The United Kingdom and Switzerland announced a landmark services free trade agreement on Monday expected to unlock £5.2 billion a year in additional British exports and ease cross-border travel.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described it as the sixth major deal of his two-year tenure, while Swiss President Guy Parmelin emphasised the importance of legal certainty amid rising global protectionism. The agreement covers continued trade in medicines, vehicles, art and photographic materials, and allows services professionals visa-free work stays of up to 90 days annually. British firms may also post staff to Swiss branches for up to five years without prior labour-market checks.
Under a parallel arrangement, UK nationals will gain access to e-gates at Zurich airport from later this year and mobile roaming charges will be scrapped. Trade minister Chris Bryant said the government aims for frictionless trade with European partners. Formal signing is scheduled for late 2026.