United Kingdom’s exit from the EU: consequences for Switzerland
The United Kingdom (UK) left the European Union (EU) on 31 January 2020. In the withdrawal agreement, both parties agreed on a transition period until 31 December 2020. This meant that the existing bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU remained in force with respect to the United Kingdom until 31 December 2020.
The Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) between Switzerland and the EU no longer applies with the UK from 1 January 2021. From this date, UK nationals are no longer EU/EFTA nationals, but are considered third country nationals.
UK nationals residing in Switzerland prior to 1 January 2021: acquired rights
Switzerland and the UK signed an agreement on 25 February 2019 on the acquired rights of their citizens. The agreement has been applicable since 1 January 2021 and allows Swiss and UK nationals to keep the rights they acquired up to 31 December 2020 based on the AFMP. Family reunification also remains possible after this date.
UK nationals coming to live and work in Switzerland after 31 December 2020 are not covered by the agreement on acquired rights (see below).
Further information on UK nationals who have acquired rights based on the AFMP is available at:
UK nationals with acquired rights.
UK nationals entering Switzerland from 1 January 2021 for the first time: employment
UK nationals coming to Switzerland to work from 1 January 2021 are third-country nationals. They must apply for a permit from the cantonal immigration and labour market authorities prior to taking up employment. The admission requirements are governed by the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act (FNIA).
Further information on admission to the labour market is available at:
UK nationals coming to Switzerland to work from 1 January 2021.
Information on staying in Switzerland without working is available under ’Residenceʼ
and on entering the country and visa requirements under ’Entryʼ.
Further information
- FAQ Working in Switzerland
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Non-EU/EFTA nationals
Information on working in Switzerland and work permits for third country nationals
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Swiss–UK relations post Brexit
Information portal Switzerland’s European policy (FDJP and Europe Division, STS-FDFA)
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Brexit FAQ
Embassy of Switzerland in the United Kingdom
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Social security
Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO)
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Economic relations CH-UK
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
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Recognition of foreign qualifications
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)
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Information on Brexit for UK citizens
British Embassy in Bern
Legal basis
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Abkommen Schweiz-UK über die erworbenen Rechte der Bürgerinnen und Bürger
(BBl 2020 1085) UK-Switzerland Agreement on acquired citizens’ rights (This document is not available in English)
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Temporary UK-Switzerland Services Mobility Agreement, SMA
Legislation and federal directives – law on foreign nationals
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Foreign Nationals and Integration Act (FNIA)
(CC 142.20)
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Ordinance on Admission, Period of Stay and Employment (VZAE)
(SR 142.201; not available in English)
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Freedom of Movement Introduction Ordinance (FMIO)
(SR 142.203; not available in English)
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Directives on foreign nationals
(not available in English)
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FMIO directives
(not available in English)
The complete documentation is available in German, French or Italian.
Circulars
- Rundschreiben: Teilrevision der Verordnung über Zulassung, Aufenthalt und Erwerbstätigkeit vom 24. Oktober 2007 (VZAE). Höchstzahlen für die Kontingentsperiode 2021 (PDF, 284 kB, 25.11.2020)Brexit Circular: Partial revision of the Ordinance on Admission, Residence and Gainful Employment of 24 October 2007 (VZAE), quota period 2021 (25 November 2020).
(This document is not available in English) - Rundschreiben: Brexit – Schutz der erworbenen FZA-Rechte UK-Staatsangehöriger (PDF, 262 kB, 14.12.2020)Circular on the application of the Agreement of 25 February 2019 between the Swiss Confederation and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Citzens’ Rights following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union and the Free Movement of Persons Agreement (14 December 2020 + 1 January 2026).
(This document is not available in English)
The complete documentation is available in German, French or Italian.
Press releases
2020
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14.12.2020 (SECO)
Switzerland and the UK sign agreement on mobility of service suppliers
2019
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2018
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Last modification 01.01.2021
