switzerland's residents can expect to pay less for their electricity next year. This is the situation in your community.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Each year, the Swiss government sets goals to be accomplished for the benefit of the country's population the following year. This is what's on its 'to-do' list for 2026.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Most households can expert lower electricity bills in 2026; fewer apartments are up for rent in Switzerland; and other news in our roundup on Wednesday.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Integration is a key requirement for any foreign national who wants to live and work in Switzerland and, even more so, become naturalised. And the government earmarks a tidy sum of money for that purpose.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Migration is down but the political pressure is not going away: despite a sharp decline in irregular arrivals and asylum requests, European countries are ploughing ahead with an unprecedented clampdown.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Naturalisation fees in Switzerland vary from canton to canton – and sometimes by municipality within that canton - and some are cheaper (or more expensive) than others. So how much can you expect to pay in 2025?

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Price watchdog's intervention lowers naturalisation fees in a Swiss municipality; five cantons now have an electronic learner driver's permit, with more to come; and more news in our Tuesday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Welfare recipients in the Swiss capital Bern will be required to speak - or be learning - one of the Swiss canton's official languages, German or French in future.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

As more fast-food chains pop up in Switzerland, government officials and doctors have sounded the alarm about the eating habits and health of the population.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Asylum applications to the European Union, Switzerland and Norway fell by 23 percent in the first six months of 2025, driven by a massive drop in Syrians seeking protection, the EU's asylum agency said on Monday.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

An initiative by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) to curb immigration once the country's population reaches a certain threshold may seem extreme, but polls show it has a chance of passing.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Zurich's recent decision to stop teaching French in primary schools has sparked controversy among Switzerland's educators and politicians. Was the move even legal?

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Zurich police 'ban' a robot from making food deliveries in the city; minister seeks clearer guidelines on language lessons in Swiss schools; and more news in our roundup on Monday.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Switzerland's vice president said Saturday he had had "constructive meetings" with senior US officials as the country tries to navigate the massive import tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Swiss will vote on two issues in a national referendum, and foreign students will see their tuition fees tripe — these are among the news that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

France and Switzerland have signed two agreements on how to manage their shared waters of Lake Geneva and the River Rhone -- an increasingly pressing issue as climate change takes its toll.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

With the beginning of the new school year, some Swiss cantons are reporting cases of measles in children, requiring quarantines. This is what's happening.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Out of the 77 destinations where the low-cost airline flies to from Switzerland's Basel EuroAirport, 48 will be suspended in April and May 2026.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Government refuses to regulate assisted dying procedures; two Swiss train stations are among Europe's best; and more news in our Friday roundup.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

To help Switzerland's export-oriented sectors withstand US trade tariffs, the government supports an 'urgent extension of short-time work benefits.' What exactly does this mean?

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

If you are a new arrival in Switzerland, or even if you've been living here for a while but never needed medical care, this is what you should expect when making an appointment to see a doctor.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Car passengers travelling from the UK to France and onwards to other European countries will not be immediately subject to the EES biometric border checks that are set to be launched on October 12th.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

In the latest round of national referendums on September 28th, Swiss voters will have their say on two controversial issues. We explain what they are.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

Government is ready to 'intervene' if Swiss-German cantons abandon French lessons from their school curriculum, the president of France is unhappy about Geneva's decision regarding cross-border students; and more news in our roundup on Thursday.

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The Local - Switzerland (A month ago)

You may not have noticed, unless you pay attention to such things, but the Swiss government has already published dates for national referendums for the next…20 years. Why?

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