The bilateral Agreement on the free movement of persons (AFMP) confers upon the citizens of Switzerland and of the member states of the European Union (EU) the right to freely choose their place of employment and residence within the national territories of the contracting parties.

This is conditional, however, on possession by the individuals concerned of a valid employment contract, being self-employed, or in the case of their not being in gainful employment, proof of financial independence and full health insurance coverage.

• 1.1.2017: Entry into force of Protocol III (extension of the AFMP to Croatia)
• 16.12.2016: Parliament decides implementation of Art. 121a FC
• 9.2.2014: Adoption of the popular initiative ‘Stop mass immigration’
• 1.6.2009: Entry into force of Protocol II
• 8.2.2009: Approval of continuation of the AFMP and of Protocol II (extension of the AFMP to Bulgaria and Romania) by the electorate (59.6% in favour)
• 1.4.2006: Entry into force of Protocol I
• 25.9.2005: Approval of Protocol I (extension of the AFMP to the countries that joined the EU in 2004) by the electorate (56% in favour)
• 1.6.2002: Entry into force of the Agreement
• 21.5.2000: Approval of the Agreement by the electorate in the popular vote on the Bilateral Agreements I (67.2% in favour)
• 21.6.1999: Signing of the Agreement (in the framework of Bilateral Agreements I