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'Right of residency for life': Switzerland gives final green light to Brexit agreement

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'Right of residency for life': Switzerland gives final green light to Brexit agreement
Britain's former International Trade Secretary Liam Fox (2ndL) and Swiss Economic Minister Guy Parmelin (R) sign a trade agreement in 2019. Photo: Stefan WERMUTH / AFP

Switzerland has given formal approval to an agreement to protect the residential rights of Brits in Switzerland - and Swiss in the UK.

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Switzerland’s Council of States on Tuesday passed a formal agreement to protect the rights of citizens who live in the UK and vice versa, reports the Neue Zürcher Zeitung

The National Council had already agreed to the deal. 

Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter lauded the agreement, saying it will ensure "Swiss citizens are treated at least as well in Great Britain as citizens from the EU."

EXPLAINED: What Brits in Switzerland need to know about Brexit

The agreement provides reciprocal protection for citizens regardless of how the UK leaves the EU at the end of 2021.

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The agreement specifically provides that people who have taken up residence in the other country in recent years by virtue of the free movement of persons agreement may continue to reside there. 

Those covered by the agreement not only retain this right of residency but also social security claims and the recognition of professional qualifications for life. 

And when it comes to the purchase of real estate by foreigners in Switzerland the British will continue to be treated equally in the future as foreigners from the EU.

The agreement applies to people who move before the end of December 2020 - the end of the transition period which followed Britain's exit from the EU in January.

 

 

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