Services Mobility Agreement extended

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The governments of Switzerland and the U.K. have extended their Services Mobility Agreement until January 2026.

Key Points:

• The SMA was extended until Dec. 31, 2025, allowing U.K. professionals and other service workers to freely travel to Switzerland and work without a visa for up to 90 days each calendar year.
• U.K. nationals under the SMA working on assignment will continue to be able to do business as they do now and will not face economic interest tests, need work permits or face lengthy processing times for the first 90 days in Switzerland if the assigning entity can register them online.
• Service providers from Switzerland, including eligible employers, companies or those who are self-employed, will be able to execute contracts in the U.K. for a period not exceeding 90 days per calendar year. The U.K. Immigration Rules regarding the agreement are available here.
• This SMA does not allow for dependents to accompany or join the service provider from Switzerland in the U. K.

Background: Having provisionally been in effect since Jan. 1, 2021, the SMA maintains ease of access for service providers following the end of the free movement of persons between Switzerland and the U.K. following the U.K.’s withdrawal from the EU. It regulates market access and temporary stays for service providers, such as business consultants, IT experts and engineers.

BAL Analysis: The extension of the SMA between the U.K. and Switzerland is positive news, as it will allow certain professionals and other services workers to continue traveling freely between the two countries to work without work permit approval for up to 90 days a year. This extension gives businesses flexibility when conducting business or providing services between Switzerland and the United Kingdom without complications and delays that would be applicable if an individual required a work permit in either country.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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