With less than a month remaining before the vote on the UDC initiative “Pas de Suisse à 10 millions!” (No Switzerland with 10 million!), political figures in Bern are exploring alternative methods to curb immigration. A proposal to introduce an immigration tax has resurfaced as a potential middle ground to avoid the more restrictive measures sought by the UDC.
A Proposed Financial Contribution
Andrea Caroni, Vice-President of the PLR and a State Councilor for Appenzell, is expected to bring the idea of an immigration tax back to Parliament. This proposal may be integrated into upcoming discussions regarding new agreements with the European Union.
Caroni argues that because immigrants enter a system that is already established, “we can therefore ask them to pay something for this.” He suggests that the revenue generated from such a tax could be redistributed to the general population.
Legal Hurdles and the Safeguard Clause
The implementation of such a tax faces significant legal challenges. In a report published on May 6, the Federal Council stated that a general immigration tax is “not compatible” with the free movement of people, as Switzerland is prohibited from discriminating against EU nationals.
However, the Federal Council noted that integrating a tax via a “safeguard clause” could be “juridically admissible.” This clause, clarified during negotiations between Bern and Brussels, allows for the temporary restriction of EU immigration if it leads to “serious economic or social difficulties,” a position the Federal Council explained in May 2025.
Andrea Caroni believes the EU would accept a tax within this specific framework. He views this as a more moderate alternative to the return of quotas for European workers that would be required if the UDC initiative were adopted.
A History of Immigration Tax Proposals
The concept of charging newcomers is not new to Swiss political discourse. In 2014, Professor Reiner Eichenberger of the University of Fribourg proposed that adult newcomers pay a daily tax of 10 to 25 francs for a period of three to five years, similar to a tourist tax.
More recently, in the spring of 2025, Simon Michel (PLR/AG) proposed a contribution modeled after the exemption tax paid by Swiss citizens who do not perform military service. His proposal would have required newcomers to contribute a percentage of their income for over a decade.
Despite these suggestions, the Federal Council has cautioned that the practical implementation of such a tax would be highly complex. The government indicated that many questions regarding feasibility and execution would need to be thoroughly studied before any such measure could be introduced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “safeguard clause” mentioned in the text?
The safeguard clause is a mechanism agreed upon by Bern and Brussels during free movement negotiations that allows Switzerland to temporarily restrict immigration from the EU if it causes serious social or economic difficulties.
Why does the Federal Council believe a standard immigration tax is not possible?
The Federal Council stated that a general tax is “not compatible” with the free movement of people because Switzerland cannot discriminate against citizens of the European Union.
How does Andrea Caroni’s proposal differ from the UDC initiative?
While the UDC initiative would imply a return to quotas for European workers, Caroni’s proposed tax is viewed as a more moderate solution that could be legally implemented via the safeguard clause.
Do you believe a financial contribution from new residents is a fair way to manage the impact of immigration on national infrastructure?
