March 2026: 11 things affecting expats in Switzerland

From national referendums to tax deadlines and the official start of spring, March will see a number of changes affecting expats in Switzerland - and we’re not just talking about the weather! Here are 11 important things you need to know about:

1. Switzerland decides on marriage tax and TV license fees 

March 8 will see Swiss voters take part in the first national referendums for 2026. Voters will head to the polls to decide on four proposals: 

• Individual taxation (i.e. removing the “marriage penalty”)
• The SRG initiative on lowering TV and radio license fees
• The cash initiative to enshrine the availability of cash
• The Climate Fund initiative

Read our full guide to the March 8 referendum here.

2. Tax deadline approaches in Switzerland

The start of spring not only marks warmer weather and sunny, blue skies but also the impending deadline to submit Swiss tax returns. Residents who are not covered by tax-at-source rules (Quellensteuer) - typically holders of C-residence permits, Swiss citizens and those with high incomes - will have to complete a tax return by March 31 (or March 15 in Vaud and Bern).

If you use an accountant to file your taxes, they almost always file for an extension to the deadline for you. If you file your own taxes and worry you won't be ready in time for the deadline, then you must ask for an extension. While the process for doing this varies by canton, more details can be found on this website.

3. New rules for mobile phone providers

From March 1, mobile phone network operators will have to comply with new government rules on power outages. Operators will be allowed to restrict mobile communications in the event of a power outage only to a certain extent. 

For example, companies cannot restrict emergency phone calls, public telephones, services for people with hearing impairments and radio programmes. Operators will have to ensure that access to the internet continues to operate and that 99 percent of customers in each municipality can access mobile phone services.

4. Noise protection rules come into effect across Switzerland

Noise regulation is quite strict in Switzerland, but the Swiss government is amending some of the rules from March 1. Revisions to the Noise Protection Ordinance (Lärmschutzverordnung) will mean that building permits in busy, noise-polluted areas will be easier to obtain as long as construction companies incorporate soundproofing measures to protect residents. 

The change is part of an amendment to the Federal Act on Environmental Protection (Bundesgesetzes über den Umweltschutz) approved by the government in 2025.

5. Switzerland aligns radiation measurement to international standards

An updated Dosimetry Ordinance (Dosimetrieverordnung) comes into effect on March 1. The legal framework aims to align how Switzerland measures and evaluates radiation levels absorbed by human tissue or materials (known as dosimetry) with the latest international standards and scientific guidelines.

6. New Commission for Historically Problematic Cultural Heritage

A new Commission for Historically Problematic Cultural Heritage (Kommission für historisch belastetes Kulturerbe) will be introduced in March. According to the Swiss government’s website, the commission will provide advice on “matters concerning historically problematic cultural heritage”, such as artwork from the Nazi era and colonial assets. It will be chaired by former Federal councillor Simonetta Sommaruga.

7. Wage increase to take effect

People who work in joinery and carpentry (Schreinergewerbe), and are covered by collective bargaining agreements, are set to benefit from a wage increase starting March 1. All employees in this sector will get a raise of 20 Swiss francs per month and companies will have some additional funds to distribute based on things like performance or experience. The wage increase was negotiated by the carpentry trade unions in Switzerland.

Carpenter worker polishes wood (Image credit: BearFotos / Shutterstock.com).

8. Changes to the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate

Switzerland is making updates to the Federal Vocation Baccalaureate (FVB or Berufsmaturität), which is an extended general education qualification that often bridges the gap for students between vocational training and Swiss universities of applied sciences. Updates include changes to how the programme is structured, entry requirements and exams.  

9. Spring officially begins on March 20

The spring equinox will officially mark the arrival of a new season in Switzerland, taking place on March 20 at 4am. Take a look at 5 things to do to make the most of spring's arrival.

10. Clocks spring forward on March 29 in Switzerland

Brighter, longer days are in sight as clocks will turn forward an hour at 2am on Sunday, March 29. While you may lose an hour of sleep, you’ll start to see the benefits of spring in no time! 

11. SWISS launches new route to Poland

Thinking about where to go on holiday this year? SWISS will begin a new route to Poznań, Poland and will offer a number of flights throughout the week. Take a look at SWISS’ 2026 summer schedule if you’re still pondering where to take a trip this year. We’ve also got a guide on how to best utilise your annual leave this year. Happy planning!

SWISS plane at Zurich Airport (Image credit: Michael Derrer Fuchs / Shutterstock.com).