New extension allows UK lawyers to work in Switzerland for now
28 Oct 2025
1 minute read
News
The UK and Switzerland have agreed today to extend the Services Mobility Agreement again until the end of 2029 ensuring UK lawyers can continue to travel and work in Switzerland for up to 90 days a year without needing a work permit or visa.
The Law Society of England and Wales has been pushing not only for this agreement to be extended for the second time but also for its provisions to be secured permanently through the free trade agreement that is currently being negotiated between the UK and Switzerland.
Switzerland is the UK’s second largest market in Europe and the third globally for legal services exports.
Maintaining a seamless access to the Swiss legal sector is vital not just for lawyers but for the British economy. It enables UK law firms to continue to drive growth, create jobs and support local communities.
“We welcome the decision to extend the agreement allowing UK lawyers to continue travelling and working in Switzerland. However, we urge the government to embed the provisions of this deal in the forthcoming UK-Switzerland free trade agreement,” said Mark Evans, Law Society president.
“This would allow UK lawyers to advise their clients in cross-border and international matters and provide legal services without new barriers or expiry dates, helping British legal services thrive.
“The UK government also needs to ensure that the free trade agreement with Switzerland facilitates secondments and intra-corporate transfers of UK nationals to Switzerland and protects the ability of UK lawyers to practise there under their home professional title.
“Strengthening legal cooperation with Switzerland will make it easier for legal professionals in both jurisdictions to work together effectively. This is one of the keys that will open the door to more growth, more jobs and more support for people and businesses across the UK.”
The Law Society is celebrating 200 years of supporting solicitors in England and Wales.
It is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.