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Everything that changes in Switzerland in February 2020

From Brexit to the Schengen visa system, this list covers everything which is set to change in February in Switzerland.

Published: 1 February 2020 10:51 CET
Updated: 1 February 2020 12:51 CET
Everything that changes in Switzerland in February 2020
In February the Swiss will vote in a referendum to reject a proposed ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation. AFP

A new month brings with it the chance to turn over a new leaf – particularly for anyone who still uses a paper calendar. But February 2020 has a few more changes than most, starting with the big one – Brexit – as well as two very significant issues discussed at February’s referendum. 

February means Brexit

As of February 1st, 2020, the United Kingdom will no longer be a member of the European Union. While the change has huge symbolic value, the impacts on people’s day-to-day lives will be rolled out relatively slowly. 

As we’ve discussed all week here at The Local Switzerland, nothing will change immediately on February 1st in relation to citizenship and other aspects such as driving licences. 

The implementation period, which runs until December 31st, 2020, keeps existing rights in place until the end of the year – although it is probably best to get started early and prepare. 

READ: How will Brexit impact British cross-border workers in Switzerland?

READ: What Brits in Switzerland need to know about Brexit

Schengen visa rules

Although Switzerland is not a member of the EU, it is a part of the Schengen arrangement. On the first Sunday in February – February 2nd – applicants for a Schengen visa will have to comply with new rules.

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows a people from non-EU countries  to travel to any members of the Schengen Area, for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.

The new system, which was approved in 2018, seeks to “ensure a better balance between migration and security concerns, economic considerations and general external relations.”

There are a number of specific changes including higher fees for most applications, electronic application forms, longer timeframes in which to make applications and benefits for frequent travellers. More specific information (in English) can be found here.

The new framework also includes a mechanism that uses Schengen visa pricing as a way to encourage non-EU countries to comply with curbing illegal migration. 

While it’s of course less relevant to people who live in Switzerland, the changes may be relevant for friends or family looking to visit. 

February 9th referendum: Homophobia and affordable housing

Two things that may change in February will be up for a vote on February 9th, the next round of Swiss referenda.

They are the decision on whether to push forward with the criminalisation of homophobia – bringing it in line with other forms of discrimination based on race and gender – and a bid to make housing more affordable across the country. 

Early polls can be unreliable, but it appears as if the criminalisation of homophobic discrimination will be approved, while the initiative on affordable housing – with 51 percent against and 48 percent in favour – could go either way. 

We’ve done up explainers on each, so read on for more information. 

EXPLAINED: What is Switzerland's referendum on affordable housing all about?

EXPLAINED: The Swiss referendum that could criminalise homophobia 

Safety first 

The annual siren test will take place across Switzerland on Feb. 5th. As usual, sirens will sound at 1:30 p.m. At the same time, the cantons will broadcast an alarm on the Alertswiss App.

The winter gets a little longer

February 2020 contains an extra day – the elusive February 29th – thanks to 2020’s status as a leap year. 

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While we really don’t know who decided that the extra day should be in February – we would’ve preferred an extra day of Swiss summer thank you very much – at least this year it falls on a Saturday. 

Bye, Bye WhatsApp (for some users)

The popular messaging service, which is owned by Facebook, has been the most-used chat service in Switzerland and much of Europe for years. Now, however, some users will have to say goodbye to WhatsApp from the beginning of February.

The reason: from then, the messenger can no longer be installed or used without restrictions on some smartphones with outdated Android and iOS operating systems. 

The following two versions are affected: Android-Version 2.3.7 and all older models, and the iPhone iOS 8 and all older models.

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EXPLAINED: What’s the best way to bring an elderly parent to Switzerland?

If you live in Switzerland but your elderly parents are still abroad, and you want them to join you, there are some rules you should know about.

Published: 18 September 2024 09:13 CEST
EXPLAINED: What's the best way to bring an elderly parent to Switzerland?

If you legally reside in Switzerland, you can bring over your spouse (or registered partner), as well as your children under the age of 18.

But family reunification rules for parents are a bit more complex.

Whether or not they can join you in Switzerland depends on a number of factors, the most decisive of which is your and their nationality.

Surprisingly, citizens of the EU and EFTA (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) states have more freedom in this regard than Swiss nationals.

This is how it works

European Union and EFTA nationals can reunite in Switzerland with their parents, regardless of whether they too come from EU/EFTA states or from third countries.

However, family members requiring a visa (that is, those from third countries) still need to apply for an entry permit to be able to come to Switzerland — read more about specific conditions and procedures below.

If, however, you are a Swiss — naturalised or a dual citizen — your rights are more restrictive in this regard.
While you are allowed to bring your spouse or registered partner, any children and grandchildren under the age of 18, as well as dependent parents and grandparents from any EU or EFTA nation, these rights don’t extend to parents living in third countries.

Unpredictable flow of new arrivals’

That’s because earlier in September, MPs in the Council of States decided that parents of Swiss nationals who live in third states, cannot benefit from the same family reunification rules as their EU / EFTA counterparts.

To justify this decision, MPs noted that the number of additional people who would arrive in Switzerland from third countries could not be estimated, nor could the costs that this would generate for the country’s  social security scheme.

Deputies explained their decision not to discuss the matter further by saying that “it can’t be ruled out that this change in law could generate an unpredictable flow of new arrivals in Switzerland” — which is fuelling concerns in some quarters that Switzerland is on it is on its way, due to the influx of foreigners in recent years, to becoming a country of 10 million residents.

READ ALSO: Switzerland rejects move to ease family reunification rules for naturalised Swiss citizens 

However, if your elderly parents live in the European Union or EFTA, then you can bring them over to Switzerland, under certain conditions.

The first and foremost is that the parents have sufficient financial means to live in Switzerland without resorting to social aid or seek employment — or that you will be responsible for meeting all the financial needs.

Specifically, “anyone wishing to bring his/her family to Switzerland must have suitable accommodation,” according to  the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

SEM defines accommodation as suitable “if it reflects typical living conditions of Swiss citizens.”

As for money matters, if you are employed, “then the right to family reunification is not contingent” upon your financial situation.

Self-employed persons or those not working, on the other hand, “may only apply for family reunification if they have the necessary financial means to support these family members,” SEM says.

You will also have to ensure that your parents purchase the obligatory Swiss health insurance within three months of their arrival.

This is what the family reunification process entails:

In  order to obtain a residence permit, your parents must present the following documents:

A valid identity card or passport
 
A certificate issued by the authorities of the country of origin confirming that the person is a family member of a Swiss citizen or EU/EFTA citizen living in Switzerland

A certificate confirming that you have agreed to provide support for your parents

You can find out all the other requirements from your cantonal migration office. 

Things to keep in mind

These family reunification rules are for people residing in Switzerland on a long-term permit. Asylum seekers are not allowed to bring their parents, or any other family members, to Switzerland.

Also, if your parents who live abroad are Swiss citizens (even if dual), they don’t need any special permission to move to Switzerland; they can do so at anytime.

In such a case, you don’t have to meet any of the conditions outlined above, such as ensuring proper accommodations or financial support.

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