G permit: Swiss cross-border permit
Who is it for?
You work in Switzerland but live abroad, returning home at least once a week. EU/EFTA nationals only need to reside in a member state; the border-zone requirement now applies only to third-country nationals.
Conditions
Required documents
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The steps
Find a job
Sign a contract with a Switzerland-based employer.
Submit the application
You or your employer file the application with the cantonal migration office of the canton of work.
Review
The authority checks the conditions and your situation.
Permit G issued
Issued for 5 years if the contract lasts a year or more; otherwise for the contract duration.
Renewal
Renew before expiry with a still-valid employment contract. Any change of employer or residence must be reported to the cantonal office.
Understanding the permit
The cross-border principle: work here, live there
Permit G is for people working in Switzerland while keeping their main home abroad, returning home in principle daily, or at least once a week. That regular return is what distinguishes a cross-border worker from a resident — without it, you need a permit B.
Good news for EU/EFTA nationals: the old border zones have been abolished. You can live anywhere in the EU/EFTA and work anywhere in Switzerland — professional and geographic mobility is complete.
EU/EFTA or third country: two regimes
EU/EFTA: apply with your employment contract (in Geneva, via the OCPM online form, with your employer involved). Validity: 5 years if your contract is permanent or exceeds one year; otherwise the duration of the contract. Work of up to 3 months per year needs only an online notification, no permit.
Third country: the conditions are stricter — a durable right of residence in a neighbouring state, at least six months of residence in the adjoining border zone, and employment in the Swiss border zone (FNIA art. 25: for third countries, the border-zone requirement still applies).
The three procedures that come with permit G
Changing employer. To be notified within 14 days (in Geneva, via the online form); the permit remains valid until its expiry.
Health insurance. The heaviest decision: the right of option. Working in Switzerland means Swiss insurance (LAMal) in principle, but cross-border workers living in France may opt for the French system within 3 months of starting work. That choice is final, and without action within the deadline you are automatically enrolled with a Swiss insurer.
Taxes. Cross-border workers are generally taxed at source in Switzerland, under rules that differ by canton and applicable tax treaty. Check with your cantonal tax administration.
FAQ
Yes. The change must be reported to the cantonal office within 14 days (in Geneva, via the online form) and your permit stays valid until its expiry — no need to apply for a new one. Depending on your nationality, a new authorisation may still be required.
No. You must return to your foreign residence at least once a week.
Five years if your employment contract is permanent or longer than one year; otherwise the duration of the contract. Work of up to three months per year requires only an online notification, with no permit.
In Switzerland in principle (LAMal), but cross-border workers living in France have a right of option, to be exercised within 3 months of starting work; without a stated choice, enrolment with a Swiss insurer is automatic. As the choice is final, compare carefully before signing.
Yes. By moving to Switzerland you change status: permit G gives way to a permit B residence permit, to be applied for at the cantonal office of your new place of residence. See our permit B guide for the conditions and the steps.
All your permit G questions
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Official sources: sem.admin.ch · Cantonal migration offices
- SEM — EU/EFTA permit G: daily or at least weekly return, 5-year validity if contract ≥ 1 year, border zones abolished, notification ≤ 3 months (accessed 28.07.2026)
- ge.ch (OCPM) — EU/EFTA cross-border permit FAQ: change of job to be notified within 14 days (accessed 28.07.2026)
- ge.ch — Right of option for cross-border workers living in France: 3-month deadline, final choice, automatic enrolment otherwise (accessed 28.07.2026)
- FNIA (SR 142.20), art. 25 — third-country cross-border workers: border zone, six months of residence (fedlex)
The information shown is indicative and may vary by canton and nationality. Always check with the relevant cantonal migration office. Content reviewed on 14 July 2026.