Lex Netflix: investments in Swiss cinema up 25% in 2025 (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Investments in Swiss cinema grew by 25% in 2025
• 19.9 million francs allocated to Swiss audiovisual production
• Obligation of 4% on the annual gross income obtained in Switzerland

Key facts

• What: Mandatory investments in Swiss cinema thanks to Lex Netflix
• When: In 2025, with the law in force from 1 January 2024
• Where: Switzerland, with national reference
• Who: 22 companies subject to the obligation, including streaming and telecommunications platforms
• Amount: 19.9 million francs actually invested on a theoretical obligation of 32.7 million

Lex Netflix brought more money to Swiss cinema in 2025, with a 25% increase in investment in domestic filmmaking compared to the previous year. According to the Federal Office of Culture (UFC), a total of 19.9 million francs were allocated to works and support measures for Swiss audiovisual production. This increase is a direct consequence of the new Cinema Law (LCin), passed by popular vote in 2022 and coming into force on 1 January 2024, commonly known as “Lex Netflix”. The law imposes an investment obligation for the production of "made in Switzerland" films, recalled today in an official note by the UFC.

The companies concerned must devote at least 4% of their annual gross income earned in Switzerland to national film production. In 2025, 22 companies were

Operational details

In a nutshell

• 9% increase in turnover concerns streaming and broadcasters subject to the law
• Advertising spaces in slight decline despite growth in streaming
• Unemployment in Switzerland at 0.1% in July, 0.2% in Ticino

Key facts

• What: Economic trends related to companies subject to Lex Netflix
• When: Data referring to last year (2024) and July 2026
• Where: Switzerland, with specific reference to Ticino
• Who: Streaming companies, broadcasters and the labour market
• Amount: Turnover of CHF 817 million (+9%), unemployment at 0.1-0.2%

In addition to investments in cinema, the source provides related data on the economic performance of the same companies obliged by Lex Netflix. These 22 companies achieved a decisive turnover of CHF 817 million last year (2024), marking an increase of 9% compared to the previous year. This indicates sustained growth in the streaming and related services sector in Switzerland, despite regulatory pressures.

The UFC adds an important clarification: "The streaming market continues to grow. On the other hand, the turnover deriving from advertising spaces registers a slight decrease". This suggests a possible shift in income patterns within the industry, with greater reliance on subscriptions and less on advertisements, a trend also observable internationally.

The macroeconomic context

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

In breve

• Verifica se la tua azienda è soggetta al 4% obbligatorio sul reddito svizzero
• Calcola l'obbligo: 4% del fatturato realizzato in Svizzera
• Destina almeno parte degli investimenti a opere svizzere di finzione

Fatti chiave

• Cosa: Procedure per aziende soggette alla Lex Netflix
• Quando: Obbligo annuale, con riferimento all'anno fiscale precedente
• Dove: Svizzera, applicazione nazionale
• Chi: Aziende con reddito lordo ottenuto in Svizzera oltre determinate soglie
• Importo: Obbligo del 4% del reddito lordo annuo svizzero

For a precise net salary calculation, use our tax comparator: compare take-home pay between G and B permits with all 2026 deductions.

Source: rsi.ch