Free Movement of Persons Switzerland – EU/EFTA

On 21 June 1999, the European Union (EU) and Switzerland signed the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP). The AFMP lifts restrictions on EU citizens wishing to live or work in Switzerland. The right of free movement is complemented by the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, by the right to buy property, and by the coordination of social insurance systems. The same rules also apply to citizens of EFTA member states.

The AFMP came into force in 1 June 2002. Each time the EU is enlarged, the agreement is extended to include the new member states by means of an additional protocol.

Croatia joined the EU on 1 July 2013. The extension of the AFMP to Croatia was negotiated in Protocol III. On 1 January 2017, the AFMP was extended to Croatia.

The Federal Council has activated the safeguard clause with effect from 1 January 2023. Croatian nationals will now require a quota permit if they wish to take up gainful employment in Switzerland after this date. Both the short-term L permit and the B residence permit for Croatian nationals are subject to quotas from 1 January 2023. You can find further information on this in the FAQ:
FAQ – Free Movement of Persons

(Most of these documents are not available in English)

Arbeitsmarktintegration von EU/EFTA-Angehörigen in der Schweiz

Massnahmenpaket des Bundesrates vom 24. Februar 2010

(These documents are not available in English)

(Most of these documents are not available in English)

2016

2015

2014

Last modification 27.12.2023

Top of page