August 2025: 6 key things expats in Switzerland need to know

The red and white bunting is up, and everyone is anxiously eyeing the weather forecast. This can only mean one thing: August is on its way! From public holidays and traffic to mobile phone bans in schools, here’s everything expats need to know about in August 2025 in Switzerland. 

1. August kicks off with Swiss National Day

August always begins in the best possible way in Switzerland: with a nationwide public holiday in the form of Swiss National Day. This year, we are marking 734 years since the founding of the country as we know it today. 

While the Swiss president, Karin Keller-Sutter, will address the public during an official ceremony, elsewhere there will be much merrymaking in the form of parades, bonfires, fireworks, and a drink or two. Remember that most shops and businesses will be closed on Friday, with the exception of those located in airports and larger stations. 

2. School holidays come to an end

Depending on the canton and school district, the school holidays in Switzerland will come to an end sometime between the second week of August and the beginning of September. As holidaymakers return home, expect the roads to be busy, especially at busy intersections and tunnels. 

In a press release, the Federal Roads Office advised anyone driving in Switzerland to prepare for heavy holiday traffic throughout the summer, and particularly on weekends when the weather is fine. North-south routes via the Gotthard and San Bernardino tunnels (A2 and A13) are expected to be particularly busy. 

The office advised against trying to avoid traffic jams by diverting through villages - pointing out that this leads to gridlocks on country roads.

3. Maximum period for receiving short-time work compensation increased

From August 1 onwards, the maximum period during which employees can receive short-time work compensation (when insurance companies cover a portion of an employee’s salary, so they have shorter working hours but continue to receive the same pay) will be increased from 12 to 18 months. The amendment will apply until July 31, 2026.

The law has been updated in response to the tense situation on the labour market, as the Swiss government is expecting unemployment to rise in 2025 and 2026. Offering more short-time work compensation helps companies to avoid redundancies during slow periods. 

4. Wireless devices must offer more security

The Federal Office of Communications is looking to strengthen cybersecurity and the security of communications networks in Switzerland. From August 1, any wireless device that is connected to the internet, such as smartphones, smartwatches and baby monitors, will need to have better cybersecurity guarantees, preventing the unauthorised access to or transmission of personal data, and reducing the risk of financial fraud. 

5. Switzerland to update power lines to protect birds

From August 1, Switzerland will implement multiple changes to its environmental regulations. One major change is that electricity pylons will be updated if they pose a risk of electrocuting birds. According to the Federal Council, not only can power lines be fatal to birds, but short circuits caused by bird electrocutions can sometimes lead to long power outages. The change should protect birds and help to secure the supply of electricity in Switzerland. 

Other changes to environmental regulations include amendments affecting waste transport and export, better protections for soil, and flood defences. 

6. Several cantons adopt mobile phone bans for schools

Two Swiss cantons will also take the major step of banning mobile phones in primary schools from August onwards. In Aargau, a blanket ban will take effect, stopping students in primary schools from using their devices during lessons and breaks, and even on class trips. A similar regulation is coming into effect in Nidwalden in August as well, and Canton Valais is also planning a similar move.