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Everything that changes in Switzerland in March 2021

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Everything that changes in Switzerland in March 2021
Photo by Krivec Ales from Pexels

From easing the shutdown to filing taxes - and hopefully eating at restaurants again - this is what's happening in Switzerland in March 2021.

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Partial lifting of coronavirus measures

Some of Switzerland’s Covid-19 restrictions will be eased from March 1st.

They include the re-opening of non-essential shops, museums, libraries, zoos, botanical gardens, as well as outdoor sports and leisure facilities.

The rule on meeting in groups outdoors will be relaxed from five to 15 people. But the five-person limit will be maintained for indoor gatherings.

Restaurants will be allowed to open from March 22nd onwards, provided infection rates remain low. 

READ MORE: Everything that changes in Switzerland in 2021

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Financial aid for the self-employed

Self-employed workers who don’t receive support through the Federal Law on Unemployment Insurance will be able to benefit from financial aid provided for people experiencing economic difficulties due to the pandemic.

The measure enters into force on March 1st.

EXPLAINED: What changes on Switzerland's roads in 2021? 

Swiss parliament will start the spring session

The National Council and the Council of States — the two chambers that form Switzerland’s parliament – will convene for their spring session from March 1st to March 19th.

Among topics to be debated are the law on money laundering, economic policy, protection of forests, management of health data, and cohabitation with wolves.

National referendum to be held on March 7th

Swiss voters will weigh in on controversial issues such as the ban on concealing the face (also known as the 'burka ban'), an electronic identification law, and a free trade agreement with Indonesia.

You can see detailed explanations of each of these topics here.

READ MORE: What is at stake in Switzerland’s March 7th referendums? 

Rewind the clocks

Daylight saving time will begin at 02:00 am on Sunday March 28th, when Swiss clocks will go forward an hour. 

It will end on Sunday October 31st at at 03:00 am.

The taxman cometh!

It’s this time of the year again.

Swiss tax declarations are due on March 31st for Swiss most residents.

EXPLAINED: What changes in Swiss tax law in 2021?

A few cantons may have different deadlines.

Filing extensions are usually granted until September/November upon request.

 

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