Legal basis for declaration procedure

Under EU Directive 2005/36/EC service providers from the EU/EFTA benefit from a simplified declaration procedure, enabling them to temporarily carry out a professional activity that is regulated in Switzerland. Legal provisions stipulate the declaration requirements and specify the procedures for verifying professional qualifications.

EU Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications also applies in Switzerland pursuant to Annex III of the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP). Service providers from EU/EFTA member states who wish to carry out a professional activity that is regulated in Switzerland may do so for a maximum period of 90 working days per year. They also enjoy a simplified declaration procedure, which facilitates the cross-border provision of services and encourages the free movement of professionals in Europe.

On 1 September 2013, the Federal Act of 14 December 2012 on the Declaration Requirement and the Verification of Service Provider Qualifications in Regulated Professions (DRPA) and corresponding Ordinance (DRPO) came into effect. This introduced a declaration requirement in Switzerland for service providers from EU/EFTA member states.

These provisions establish the legal basis for efficient and rapid verification of the professional qualifications of service providers from the EU/EFTA.

• Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council

  of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications

  PDF2.10 MB10 September 2025

• Federal Act of 14 December 2012 on the Declaration Requirement and the Verification of Service Provider Qualifications in Regulated Professions (DRPA, in de, fr, it)
• Ordinance of 26 June 2013 on the Declaration Requirement and the Verification of Service Provider Qualifications in Regulated Professions (DRPO, in de, fr, it)