September 2025 in Switzerland: 6 important things expats need to know

Temperatures are dropping, rain is forecasted, and it can only mean one thing: a change in season is on the way! Let’s take a look at some important things happening in Switzerland in September:

1. Referendums take place in Switzerland

Swiss citizens will return to the polls on September 28 to vote in the referendum. There are two major proposals from the Swiss government to be decided on: e-IDS and the abolition of the imputed rental value tax. There are also some votes taking place at a local level in 10 Swiss cantons.

For more information, check out our guide to the Swiss referendums on September 28.

2. Increase in tuition fees for foreign students at ETH and EPFL

Universities in Switzerland begin the autumn semester in mid-September. The Federal Institutes of Technology ETH Zurich and EPFL are implementing an increase in tuition fees for many new international students.

Tuition fees previously cost 730 Swiss francs per semester, and will remain at this price for students who meet the ‘simple tuition fee’ requirements, such as Liechtenstein or Swiss citizens. Starting this September, tuition fees will triple to 2.190 Swiss francs per semester for new foreign students who do not hold the required permit.

3. EU regulation to impact nail salons in Switzerland

On September 1, an EU regulation will ban the use of the ingredient TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide), which is commonly used in nail polish.

Nail salons across Switzerland will be obliged to remove products containing TPO and find alternatives. The new regulation follows concerns that the ingredient is potentially harmful to women’s fertility and fetal development.

4. Oktoberfest begins in Lucerne

Whilst cities like Zurich and Basel wait until October to celebrate Oktoberfest, Lucerne starts the party early on September 5. The Lozärner Oktoberfest lasts until September 20 and takes place at Messe Lucerne. So unpack your Lederhosen or your Dirndl and get ready to celebrate Oktoberfest and all the Bavarian customs that come with it!

5. Public holidays in Switzerland in September

Following the Swiss-wide celebrations of National Day, September returns with a number of regional holidays which vary by canton.

Swiss Federal Fast (Eidgenössischer Dank-, Buss- und Bettag, Jeûne fédéral, Digiuno federale) is the main holiday this month and is celebrated in a number of cantons on September 21. It takes place on the third Sunday of September and is a day for giving thanks, prayer, and often fasting rather than feasting.

For a list of holidays in each canton, take a look at our public holiday guide.

6. Switzerland transitions to autumn

On September 22, the autumnal equinox will mark the official transition from summer to autumn in Switzerland. Soon we will see the leaves changing colours, days getting shorter, and the smell of melting cheese will remind us that fondue season is coming.