The UK Concludes an Enhanced FTA with Switzerland

On 13 July 2026, the UK has concluded an enhanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Switzerland, delivering the UK's most significant trade agreement for services to date.

The agreement is estimated to increase UK services exports to Switzerland by £5.2 billion every year in the long run, creating new opportunities for businesses across the UK and supporting growth in key sectors including professional services, financial services, life sciences, creative industries and digital technologies.

The FTA will:

• Make it easier for British lawyers, accountants, architects and other service providers to operate in the Swiss market;
• Pave the way for British travellers to use Swiss e-gates, making journeys quicker and easier;
• Support visa-free travel for up to 90 days a year to Switzerland for UK services professionals;
• Allow UK businesses to transfer people to work in Switzerland for up to five years without being subject to stringent economic needs tests;
• Support small businesses and scaling tech firms by helping to reduce paperwork, supporting digital payments and removing barriers to trade.

Please note that the agreement is not yet in force.  Both the UK and Switzerland are required to complete their respective domestic procedures for the agreement to come into effect.  Once ratified by both countries, businesses will be able to trade under its terms.  More information can be found on the UK Government's website.  For further details, please contact Johanna Irigaray.