Impact of Switzerland's New EU Treaties on Immigration: An Examination
Switzerland and EU Update Agreement on Free Movement of Persons
A new treaty has been agreed upon between Switzerland and the European Union (EU), updating the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP), which has been the foundation of Switzerland's immigration policy for over two decades.
The new treaty maintains largely the existing free movement rights but introduces a safeguard clause that allows Switzerland to limit immigration if it demonstrates that immigration causes "serious economic or social problems" such as rising unemployment or social welfare issues.
Regarding immigration and resident permits, the core entitlement for EU/EFTA citizens to enter, live, and work in Switzerland remains unchanged. EU/EFTA citizens must obtain a residence permit for stays longer than three months. The L permit, for employment contracts of 3 months to 1 year, and the B permit, issued for longer stays, valid for 5 years, remain in place. After five years of continuous lawful residence, it may be possible to apply for a C permit (permanent settlement) under certain conditions.
On family reunification, while the new treaty with the EU does not indicate radical changes, the rights are expected to remain protected but may be subject to the new safeguard clause. The Swiss-UK Citizens’ Rights Agreement, which replaced AFMP between Switzerland and the UK, explicitly maintains family reunification rights and requires applications for new status within three months after birth or adoption for children born/adopted after the transition period.
As for the implementation timeline, the Swiss Federal Council approved the treaties updating these bilateral agreements in June 2025 and started a domestic consultation process set to run through the end of October 2025. Only after this process and subsequent ratifications would the new provisions enter into force.
Some key changes in the new agreement include the scrapping of the current requirement for "adequate" housing for family reunification, but cantons may still require a rental contract. EU nationals who lose their job within the first year will be eligible for temporary assistance, but their residence right will be lost after six months. Immigration to Switzerland remains tied to the labor market.
The conditions for family reunification remain restrictive, requiring serious health reasons and proof of a stable relationship. Greater flexibility will be allowed for family reunification, but only in special cases, such as for family members in need of care. Those who have worked legally in the country for five consecutive years will be able to remain in Switzerland without restrictions.
EU workers living in Switzerland can continue to bring their spouses and children under 21 years of age with them. Switzerland will introduce a new status called "permanent residence" for EU immigrants. The new agreement also concerns the reunification of registered same-sex couples - they have equal rights.
The AFMP complements the right of free movement with the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, the right to buy property, and the coordination of social insurance systems. The new agreement introduces the possibility of requesting family reunification for unmarried, but cohabiting, couples. Greater flexibility will be allowed for family reunification, but only in special cases, such as for family members in need of care.
The date for the referendums on these and other newly-concluded treaties with the EU has not yet been set.
- In the new agreement, the financial aspect is considered as Switzerland may limit immigration if it demonstrates economic or social problems due to the introduction of a safeguard clause.
- The general-news concerning the updated AFMP agreement also includes the introduction of a new status for EU immigrants called "permanent residence" in Switzerland's business and politics landscape.
