Federal Council decides on activation of safeguard clause with regard to Croatia
Update Explained
The Swiss Federal Council has decided to prepare for the potential reactivation of a safeguard clause concerning Croatian workers entering Switzerland. This clause allows Switzerland to limit the number of Croatian nationals working in the country if their numbers exceed certain thresholds. These thresholds are set at 2,004 B permits (residence permits) or 1,116 L permits (short-term permits) by the end of the year. If either threshold is surpassed by December 31, quotas on Croatian workers could be reintroduced in Switzerland the following year. This move is part of an agreement with the European Union that gradually opens the Swiss labor market to Croatian nationals over ten years, after which full freedom of movement will be granted from January 2027.
What changed
Switzerland may reactivate quotas on Croatian workers if their numbers exceed set thresholds by the end of the year.
Why it matters
If the permit thresholds are exceeded, Croatian nationals may face limits on their ability to work in Switzerland next year.
Who is affected
- Croatian nationals seeking to work in Switzerland
Key dates
Threshold Evaluation Date
Dec 31, 2023
The permit numbers will be evaluated as of this date to decide on quota reactivation.
Council Decision
The Federal Council will decide in January 2026 based on the permit numbers reached by December 31.
Full Freedom of Movement
Jan 1, 2027
Croatian nationals will have full freedom of movement in Switzerland.
Key details
- Quotas may apply again if permit thresholds are exceeded by December 31.
- Switzerland can activate this safeguard clause one last time in 2026.
Important notes
The safeguard clause will not be reactivated if the permit numbers do not reach the established thresholds.