Six big news stories from Switzerland you need to catch up on this week

Many immigrants are bound to sign an integration contract, and older people in Switzerland earn more money than their younger counterparts — these are among the news that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup.

Integration agreement: a ‘promissory note’ immigrants need to sign

In some cantons, foreign nationals (primarily from third countries) are be expected to sign an integration contract, a document which outlines what steps they need to take – such as learning the language, for instance – to maintain their work permit and the right to live In Switzerland.

According to federal government, “anyone immigrating to Switzerland is expected to integrate themselves responsibly into their new environment” and the contract ensures that they do.

When it comes to wages, age does matter

Swiss wages do go up with age, but this trend varies considerably from one sector to another, a new government study reveals.

In fact, the employee’s age is inly one of the factors – other than position and professional experience – that influences wages.

For instance, the study reports significant differences: the median monthly salary goes up to 5,570 francs for employees under 30 and up to 7,288 francs for people aged 30 to 49.

But by far highest earners are those aged 50 and over: their median salary is close to 8,000 francs per month in years leading up to retirement.

Switzerland’s quality of life among the world’s highest

The Quality of Life Index 2026, compiled by the crowd-sourced database Numbeo, reveals that the country is still highly-rated – it is 5th out of 89 countries included in the ranking.

However, it is doing better in some categories than in others.

For instance, while it scores high in terms of safety, healthcare, and climate, its ranking for the cost of living as well as property prices is among the lowest.

Bern and Brussels are ready to ‘harmonise their ties’

After years of negotiations, Switzerland and the European Union will sign a package of agreements aimed at simplifying and harmonising their ties.

This event is scheduled for March 2nd.

Authorities described the signing as “an important step towards completing the ratification of this broad package of agreements”.

It will allow the EU and Switzerland to advance their respective ratification processes, including consultations with the respective parliaments.

In Switzerland, the package will be brought to the ballot box, so voters can have their say as well.

Yes, Switzerland does have ‘cheap’ areas to live

Rents, taxes, and health insurance premiums vary considerably from one Swiss municipality to another. A new analysis shows the extent of these differences – and where you can live (relatively) inexpensively.

By far, it is Medel (Lucmagn), in the upper Surselva region of Graubünden, wherel life is quite affordable – at least by Swiss standards.

Deputies to discuss pressing issues during the March session of the Parliament

Dozens of issues are on the agenda during the spring session of Switzerland’s parliament, to be held from March 2nd to March 20th.

Among topics those to be debated is the SVP initiative calling for safeguarding Swiss neutrality; the possibility of systematically requesting a criminal record extract from a citizen of the European Union applying for a residence permit; allowing double-barrelled names for married couples; a ban on imports of foie-gras as well as the government’s counter-proposal; encouraging retired people to return to work; and the transit tax for foreign tourists.

Six big news stories from Switzerland you need to catch up on this week

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