Though the far-right move to curb immigration from the EU was defeated at the ballot box and no longer dominates Swiss news, other measures targeting foreign residents are fuelling political debates.
Four topics are – or will be in the near future – at the centre of parliamentary debates:
Security tax
During the recent parliamentary session, deputies in the National Council have approved a right-wing motion that would require foreign nationals residing in Switzerland to pay a fee towards the country’s security costs.
It would be modelled on the existing exemption tax for military service, which is imposed on Swiss men who do not complete mandatory army or civil defence service.
It amounts to 3 percent of the annual taxable income, with a minimum payment of 400 francs a year.
While this measure must still be discussed and voted on by the Council of States, passing it could be problematic.
That’s because, as opponents point out, imposing such a tax on nationals of the EU and EFTA (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) “would be contrary” to the terms of the free movement of people agreement that Switzerland concluded with the European Union.
But this is not the only foreigner tax on the parliamentary agenda:
Immigration tax
Also called an ‘Infrastructure Tax’ and ‘Entry Fee’, this proposal was first brought up by the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) in 2023, and reiterated two years later by deputy Simon Michel from the Liberal-Radical Party (FDP).
Since then, it has sparked various debates as well as a government report on a feasibility of such a tax.
The idea is for anyone moving to Switzerland to pay 3 percent of their income for 11 years, thus generating up to 1 billion francs annually, which would be redistributed among Switzerland’s population — for instance, in the form of a reduction in health insurance premiums.
However, in this case also, opponents point out that applying this fee to EU and EFTA nationals would violate bilateral treaties.
In the meantime, the issue remains unresolved with further debates to follow.
READ MORE: Switzerland examines much-talked about immigration tax
Permit ban for EU citizens with criminal records
Currently, under the free movement of people agreement, EU citizens with a record of minor criminal offences are not denied entry to Switzerland.
However, in June 2026, deputies in the Council of States have followed the lead of the National Council and voted in favour of refusing residency permits to foreign nationals who have previously been convicted of a crime.
This move is based on the fact that known criminals, including mafia members from abroad, were able to settle in Switzerland.
The issue will be further debated in future sessions.
READ MORE: Swiss parliament backs permit ban if foreign residents fail criminal records check
Easier naturalisation requirements
Still waiting to be put put on a schedule for the national vote, the so-called ‘Democracy initiative’ aims to cut the wait time before a foreigner can apply for citizenship from the current 10 years of residency down to five.
The initiative also calls for the federal government (rather than cantons) to be responsible for naturalisation, so that the procedure is standardised across the country.
The Federal Council, as well as both chambers of the Parliament, are urging the ‘no vote, once this issue comes to the ballot box.
