Knowledge of one of Switzerland’s national languages is a requirement for obtaining a work permit and, even more so, citizenship. But can you write these lessons off your Swiss taxes?
If you were granted a permit, you already have a certain proficiency in the language of the canton where you work.
Wanting (or needing) to improve the level because your employer, or your position within the company, requires it, is a valid reason to continue learning the language.
In Switzerland, you are allowed to deduct costs of professional training and development (read more about this below), and job-related language courses are a part of this.
However, there are certain rules you must comply with in order to claim these lessons on your tax return:
Valid reason
Make sure you can prove the lessons are related to work (or finding work) rather than, say, boosting your social life.
This is easily done with a letter from your employer (present or prospective) saying that you need to improve your language skills for the job at hand.
The ‘right’ language
Your courses must be in a language needed for your work; regardless of the canton where you live.
For instance, if you are in a German-speaking canton but your employer needs you to brush up on your French or Italian because you spend some of your professional life in those linguistic regions (and vice-versa), this is considered a valid reason for a tax deduction.
On the other hand, if you feel like learning Hindi or Urdu, but your job doesn’t require the knowledge of those languages, then you will not be able to claim these courses as tax deductions.
Recognised school
The school in which you take language courses must be accredited in order to claim them on tax declaration.
Some employers organise language courses for their employees, and those are tax-deducible as well.
But If you are learning a language online or with a private tutor, these courses are likely not refundable, but ask your local tax authorities just in case.
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What about professional development in general?
From 2025, Swiss federal law allows people (both Swiss and foreign nationals) who follow vocational training or continuing education to deduct up 13,000 francs per year from their taxable federal income – as long as the purpose is to further their career.
Additionally, each canton also sets its own rules for cantonal and municipal taxes.
While some cantons’ deductions are the same as on federal level, others are more or less generous.
Here, again, you should ask your local tax office for information related to your specific canton of residence or, if you have a tax preparer, they should know all the rules.
READ ALSO: What can I deduct from my tax bill in Switzerland?
