Europe: Switzerland

The Local - Switzerland (14 hours ago)

With Switzerland's ski season underway, winter sports enthusiasts have taken to the mountains in droves. But you should not forget that civility and safety are key because the punishments could be severe.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (16 hours ago)

Each year, the cost of Switzerland's obligatory health insurance goes up – more in some cantons than in others. What factors determine how much you pay in your place of residence?

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (19 hours ago)

With the end of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system's 'tolerance period' approaching, British readers of The Local have slammed unclear government guidance about a rule change meaning dual nationals must enter the country on a valid UK passport.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (19 hours ago)

The UK's new border control system ETA reaches a new phase in February - but will British dual nationals really be denied entry to the country if they do not have a valid UK passport?

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (20 hours ago)

The local fire chief for a Swiss ski resort where a New Year's fire broke out in a bar, claiming 41 lives, was questioned for the first time on Monday by Swiss investigating prosecutors.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (21 hours ago)

Evenly split: Rents have climbed in some Swiss regions and dropped in others; Switzerland will not accept Ukrainian refugees who transit through EU or EFTA nations; plus other news in our roundup this Tuesday.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 days ago)

Basel-Country could follow the example of its sister canton, Basel-City, in scrapping the fees for foreigners under the age of 25 who apply for Swiss citizenship.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 days ago)

The Swiss government put part of the Swiss Alps on the highest avalanche alert level on Tuesday after more heavy snow hit the Valais region.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 days ago)

From national and cantonal referendums to tax-filing deadlines: these are the changes happening in Switzerland in March 2026.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 days ago)

Switzerland's economy returned to growth at the end of last year, mainly thanks to its services sector after steep US tariffs stalled exports and pulled down GDP in the third quarter.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 days ago)

A train derailed early on Monday in the canton of Valais in southern Switzerland, police said, adding that five passengers were left injured as a result. The likely cause was an avalanche, police said.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 days ago)

Public broadcaster to begin disclosing offenders' nationality; Social Democrats in a Zurich municipality campaign in several foreign languages; and more Swiss news in our roundup this Monday.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (4 days ago)

European leaders, worried about threats from a nuclear-armed Russia and doubts about the future of US security commitments, are increasingly debating whether to bolster nuclear arsenals on the continent.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (4 days ago)

Ten years after the referendum that led to Brexit, Britain and the European Union must close ranks in an increasingly unstable world, their leaders said on Saturday.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (4 days ago)

European leaders called Friday for a reset in relations with the United States as they met at a top security conference where US President Donald Trump's potshots at traditional transatlantic ties loomed large.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (4 days ago)

Most full-time employees in Switzerland have a minimum of four weeks of annual leave. But by combining public holidays with your paid vacation, you can enjoy more days off.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (5 days ago)

Swiss to vote on anti-immigration initiative in June, and court rules that teenage pranks can't prevent naturalisation— these are among the news that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (5 days ago)

Many multi-national companies have offices in Switzerland, and some are ranked among the country's best employers.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (5 days ago)

The new European biometric registration regime, the Entry/Exit System (EES), has been causing major delays at the Geneva airport, as thousands of tourists flock to Switzerland's ski slopes.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (5 days ago)

A Swiss police officer admonished Dutch nationals who recently moved to Switzerland for responding to his questions in English.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (5 days ago)

Bereaved relatives on Thursday angrily confronted the owners of a Swiss bar that caught fire during New Year celebrations, heckling them as they arrived to face questions over the fatal tragedy.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (5 days ago)

Valentines Day is the perfect time to roll out some animal-inspired Swiss-German romantic nicknames for that special someone in your life.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (5 days ago)

It will soon be Friday the 13th and, just like most countries, Switzerland has its own list of strange superstitions.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (5 days ago)

The Entry/Exit System (EES) to create bottlenecks at Swiss airports; English speakers reprimanded by Aargau police during traffic stop; plus other news in our roundup this Friday.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (6 days ago)

You already know that Switzerland in general, and its biggest cities in particular, are expensive. How much can you expect to spend in 2026 in your region?

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (6 days ago)

For years, the USA was one of the favourite travel destinations for Swiss tourists. But this is no longer the case, industry insiders say.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (6 days ago)

The Swiss government has decided to bring the right-wing initiative seeking to curb immigration to the ballot box on June 14th.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (6 days ago)

The night train operator Newrest plans to cut jobs in Zurich; Trump admits imposeing punitive tariffs on Switzerland because he didn't like its president; and more news in our Thursday roundup.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

In popular culture, Swiss banks are often synonymous with dirty money, illicit dealings and gold. But how true (or not) are these rumours?

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

In a new international ranking, Switzerland has fallen behind in terms of corruption in the public sector.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Winter driving in Switzerland can be hazardous if your vehicle is not properly equipped. We explain what you should know before you drive in snowy weather.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

The weather in Switzerland will shift dramatically over the coming days, both in the mountains and on lower ground.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Airlines across Europe have called on EU chiefs to review the ongoing roll-out for the EES biometric border checks amid fears the system will lead to border chaos this summer.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

The Swiss franc hits another record high; Switzerland drops in international corruption ranking; and more news in our roundup on Wednesday.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Wages in Switzerland are generally higher than almost everywhere else in Europe. But that doesn't mean everyone is paid fairly.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Aside from the federal referendums, voters in several Swiss cantons will also weigh in on matters of regional importance on March 8th.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

A Swiss court has upheld a woman's appeal against a naturalisation refusal which saw her bid to become Swiss turned down because of a door-ringing and egg-throwing incident in her youth.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Swiss cantons are not equal in terms of their budgets. While some are showing a deficit, others are making a profit. What difference does this make to their residents and what os the situation in 2026?

