Swiss Senate backs 4.000 CHF immigration tax on EU workers

Switzerland has moved one step closer to introducing a tax on expats to control immigration under the Bilateral III treaties with the European Union.

Swiss Senate backs proposed immigration tax on EU workers

The Council of States has approved a proposal that will let the Federal Council introduce a tax on expats moving to Switzerland from the EU. Now, the proposal moves to the National Council. 

The government would only be able to implement the immigration tax when the “safeguard clause is invoked.” The clause acts as a brake on the EU’s free movement of persons and can be activated when the Swiss government deems there to be “serious economic or social problems” caused by increased immigration from the EU, a parliamentary press release states.

Employers could face 4.000 franc fee per EU worker

The Council of States debated the details of the proposal, ultimately agreeing that companies in Switzerland hiring EU citizens, as well as anyone who is self-employed or not in gainful employment, should pay either a yearly or a one-time fee of at least 4.000 Swiss francs per person. EU citizens joining family in Switzerland would also be charged at least 2.000 francs. 

The money made would be “redistributed to the population” and would similarly apply to non-EU/EFTA citizens (also known as third-country nationals) if the safeguard clause comes into effect, explains Blick.

The upper chamber of parliament also decided that anyone moving to Switzerland from the EU will need to submit a criminal record check. If the background check finds that the person “poses a corresponding risk”, then they can be refused a Swiss residence permit or have it restricted.