October 2026 in Switzerland: 11 key changes expats need to know

A chill is in the air, the smell of heissi Marroni is returning to the streets, and trees are turning from green to orange (and this time, it’s not from the heat). October is officially here, and with it plenty of legal, financial and seasonal changes expats need to know about. 

From new vocational degree titles to anti-money laundering rules and autumn school holidays, here is what’s happening across Switzerland in October 2026.

1. Schengen Information System (SIS) expands alert categories

From October, Switzerland can submit requests to the Schengen Information System (SIS), used by border police to monitor people from outside the European Union/EFTA (also known as third-country nationals). These alerts allow countries to “covertly obtain” information about people suspected of “planning or committing a terrorist offence or other serious crime”, explains a Federal Office of Police (Fedpol) press release. 

2. Cantonal tax extension deadline looms

For international residents who applied for an extension to the original March 31 tax filing deadline, October 31 is the final deadline to submit individual income tax returns in several Swiss cantons. 

3. Professional Bachelor and Master titles introduced for Swiss VET

Switzerland introduces two new English educational titles on October 1: “Professional Bachelor” and “Professional Master”. The update to the Swiss Vocational Training Act aims to ensure higher vocational education is positioned at the right level and is more widely recognised internationally.

4. New anti-money laundering & transparency register rules

Switzerland is tightening its anti-money laundering rules this month. From October 1, public limited companies (AG), limited liability companies (GmbH) and cooperatives must identify and report their beneficial owners under the new Federal Act on the Transparency of Legal Entities (LETA). Register access will be restricted to federal authorities and financial intermediaries conducting due diligence.

5. Expanded work protection for apprentices & trainees

Apprentices in Switzerland will benefit from updated regulations that define nighttime and Sunday working hours during vocational training. The changes will also ensure that young trainees working irregular hours, such as nurses and bakers, can gain the practical skills needed for their sector.

6. EFTA-Kosovo free trade agreement comes into effect

A new free trade agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which includes Switzerland, and the Republic of Kosovo will come into effect on October 1. Swiss companies will have greater access to the Kosovo market and benefit from reduced customs barriers and stronger bilateral trade. The Swiss Federal Council sees the Republic of Kosovo as having “growth potential” for Switzerland.

7. Swiss health insurance providers send 2027 premium notices

October is when health insurers in Switzerland must inform policyholders of new premium rates for 2027, which will rise by an average of 5,0 percent. Keep an eye out for communication from your insurer with your 2027 rates. 

If you want to switch health insurance provider, you have until November 30 to give your current insurer notice and make the swap before the new year. 

8. Autumn school holidays and easyJet flight strike warnings

While some schools already began their autumn school holidays in September, schoolchildren across the rest of Switzerland will also take a break in October for Herbstferien. Depending on the school, children will typically be off for either one or two weeks.

easyJet workers are expected to strike between October 2 and October 6 on routes to Portugal, so make sure to plan any travel in advance as airports could be busy.

9. Swiss winter tyre switch is recommended

For any car owners out there, October is generally the recommended month to consider switching from summer to winter tyres. While there’s no legal requirement, insurance coverage may be impacted if an accident takes place in certain weather conditions without the appropriate tyres. For a helpful way to remember when to switch, use the von O bis O rule (from October until Easter/von Oktober bis Ostern).

10. Daylight saving time ends: Clocks go back on October 25

At the end of October, we’ll all get to enjoy an extra hour in bed, as the clocks go back at 3am on Sunday, October 25. The time change (Zeitumstellung) will see the mornings get a little lighter, while the evenings get dark an hour earlier, the surest sign that autumn and winter are here. Don’t forget to update your watches! 

11. Basel Herbstmesse and traditional autumn fairs kick off

Autumn in Switzerland is widely associated with harvest and, alongside Oktoberfest, some cities put on festivals to celebrate. The biggest Herbstmesse takes place in Basel but also happens in Lucerne, and includes food, entertainment and lots of festivities.

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