Lawmakers in Switzerland have approved the idea of imposing a tax on foreign nationals who settle in the country. What’s next?
While this decision may shock foreign nationals who plan to move to Switzerland, it does not come as a surprise.
That’s because the idea has been gaining momentum – and support – at the political level for a while.
In August 2026, the Council of States’ Committee on Political Institutions said that it wants to add an immigration levy to the ‘safeguard clauses’ within the future package of agreements between Switzerland and the European Union – which it now did.
“As a reminder, the new package of treaties with the EU revise the rules on the free movement of persons. Consequently, the Federal Council adopted several protective measures, such as a safeguard clause, which is designed to be triggered in case of economic or social hardships).
Don’t miss our journalists’ daily news roundup from Switzerland
The idea behind this move is that new immigrants benefit from Switzerland’s public infrastructure and services without having contributed to their funding, so they should pay for using it.
In an unexpected turnaround from its original stance, the Federal Council has also warmed up to the idea of imposing a fee on new immigrants.
It said that it favours this tax “the revenue from which would be redistributed to the population and the economy.”
Its is set at a minimum of 4,000 francs for all EU nationals – whether employed, self-employed, or not employed.
Adult family members who arrive in Switzerland under family reunification rules would be subject to a levy of at least 2,000 francs.
And though they are not a part of the Swiss-EU agreement, the tax would also apply to third-country nationals coming to Switzerland.
A minority of MPs have spoken against this measures, however.
Among them, Liberal-Radical deputy Pascal Broulis pointed out that this tax “would create bureaucracy, whereas the [ËÙ] agreements aim precisely to foster greater economic prosperity and improved trade between international partners.”
And on a previous occasion, Green MP Delphine Klopfenstein Broggini said that “this proposal sidesteps another debate: migration clearly benefits Switzerland.”
“Many foreigners could end up not coming to Switzerland at all to avoid paying this tax.”
And “without this workforce, Switzerland would not have the wealth it enjoys today,” she added.
Now that the Council of States approved the immigration tax, what happens next?
The plan will be debated by the National Council – both houses of the Parliament would have to approve this move before the bill to this effect can be drafted.
But before it can be enacted, Swiss voters will have their say on this matter in a referendum.
READ MORE: Will Switzerland bring in an immigration tax on foreigners?
