Summary
The Federal Council announced on January 14, 2026, that immigration of workers from Croatia in 2025 remained below the established thresholds. Consequently, the safeguard clause of the Freedom of Movement Agreement (FMA) will not be activated. Effective immediately, Croatia enjoys full freedom of movement like all other EU member states. The transitional arrangement ends on December 31, 2026, and this would have been the last opportunity to apply the safeguard clause.
Persons
- Federal Council (decision-making body)
Topics
- Freedom of movement
- Labor market
- Croatia
- Freedom of Movement Agreement
- Safeguard clause
Detailed Summary
In 2025, Switzerland issued a total of 1,701 residence permits (Permit B) and 792 short-term residence permits (Permit L) to Croatian workers. These figures are significantly below the defined thresholds of 2,004 Permits B and 1,116 Permits L, which were established according to the FMA methodology.
On November 26, 2025, the Federal Council had decided to apply the safeguard clause unilaterally in 2026 if immigration exceeded the thresholds. Since this is not the case, this measure is no longer necessary. Croatian nationals now benefit from full freedom of movement, on equal terms with all other EU member states.
The FMA Additional Protocol for Croatia has been in force since 2017 and provided for a ten-year transitional period with gradual opening of the Swiss labor market. This transitional arrangement ends on December 31, 2026. The current decision means that the safeguard clause could have been activated for the last time – this is now no longer possible.
Croatian workers accounted for approximately 2 percent of total immigration from the EU/EFTA in 2025. They are primarily employed in industry, health and social services, trade, and construction.
Key Messages
- Immigration from Croatia remains below thresholds; safeguard clause will not be activated
- Croatia now receives full freedom of movement like all EU member states
- Transitional arrangement ends on December 31, 2026; this was the last opportunity to apply the safeguard clause
- Croatian workers concentrate in industry, health, trade, and construction
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Group | Impact |
|---|---|
| Croatian Workers | Gain full freedom of movement; improved market access |
| Swiss Labor Market | No more quotas; increased competitiveness |
| Swiss Employers | Simplified access to Croatian skilled workers |
| Swiss Employees | Potential competition in sectors with high Croatian participation |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Better availability of skilled workers in shortage sectors | Increased competitive pressure on workers in low-wage sectors |
| Economic stimulus through additional workers | Possible wage pressure effects in construction, industry, and trade |
| Simplified recruitment processes for companies | Strain on infrastructure and social insurance systems |
| Stronger EU integration and market access | Reduced control options due to elimination of safeguard clause |
Action Relevance
Relevant for decision-makers:
- Monitoring actual immigration effects after elimination of quotas
- Observation of wage developments in affected sectors (construction, health, trade)
- Preparation for possible adjustments in labor market policy and social insurance
- Coordination with cantons on integration of additional workers
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and figures verified
- [x] Official Federal Council announcement validated as primary source
- [x] No unconfirmed data identified
- [x] No apparent bias or political one-sidedness detected
Supplementary Research
- State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) – Statistics on immigration from Croatia
- European Commission – Freedom of Movement Agreement and transitional phases
- Swiss Employer Associations – Labor market perspectives and skills shortage
Source Directory
Primary Source:
Federal Council Press Release – "Thresholds for Restricting Freedom of Movement with Croatia Not Reached" (January 14, 2026)
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/ciU7vNgDGQu6
Supplementary Sources:
- State Secretariat for Migration (SEM): Immigration statistics
- Freedom of Movement Agreement (FMA) with Additional Protocol for Croatia
- Federal Statistical Office: Labor market indicators EU/EFTA
Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on January 14, 2026
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: January 14, 2026