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Swiss authorities are investigating batches of infant formula, following reports of several babies showing symptoms of possible exposure to a toxin.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Court sides with a woman denied Swiss citizenship because of doorbell pranks; new study reveals Zurich is one of the worst cities in Europe for driving; plus other news in our roundup this Tuesday.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

As 2026 is in its second month, let's look at what changes – for better or for worse – for families in Switzerland.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Whether you are a new arrival, or have lived in Geneva for a while, knowing where to turn for support is essential. These groups can help you navigate the twists and turns of life in Switzerland's most international region.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Currently underway in Italy until February 22nd, you can follow all the action in the Winter Olympics on Swiss TV in all three languages.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

Even though the Swiss unemployment rate is expected to rise slightly in 2026, there are currently a total of 225,358 jobs advertised across the country – with some sectors more in demand than others.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

More Swiss jobs to be relocated abroad; Geneva tenants could get easier access to property ownership; and other news in our Monday roundup.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (A week ago)

A memorial for the victims of a deadly New Year's fire in Switzerland itself caught fire early Sunday, likely sparked by candles left burning inside, police said.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Growing political polarisation means that debate about immigration is boiled down to 'pro' or 'anti'-immigration positions, but new surveys reveal that European public opinion is a little more nuanced than that.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

The lawyer for the family of a victim of a devastating New Year's fire in Switzerland on Friday demanded the recusal of the prosecutors in charge of the case, accusing them of "serious misconduct".

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

The UK government is set to further increase the cost of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for travellers from Europe, coinciding with the implementation of tougher entry rules.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

As part of the landmark trade agreement announced on January 27th, the EU and India adopted a 'mobility framework' that aims to make it easier for Indian students, researchers and young professionals to move to the EU.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

If you like winter, then February is the perfect month in Switzerland to partake in sports, cultural, and just purely fun activities.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Residents in some Swiss cities will pay lower taxes in 2026, and new facts emerge about Zurich's foreign population — these are among the news that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Unlike citizens of the EU/EFTA, people from third states are required to have an authorisation to enter Switzerland. The type of clearance they need depends on the purpose of their travel.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Zurich's population has reached a new high, but data also reveals interesting information about foreigners who call Switzerland's largest city 'home'.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

French food giant Danone recalled batches of infant formula in Britain, Spain, Croatia and Slovenia over the possible presence of a toxin, food safety authorities said on Friday, expanding the measure across Europe.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Swiss government wants to alert the population to emergencies by text message; Uber to launch automated cars in Zurich later this year; and other news in our roundup this Friday.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Each year on the first Wednesday of February, Swiss government is testing its nationwide alarm system. But what happens if the sirens blast to alert to a real emergency? What should you do?

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

February is a traditional 'family ski' month in Switzerland, when children get a week off from school and families head to mountain resorts to enjoy skiing and other winter sports. There are a few things to keep in mind before you hit the slopes.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Nobody likes talking about taxes – and much less paying them. But if you live in certain Swiss communities you are likely to get some relief.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

It's hard to compare the quality of life in different parts of Switzerland, but a new study suggests one canton is far better than the others when it comes to certain criteria.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

A number of companies and organisations based in Switzerland have announced they will be laying off employees in 2026, or relocating jobs to other countries. We have a full roundup of where the jobs will be lost.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

The regulations for travelling by air with animals differ from country to country and, often, from one airline to another. What is the situation on SWISS and Edelweiss?

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

The EU hands out thousands of Blue Cards to highly-skilled third country nationals each year, according to the latest figures. But which nationalities receive the most and which EU country gives out the most?

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

In a number of Switzerland's resorts, a ski pass can cost you less or more — depending on the time of day you buy it.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Medical facilities in Switzerland provide a sterile environment for their patients, but getting cured from whatever ails them is not always the outcome they get.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

The strict criteria for obtaining a Swiss passport means that as many as one fifth of applications to become Swiss are rejected. Here's what you should know about increasing your chances of being naturalised.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

In Switzerland, you will be penalised for not showing up at your scheduled doctor's visit if you don't cancel it in advance.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Member States will have the green light to partially suspend Europe's Entry/Exit System (EES), the new EU digital border system, over the summer to avoid any travel chaos at ports and airports during peak season.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

Amid calls to introduce alcohol limits on Swiss ski slopes, proponents consider moving towards the Italian model but opponents fear the impact on tourism.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

The 'No to 10 million' anti-immigration initiative from the hard-right Swiss People's Party is gaining momentum in 2026, but readers of The Local are divided on the impact of the upcoming vote.

#world #eu

Read

The Local - Switzerland (2 weeks ago)

A teenager injured in the fire that engulfed a Swiss bar during New Year celebrations has died in hospital, taking the death toll to 41, authorities announced on Sunday.

#world #eu

Read