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Everything that changes in October 2019 in Switzerland

From winding back the clocks to preparing for (a possible) Brexit, plenty of changes are set to take place in Switzerland in October.

Published: 1 October 2019 13:39 CEST
Everything that changes in October 2019 in Switzerland
Photo: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP

Here’s a list of some of the most significant changes that will be taking place across Switzerland in October.

While it's only early October, from swapping out your summer jacket for a winter one to sampling seasonal cuisine, our readers will have already noticed plenty of changes as autumn swings into gear.  

READ: Five things to do in autumn in Switzerland

There are however a range of specific changes which are set to take place this month – along with a few others that are up in the air at this stage. 

The government (potentially)

The Swiss will go to the polls on October 20th, 2019, electing all members of both the upper and the lower house of the Federal Assembly. 

Although the elections are organised individually by the cantons, all but one will take place on the third Sunday in October, with the exception being Appenzell Innerrhoden which held its elections back in April. 

Here’s our detailed rundown of the major parties ahead of the Swiss election. 

READ: The Local readers’ view on Swiss Elections: 'I pay taxes but have no say'

Winding back the clocks

The coming of winter means daylight savings time is coming to an end. On Sunday, October 27th, the clocks will be wound back from 3am to 2am – giving all of us an all-important extra hour of sleep. 

 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 

L’horloge fleurie a vu le jour en 1955 grâce au soutien financier de l’Union des fabricants d’horlogerie de Genève et de Vaud. Cette image prise l’année de sa création nous la montre dans sa version originale aux couleurs genevoises. 5000 plantes composent le parterre! Photographe anonyme travaillant pour les éditions Jaeger, Genève, promenade du Lac: l’horloge fleurie, 1955, Bibliothèque de Genève, CIG Crédit: Ville de Genève . . #photographiegeneve #collection #Geneve #geneva #horlogefleurie #flowerclock #horlogerie #watchmaking #igersgeneva #photooftheday #picoftheday #photography #followme #like4like #likeforlike #instalike

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Geneva's famous flower clock will be wound back – potentially for the second-last time ever – in October. 

While the debate surrounding ending daylight savings time has ramped up in recent years across the EU, suggested changes are not set to come in until 2021, meaning this October is likely to be the second-last time that Swiss residents will wind their clocks back.

READ: Switzerland bides time on daylight savings decision

Brexit game

On October 31st 2019, the United Kingdom is set to leave the European Union. This deadline was set pursuant to the second extension the UK government has received, with the first set for March 29th 2019 and the second set at 30th June 2019. 

While current British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has indicated that the October 31st deadline will not be extended under any circumstances, debate surrounding the nature of the UK’s withdrawal deal is continuing. 

Read: Brexit Q&A: Embassy answers questions from anxious Brits in Switzerland 

Another important October date is the 19th, with the current law requiring the UK to seek another extension to the deadline if an agreement is not reached by this date. The suggested extension deadline should this October 19th deadline be met is January 31st, 2020. 

While Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, there are potentially a range of consequences for British nationals as a result of the UK’s withdrawal. Our full Brexit coverage can be found here. 

 

 

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For members

WORK PERMITS

What happens to Brits in Switzerland when their work permits expire?

Ever since the UK ‘Brexited’ from the EU, its citizens have faced various restrictions in Switzerland (as elsewhere in Europe). But what happens to those already living here?

Published: 15 April 2024 14:19 CEST
What happens to Brits in Switzerland when their work permits expire?

Since January 1st, 2021, Brits fall under the category of “third-country” nationals, a term used to describe people who are not citizens of either the EU or EFTA (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein).

This means that they have lost their pre-Brexit right to an almost limitless access to Swiss jobs and residency granted to EU / EFTA nationals.

So what hurdles can UK nationals already in the country expect when time comes to renew their permits?

Much depends on when they arrived in Switzerland.

If they moved here before January 1st, 2021, they are in luck.

That’s because according to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), they benefit from “acquired rights” – the ones they obtained pre-Brexit.

In other words, if you are a longtime resident, and have either a residence permit B or – even better – C, then you are in the clear.

For all intents and purposes, these Switzerland-based Brits are still free to enjoy the same perks as their EU / EFTA counterparts, including being able to work in Switzerland for the duration of the validity of their permit, as well as freedom to change jobs and move from one canton to another. 

Also, in case of a job loss, a pre-Brexit UK citizen doesn’t have to leave Switzerland immediately.

Instead, they may stay in the country for at least six months to seek new employment. 

However, they will have to apply for a permit as a job-seeker with the cantonal migration authorities while looking for a new position. 

Another perk is that if you are living in Switzerland as an EU / EFTA citizen, you can purchase property – indeed, you have the same rights in this regard as Swiss citizens do.

What happens to Brits who came to Switzerland after their country left the EU?

They are now considered to be third-country nationals, and must comply with all the restrictions imposed by this status.

They will likely “feel” these limits when time comes to renew their permit.

If their permits are “tied” to their jobs – as is often the case with non-EU nationals – and their employer no longer needs them, then in all probability they will have to leave the country.

One exception would be if the person in question has some specialised skills that Switzerland’s labour market badly needs but can’t find in a Swiss or EU / EFTA candidate.

In such a case, the permit might be extended, provided that there is a sufficient number of third-county permit quotas left at a given time.

Out of the total of 12,000 permits set aside each year for citizens of third countries, Brits benefit from 3,500: 2,100 B and 1,400 L permits are set aside just for them.

READ ALSO: How UK citizens can obtain a Swiss work permit set aside for Brits 

And there is another exemption as well…

If you arrived in Switzerland post-Brexit but are a dual citizen of the UK and an EU / EFTA country, then the latter passport will take precedence for the purpose of employment.

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