Family Finances in Switzerland: Allowances, Leave and Childcare Costs
Child allowances, parental leave pay, childcare costs and saving for your children.
6 min read · Life Events & Family
A child changes your budget in many ways, and Switzerland's support differs from many neighbouring countries.
Child allowances
Paid by employers through family compensation funds. Federal minimum: CHF 200 per month for children under 16 and CHF 250 for those in education aged 16–25. Cantons can pay more – some exceed CHF 300 – plus birth allowances.
Parental leave
Mothers receive 14 weeks (98 days) of maternity pay at 80 % of income, up to CHF 220 per day. Fathers have two weeks. There is no federal parental leave beyond this, so employers' policies and cantonal rules matter.
Example with default values. Open the calculator →
Childcare
Daycare is among the most expensive in Europe, often CHF 80–130 per day for full price, subsidised by income in many municipalities. Childcare costs are tax-deductible up to a cap (federal CHF 25,500 per child).
Taxes and insurance
- Child deductions reduce taxable income.
- Health insurance premiums for children are cheaper and subsidies exist.
- Consider risk life insurance and disability cover as a parent.
Saving for children
A child savings plan of CHF 100 per month over 18 years can grow substantially if invested. The education savings calculator shows the target.