2026: New Year, New Swiss Laws

Traffic and transport: From January 1, the Swiss federal government's financial supportExternal link for domestic rail freight and freight shipping will be redefined. The aim is to encourage the loading of goods by rail.

The new Swiss law on air passenger data will come into force. Airlines will have to provide the authorities with air passenger data for all flights they operate from abroad to Switzerland and from Switzerland to abroad.

Energy and the environment: Electricity prices in Switzerland will fall by an average of around 4% in 2026 for basic household supply. A typical household will pay 27.7 centimes per kilowatt-hour, representing a decrease of CHF58 ($73) on the average household's electricity bill.

Federal support for the development of solar energy in the Alps will continue after 2025. A special law will enter into force today.

On January, new regulations concerning the use of plant protection products will come into effect. Their purchase and use in agriculture will require a valid professional authorisation. This change affects all farms.

Starting in 2026, CHF567 million will be paid to all residents of Switzerland as part of the environmental tax. The amount will be deducted from their health insurance premiums.

Health and health insurance funds: After more than twenty years, the Tarmed medical tariff system will be replaced by Tardoc and outpatient flat rates. Tarmed, introduced in 2004, has never been fully revised. The introduction of Tardoc represents a decisive step towards improving outpatient care for patients, premium payers, and the medical profession.

The Swiss government will, for the first time, set maximum cost growth targets for the period 2028 to 2031. On Wednesday, it decided that the counter-proposal to the initiative from the Centre Party would come into force at the beginning of the year. This counter-proposal states that the government will set a limit on the increase in mandatory health insurance costs every four years. It will make an initial decision at the end of 2026. If costs exceed this agreed-upon value without justification, the Federal Council and the cantons must consider corrective measures.

This content was published on Dec 28, 2025 The coming year promises to be a landmark one for Swiss politics. It will be decisive for the future of relations between Switzerland and its European neighbours.