EU Digital Passport - New for Switzerland (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• EU proposal for a digital social security passport
• Digitalization of diplomas and educational qualifications
• Rules that also concern Switzerland

Key facts

• Proposing body: European Commission
• Initiative name: European Social Security Pass
• Presented to: European Parliament in Strasbourg
• Presented by: Roxana Minzatu

The European Commission has put forward a proposal to introduce a continental digital social security passport, known as the European Social Security Pass or Esspass. The initiative, presented to the European Parliament in Strasbourg by European Commission Vice-President Roxana Minzatu, aims to simplify administrative procedures related to cross-border activities for entrepreneurs and facilitate the verification of documents by competent labor inspectorates. In detail, the legislative package provides for the revision of two regulations and also affects Switzerland. When a European Union company carries out work activities in the Confederation, in fact, it is required to take charge of the insurance for posted workers. Currently, the relative certification is issued in paper format, but the adjustment presented in Strasbourg provides that in the future it can also be issued in digital format.

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Operational details

The digitalization of diplomas and professional titles

Among the new developments presented in Strasbourg is a targeted measure for the digitalization of school and professional documents. Based on the European Commission's proposal, diplomas and educational qualifications must be issued in digital format following uniform standards. This technical evolution aims to simplify and accelerate the document verification procedures by the authorities of another country. Despite the digitalization of formats and the harmonization of standards, the decision regarding the formal recognition of qualifications will still remain the exclusive competence of the national authorities of individual countries. This specific proposal is of direct interest and concrete relevance also for Switzerland, which will have to deal with the new digital standards for educational qualifications in the context of cross-border relations and the movement of professionals.

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Key points

Procedural steps and legislative process

The evolution of EU social security rules and the digitalization of cross-border documents is now entering the formal institutional phase. The proposals presented by the European Commission in Strasbourg have been forwarded to the EU legislators, namely the European Parliament and the European Council, bodies tasked with examining the text, discussing any amendments, and proceeding with the final approval process. Once the legislative path within the European institutions is completed, the adaptation phase will begin for the countries involved. As for Switzerland, the transposition of the amendments concerning the digital social security passport and the digitalization of diplomas will take place within the framework of the bilateral agreement on the free movement of persons, as specified by EU officials contacted by the Keystone-SDA agency. Economic operators, companies active in border cantons, and interested workers will have to monitor regulatory developments to adapt to future digital certification methods, which will gradually replace the traditional paper formats currently in use for postings and document verifications.

In-depth analysis and useful tools

Managing the bureaucratic, fiscal, and contractual aspects related to cross-border work requires constant updates on regulatory and procedural new developments affecting the Swiss and border areas. To analyze your economic position in detail, estimate deductions, and compare salary parameters between the various tax and social security regimes, you can use the online simulation tools available. Check the updated estimates for your job position immediately using the tax calculator.

Source: tio.ch