Working in Switzerland will be tougher in the coming years for foreign nationals.

In a close referendum vote, Swiss citizens voted Sunday to reinstate quotas on immigrants from the EU.

The "stop mass immigration" vote won by a narrow margin- just 50.3%- and reflects a growing concern amongst the Swiss that immigrants are eroding the nation's Alpine culture and contributing to rising rents, crowded transport and more crime.

The EU said the vote goes against the principle of free movement of people and that it could affect trade between Switzerland and the EU.

The initiative could further damage the Swiss economy by increasing the amount of red tape foreign professionals have to endure to work in the country.

The vote will be turned into law within the next three years.