On Oct. 28, 2025, SWI GVT, SWI SECO informed that SWI and the UK extended the agreement on the mobility of services (SMA) until Dec. 31, 2029 on Oct. 21, 2025.
Under the agreement, Switzerland continues to apply the notification procedure to UK service providers who offer services in Switzerland for up to 90 days per calendar year.
The accompanying measures for the free movement of persons also continue to apply.
For Swiss exporters, the SMA provides preferential market access in the UK in over 30 service sectors, including facilities for Swiss higher vocational training qualifications.
It is complemented by an agreement on the recognition of professional qualifications.
The amended agreement enters into force on Dec. 1, 2025.
On Dec. 4, SWI GVT approved agreement on service providers.
Federal council approved SWI GVT-UK agreement on mobility of service providers.
Follows SWI PRL Jan. 2020 issued agreements in the context of Brexit, see #52002.
Overview
To facilitate market access on reciprocal basis and to fill gap that would result from termination on Jan. 1, 2021 of agreement on free movement of persons among them.
The new agreement is part of the Federal Council's Mind the Gap strategy designed to address issues resulting from Brexit, in particular from the end of transition period.
Regulates entry and temporary stay of service providers such as business advisers, IT experts and engineers and contains rules on recognition of professional qualifications.
Key Aspects
Per agreement Switzerland will continue to apply current reporting procedure for UK providers who provide service in Switzerland for less than 90 days per calendar year.
This will allow Swiss economy to continue to rely on UK companies to quickly meet short-term needs; in 2019 about 3,800 UK providers were registered in Switzerland.
For its part the UK has made market access commitments in over 30 service sectors and will also grant Swiss service providers additional preferential conditions.
E.g. access to relevant sectors will not be subject to an economic needs test nor will they have to provide proof of their proficiency in English.
Service providers from Switzerland will be able to access the UK market for 12 months out of a 24-month period on a contract basis.
Swiss companies will continue to enjoy wide access to the UK market for provision of services by individuals, access limited to qualifications at university level / equivalent.
UK has undertaken to reassess recognition of Swiss vocational training diplomas.
Agreement initially limited to 2 years but can be extended; competent parliamentary committees will be consulted so agreement can be applied provisionally from Jan. 1.
Effectiveness
Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin and UK Minister for International Trade Elizabeth Truss are expected to sign the agreement on Dec. 14, 2020, in London; in force on Jan. 1.
Dec. 14, 2020 Update
On Dec. 14, 2020, SWI SECO announced Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin/UK Minister for International Trade Elizabeth Truss signed services mobility supplier agreement.
The dispatch approving agreement is to be submitted to parliament by end Jun. 2021.
Nov. 2022 Agreement Extension
On Nov. 21, 2022, SWI SECO announced that Switzerland and the UK have decided to extend their services mobility agreement (SMA) for three years until Dec. 31, 2025.
Some Swiss higher vocational training qualifications are now recognized by the UK.
Also, the UK has simplified some of the procedures for obtaining a business visa.
The UK government has issued a political declaration to this effect to inform the public.
This amendment to the SMA agreement will enter into force on Dec. 1, 2022.
Oct. 2025 Agreement Extended
On Oct. 28, 2025, SWI GVT, SWI SECO informed that SWI and the UK extended the agreement on the mobility of services (SMA) until Dec. 31, 2029 on Oct. 21, 2025.
Under the agreement, Switzerland continues to apply the notification procedure to UK service providers who offer services in Switzerland for up to 90 days per calendar year.
The accompanying measures for the free movement of persons also continue to apply.
For Swiss exporters, the SMA provides preferential market access in the UK in over 30 service sectors, including facilities for Swiss higher vocational training qualifications.
It is complemented by an agreement on the recognition of professional qualifications.
The amended agreement enters into force on Dec. 1, 2025.
