Thresholds to restrict free movement with Croatia not reached
Update Explained
The Swiss government has decided not to impose quotas on Croatian nationals wishing to work in Switzerland, as the number of permits issued in 2025 was below the thresholds that would have triggered such restrictions. Originally, a unilateral safeguard clause could have been activated in 2026, but with only 1,701 B residence permits and 792 L short stay permits issued, these conditions were not met. Consequently, Croatia now benefits from the full free movement of persons in Switzerland, akin to other European Union member states, marking the end of transitional restrictions that were part of its Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) with Switzerland.
What changed
Croatian nationals can now move freely to work in Switzerland without being subject to permit quotas.
Why it matters
Croatian nationals can now work in Switzerland without the constraints of a quota system, providing more opportunities for employment across various sectors such as industrial, health, social, retail, and construction.
Who is affected
- Croatian nationals seeking to work in Switzerland
- Employers in Switzerland hiring Croatian workers
Key dates
Information Date
Nov 26, 2025
Federal Council considered invoking the safeguard clause.
Effective Date
Jan 1, 2026
Full free movement for Croatian nationals in Switzerland.
Key details
- In 2025, 1,701 B residence permits and 792 L short stay permits were granted to Croatian nationals.
- The AFMP protocol that extended freedom of movement to Croatia began in 2017.