Legal basis for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications
Switzerland established a legal framework for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications to facilitate the professional integration of people who obtained their qualifications obtained abroad. This framework is based on a series of bilateral and multilateral agreements, EU directives, and national ordinances on the recognition of professional qualifications.
Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons
The Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) between the Swiss Confederation and the European Community (EC) facilitates the mobility of workers and introduces the same principles for the free movement of persons in Switzerland as those applicable in the EU.
Annex III of the AFMP lists the various Directives that Switzerland has adopted, in particular Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications. This Directive ensures mutual recognition of professional qualifications between EU Member States and Switzerland, thereby facilitating free access to the labour market. A distinction is drawn between two concepts: fixed establishment and temporary provision of services. In each case, specific rules apply.
Regarding relations between Switzerland and the other EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), analogous rules apply to the recognition of professional qualifications as in the AFMP. These relations are governed by the Convention establishing the European Free Trade Association, which was last revised on 21 June 2001. Annex K of the Convention deals with the free movement of persons and contains principles equivalent to those of Directive 2005/36/EC. This facilitates the mutual recognition of qualifications between EFTA countries.
Special rules: bilateral agreements
In addition to the AFMP, Switzerland has concluded bilateral agreements with a number of countries or territories with comparable education and training systems. The aim is to facilitate the mutual recognition of professional qualifications by streamlining and accelerating recognition procedures.
Germany
Although the AFMP applies in Germany, a special bilateral agreement provides for even more favourable recognition conditions.
In February 2021, Switzerland and Germany updated their mutual recognition agreement, broadening and simplifying recognition procedures for a wide range of professions. The updated agreement takes into account the latest developments in the respective skills development systems in each country.
Mutual recognition agreement with Germany (in German)
Equivalent professional qualifications Switzerland – Germany (two-year apprenticeships) (german)
Equivalent professional qualifications Switzerland – Germany (three- to four-year apprenticeships) (german)
Equivalent professional qualifications Switzerland – Germany (professional education / higher vocational education and training) - in German
Liechtenstein
An agreement between Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein provides for the mutual automatic recognition of certain vocational qualifications, such as Federal VET Diplomas (training duration: 3 or 4 years) and Federal VET Certificates (training duration: 2 years).
Agreement with the Principality of Liechtenstein (in German)
Quebec
Switzerland and Quebec have signed an Entente entre le Gouvernement du Québec et le Conseil Fédéral Suisse en matière de reconnaissance mutuelle des qualifications professionnelles. This Agreement includes six arrangements de reconnaissance mutuelle des qualifications professionnelles (ARM) for six corresponding professions. Each ARM lays out the conditions whereby qualification holders may gain access to the respective labour market of the signatories. The following six professions fall within the scope of this Agreement:
United Kingdom
The agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom, which came into force on 8 March 2025, provides access to regulated professions in both countries. This means that workers with a Swiss qualification can continue to offer their services in the United Kingdom despite Brexit.
Qualifications from third countries
The following legislation serves as the basis for SERI recognition of foreign professional qualifications from third countries:
- Article 69 ff. of the Federal Vocational and Professional Education and Training Ordinance (VPETO)
- Article 55 ff. of the Ordinance of 23 November 2016 to the Higher Education Act (HEdO)
Certain conditions must be met for qualifications to be recognised, including a certain degree of equivalence in the level, duration and content of training, as well as the acquisition of practical skills or professional experience in the relevant field. Both ordinances also provide for compensatory measures where there are significant differences.
Regulated professions in Switzerland
A profession is considered regulated in Switzerland if a specific qualification is required under federal or cantonal law to work in that profession. An overview of all regulated professions in Switzerland, the corresponding legal basis and the relevant bodies responsible for recognition of foreign professional qualifications can be found here:
Useful background information on the regulation of specific professions and activities is available on this page.