November 2026 in Switzerland: 13 key changes expats need to know

A jingle in our ears, a chill in the air and Christmas chocolates filling the supermarket can only mean one thing: November has arrived. As we head into the penultimate month of the year, several crucial changes, deadlines and seasonal traditions will impact internationals. From nationwide referendums and health insurance deadlines to new biometric ID cards, here is everything happening in Switzerland in November 2026: 

1. Swiss health insurance switch: November 30 deadline approaches

The deadline to notify your current health insurance provider in writing that you want to switch is the last working day of the month, November 30. Make sure to send your cancellation letter (Kündigungsschreiben) early enough so it arrives by then. You then need to take out insurance with a new provider, with plans set to start from January 1, 2027.

Switching health insurance providers can often save you money, particularly as mandatory health insurance premiums are expected to rise by an average of 5 percent next year.

The Swiss government has provided a 2027 premium calculator (in German, French and Italian) that can be used to compare health insurance premiums and providers. You can also find termination letter templates to send to your previous insurer by post.

2. Four federal referendums put to Swiss voters on November 29

Swiss voters will vote in four nationwide referendums on November 29:

• Increasing the VAT rate to fund the 13th AHV/OASI pension
• Banning noisy fireworks to protect pets, wildlife and the environment
• Eliminating the "marriage penalty" (Heiratsstrafe)
• Overturning parliament’s decision to relax restrictions on exporting war material and Swiss weapons

The government provides a summary of all topics on the Federal Council website.

3. Switzerland rolls out biometric ID cards for citizens

Swiss citizens can apply for a voluntary biometric identity card from November 2, launched by the Federal Office of Police (fedpol). The ID holds biometric data such as a facial image and fingerprints, and can be used to travel within the European Union and Schengen area. The card will ensure “greater protection against manipulation and forgery”, according to a government press release.

Anyone who holds a Swiss passport will be able to apply for a biometric ID. A new ID costs the same as a regular Swiss identity card: 65 Swiss francs for adults and 30 francs for children up to 18 years old. Internationals and expats will continue to use their biometric residence permits (Ausländerausweis).

4. SWISS delays relaunch of Dubai flights until late November

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has announced that flights from Switzerland to Dubai will be further postponed until November 25, 2026. The airline had previously planned to resume flights on October 27, but due to the “volatile developments in the Middle East”, it will “continue to closely monitor developments [and] assess the situation on an ongoing basis.”

5. Migros extends opening hours at 20+ supermarkets in Zurich

Swiss supermarket giant Migros continues to offer shoppers more flexibility by extending the opening hours of 21 stores in Zurich from November 2. Shops are either set to open earlier or stay open later as the supermarket fights for the top spot against rival Coop.

6. Switzerland enacts Air Passenger Data Act (PNR) on Nov 1

The Air Passenger Data Act will be introduced in Switzerland on November 1, 2026. The country will join several others in using air passenger data, also known as Passenger Name Records (PNR), to “combat terrorism and serious crimes,” a government press release states.

7. Airbnb cracks down on host checkout chores worldwide

From November 20, Airbnb hosts will not be able to ask guests to carry out chores, such as stripping beds or taking out rubbish Hosts will be required to tell visitors about any house rules prior to booking. These changes are part of new Airbnb requirements launched globally.

8. Swiss government debates too big to fail rules for UBS

The Swiss government has been debating new financial regulations to prevent another banking crisis that saw UBS acquire Credit Suisse three years ago. In November, a committee is expected to discuss and potentially decide what restrictions UBS should adopt to avoid potential damage to the Swiss economy if the bank were to collapse.

Investors and employees will be watching closely, as UBS has warned that harsh restrictions could force it to relocate out of Switzerland, potentially putting up to 12.000 jobs at risk.

9. Race begins to fill vacant Federal Council seat 

The President of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin (SVP), announced his resignation from the Federal Council in early October. With his last day in office set for December 31, 2026, the Swiss Parliament now needs to choose a replacement. 

The SVP will continue to hold Parmelin’s spot on the Federal Council (known as the magic formula), and the party is expected to decide on its final candidates in late November.

10. Swiss Christmas markets open across the country

From November, popular Christmas markets in Switzerland will start getting residents and visitors into the holiday spirit. Christmas markets open in Zurich on November 19, followed by Montreux, Geneva and Lucerne (November 20), Basel (November 26) and Bern and St. Gallen (November 27).

Image credit: Octavian Lazar / Shutterstock.com

11. Switzerland launches two national vaccination weeks

Each year, the College of General Practitioners (KHM), the Swiss Medical Association (FMH), the Swiss Pharmacists Association (pharmaSuisse) and the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) collaborate to run two national vaccination weeks (Nationale Impfwochen). 

In 2026, the campaign will run from November 2 to 7 and then from November 23 to 28. Anyone considering vaccination can receive advice and a vaccination against influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Find out more on the Swiss vaccinations website and check if your local GP is taking part.

12. All Saints’ and St Martin’s Day in Switzerland 

Several Swiss cantons will celebrate All Saints’ Day on Sunday, November 1. The event honours Christian saints and remembers loved ones who have passed away.

All Saints’ Day is a public holiday in 15 different Swiss cantons. These are Aargau, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Fribourg, Glarus, Jura, Lucerne, Nidwalden, Obwalden, St. Gallen, Solothurn, Schwyz, Ticino, Uri, Valais and Zug. While employees usually get a day off, All Saints’ Day falls on the weekend this year, so unfortunately there's no extra annual leave.

Then, on November 11, communities across Switzerland will also celebrate St Martin’s Day. The day aims to remember the life and work of Saint Martin of Tours. The end of the harvest is also typically celebrated via turnip lantern processions, fairs, markets and other traditions. 

13. Swiss ski season 2026/2027 kicks off

With early snow dusting the peaks of Swiss mountains, several ski resorts will begin the 2026/2027 ski season. High-altitude glacier areas in Zermatt and Saas-Fee are already operating autumn ski runs, while resorts such as Verbier, Engelberg-Titlis and Davos plan to open select chairlifts on weekends throughout November as snow conditions allow. Make sure to check local resort snow reports before packing your gear!