More money for retirees and soldiers

Pensioners can look forward to a small pension bonus in the new year. The minimum pension AHV and IV increases by 30 francs to 1225 francs per month, the maximum pension is increased by 60 francs to 2450 francs. This is a compensation measure for inflation. The widow’s and widower’s pension and the orphan’s and children’s pension will also be slightly increased.

The search for the service booklet is over in no time. Before the new year, the federal government will create the legal basis for an electronic service booklet. In addition, from 2023 there will be more wages for military personnel. For example, soldiers receive 7.50 francs instead of 5 francs per day, recruits 6 instead of 4 francs. Wages were last adjusted for inflation more than 30 years ago.

There has been paternity leave of two weeks in Switzerland for two years – now there is adoption leave. Anyone who adopts a child under the age of four is eligible. If both parents work, they can divide the two weeks freely between themselves. There is no entitlement to adoption leave in case of stepchild adoption.

In the future, people will be able to decide more freely who gets how much of their inheritance. The compulsory portion for children will be reduced and that for parents even deleted altogether. For example, a married woman with children can now freely determine more than half of the estate, today that is only three-eighths.

Parents can claim higher deductions on their next tax return. Instead of the previous maximum of 10,100 francs, up to 25,000 francs can now be deducted for external childcare. There are also some minor changes that affect taxes. Among other things, the deduction for return travel expenses will be increased from CHF 3,000 to CHF 3,200.

A change in the allowances and bridging benefits also has a positive effect on the wallet, especially for people who are already short on cash. The amount needed to cover the cost of living increases – for single people, for example – by just under 500 francs to 20,100 francs per year. The maximum rental contributions and the fixed rates for additional costs and heating costs will also be adjusted.

There are also some changes on the street. For example, municipalities can more easily set 30 km/h zones from 1 January. Unlike in the past, an expert opinion is no longer required.

Switzerland is aligning its drone regulations with those of the EU. Nearly all drone owners must now register with the federal government and pass an online test. Excluded are drones that are lighter than 250 grams and are not equipped with a camera. Registration is mandatory from 1 January and you have until the end of August to take the test.

Instead of 20 francs, you now only have to pay 17 francs if you order an extract from the criminal record at the post office or the Bundesamt.

From the new year, the federal government will no longer bear the costs of corona tests. This means that if you want to be tested – either by a rapid antigen test or PCR test – you will have to pay for it yourself. The health insurance only reimburses the costs in individual cases.

Several measures will also come into force on 1 January to curb the explosion in healthcare costs. Doctors and hospitals must, among other things, send comprehensible invoices. It should be easier to see what kind of treatment has been performed and for how long. In addition, the so-called experimental article enables cantons to carry out pilot projects that can save costs, for example.

In 2023, restaurants and cafés will no longer have to report their vacancies to the Regional Employment Service (RAV) before they can be posted. The Confederation is adjusting the list of professions to which the job registration obligation applies. Service specialists, chefs and bartenders are no longer included. The notification obligation applies to professions with an unemployment rate of more than 5 percent.