Free movement of capital

Free movement of capital covers investments, securities transactions, loans, real-estate purchases and payment transfers. In EU law it is distinctive because it also reaches many capital movements between Member States and third countries, though restrictions may be justified for reasons such as taxation, prudential supervision, public security or sanctions where proportionate. For Switzerland, the concept matters for financial services, investment structures and cross-border payments, but concrete rights depend on EU rules, Swiss law, bilateral instruments and market-access conditions.