New UK and Switzerland agreement will allow professional qualifications to be recognised

Trade relationships are about to see a boost as a new landmark UK and Switzerland agreement will validate professional qualifications obtained in the United Kingdom within the borders of Switzerland

Today, on June 14, a highly anticipated agreement will be signed by Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch and Swiss Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin. This significant accord serves to officially recognise and validate professional qualifications obtained in the United Kingdom within the borders of Switzerland.

As a result, this landmark agreement is expected to greatly enhance the trade relationship between these two nations, fostering increased collaboration and economic growth.

Enhanced market access for UK companies in Switzerland

In sectors characterized by regulations, such as law, architecture, and audit, demonstrating the appropriate qualifications is vital for securing contracts.

However, with the newly established agreement, UK professionals in regulated fields seeking recognition of their qualifications in Switzerland, as well as Swiss professionals in similar sectors desiring recognition in the UK, will benefit from a definitive and transparent system.

This agreement ensures a streamlined process for both parties, enhancing the accessibility and certainty of qualifications recognition.

The agreement replaces interim arrangements on professional qualifications recognition

Over the long term, this development has the potential to enable British companies to actively participate in a broader range of contract opportunities within Switzerland.

As a result, this enhanced market access can significantly contribute to the growth of UK services exports, foster a thriving UK economy, and foster greater investment from Switzerland into the United Kingdom.

The positive reception from industry bodies and stakeholders

Industry bodies and stakeholders have enthusiastically embraced the agreement, recognizing its positive implications.

Effective from the beginning of 2025, this agreement will replace the interim arrangements on the recognition of professional qualifications (RPQ) between the UK and Switzerland, which were established prior to the UK’s departure from the European Union.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch emphasized the significance of promoting the robust services sector in facilitating the export of top-notch expertise to foreign markets. This, in turn, plays a vital role in driving economic growth and expanding exports.

Both the United Kingdom and Switzerland hold prominent positions as global service economies, with their respective services sectors contributing over 70% to the GDP of each nation. Notably, the bilateral trade in services reached an impressive £24 billion in 2022, firmly establishing Switzerland as the UK’s seventh largest partner in terms of services trade.

Christina Seilern, Founder and Principal of Studio Seilern Architects expressed the following viewpoint:

“My upbringing in the Swiss Alps has been instrumental to my career as an architect, which has been rooted in London for nearly two decades and encompasses important public projects and civic interventions in both countries, including recently the major Andermatt Concert Hall at the historical centre of Switzerland.”

President of the Law Society of England and Wales Lubna Shuja stated: “Switzerland is the third largest UK legal services export market in Europe, so this deal will benefit not only our members but also the wider economy.”

The agreement, following recent negotiations in Bern, aims to enhance trade between the UK and Switzerland, two prominent service-oriented nations.

This modernized free trade agreement will eliminate market access barriers, enhance regulatory cooperation, and empower UK businesses to compete on an equitable basis in Switzerland.

The RPQ agreement establishes a customized pathway for specific legal professionals, enabling lawyers to qualify in the other country following registration and a three-year period of practice, subject to conditions outlined in the agreement.

Enabling lawyers to qualify in the other country following registration and a three-year period of practice

Additionally, it ensures the autonomy of UK regulators in establishing and upholding standards and determining the suitability of individuals for professional practice.