The Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) came into force on 1 June 2002 after the Swiss people had voted in favour of the AFMP and the other Bilateral I agreements in 2000.
Better residency and employment conditions
The AFMP and its additional protocols secure better residency and employment conditions for Swiss nationals in EU member states and EU citizens in Switzerland. It permits nationals of either contracting party to access the job market of the other contracting party without discrimination. However, exercising the right of free movement is subject to certain conditions. For example, a valid employment contract is required for salaried employment, while self-employed individuals must provide evidence of self-employment. Individuals who are not gainfully employed, including students or pensioners, must have comprehensive health insurance and sufficient funds so that they do not need to claim social security.
Gradual extension of the free movement of persons
The AFMP came into force on 1 June 2002. With each enlargement of the EU, the AFMP has been extended to the new EU Member States through an additional protocol.
Croatia joined the EU on 1 July 2013. The conditions for the extension of the AFMP to Croatia were negotiated in an additional protocol (Protocol III). On 1 January 2017, the AFMP was extended to Croatia.
Safeguard clause for Croatia
From 1 January, Croatian nationals coming to work in Switzerland will benefit once again from full freedom of movement. At its meeting on 27 November, the Federal Council adopted an amendment to the Ordinance on the Free Movement of Persons (FMPO) to this effect.
Full freedom of movement for Croatian nationals was introduced in 2022. As a result of the sharp increase in the number of Croatian workers that year, the Federal Council decided to unilaterally activate the safeguard clause provided for in the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) and to reintroduce quotas in 2023 and 2024.
You can find further information on the SEM-Website: FAQ – Free Movement of Persons
United Kingdom
The AFMP has ceased to apply to the UK since 31 December 2020 due to Brexit. However, British citizens living in Switzerland before that date will retain their acquired rights under the AFMP.
Swiss–UK relations post Brexit