Switzerland has long been seen as a gateway to professional opportunity, particularly for those in technical sales, engineering and specialist commercial roles. Its stable economy, strong industrial base and high salaries continue to attract talent from across Europe.
But for candidates living in neighbouring countries, there’s a specific route to access the Swiss job market — working as a cross-border commuter.
Whether you live in France, Germany, Italy or Austria, this guide explains what’s involved in taking on a role in Switzerland while continuing to live in your home country. From permits and insurance to social security and hybrid working rules, here’s what you need to know.
What is a cross-border commuter?
A cross-border commuter (or “frontier worker”) is someone who lives in one EU or EFTA country, works in Switzerland, and returns to their country of residence either daily or at least once a week.
If you plan to stay overnight in Switzerland during the week, you must register with the local commune where you’re staying.
Do you need a permit to work in Switzerland?
Yes. To work in Switzerland while living in a neighbouring country, you’ll need a cross-border commuter permit, known as a G Permit. This applies whether you’re employed or self-employed.
You can apply if you:
- Are a citizen of an EU or EFTA country
- Have your main residence in a border region
- Return to your residence at least once a week
- Have a valid employment contract with a Swiss company
If you’re from outside the EU or EFTA, the rules are stricter. You’ll need to have lived in the border zone for at least six months and hold a valid residence permit in your home country.
What’s involved in the application?
Your employer usually submits the application on your behalf. You’ll need to provide:
- A copy of your employment contract
- Proof of identity
- Proof of residence in the border zone
Permits are valid for up to five years and are tied to the length of your employment contract. If anything changes — like your job, your address, or your working arrangements — you must notify the relevant cantonal authority.
Where can you live as a cross-border commuter?
To qualify for a G Permit and work in Switzerland as a cross-border commuter, you must live in a designated border region of an EU or EFTA country — typically within daily commuting distance of the Swiss workplace.
This means your residence must be in a recognised border zone, which varies slightly by country but generally includes areas that are directly adjacent to Switzerland. The authorities expect that your home is close enough for regular travel to and from work, either daily or at least weekly.
For example:
- From France, popular commuter regions include Alsace and Haute-Savoie
- From Germany, areas like Baden-Württemberg are commonly accepted
- From Italy, the Lombardy region is eligible
- From Austria, parts of Vorarlberg qualify
Candidates must be genuinely commuting from these areas — long-distance or remote arrangements where you’re based elsewhere in the country or beyond the border zone typically won’t be accepted. If you’re planning to stay overnight in Switzerland during the week, you must also register with the local commune where you’re staying.
It’s essential to check that your home address falls within the recognised commuting area for your chosen Swiss canton. Your G Permit can be refused or revoked if this requirement isn’t met.
Remote and hybrid working: what’s allowed?
Traditionally, working from home as a cross-border commuter was limited due to tax and social security complications.
However, recent agreements between Switzerland and several EU/EFTA countries have created more flexibility. These now allow cross-border commuters to work from home for up to 50% of their time without triggering changes in social security obligations.
This is particularly useful for candidates in technical or commercial roles that don’t require them to be on site every day.
Not all countries have adopted identical rules, so it’s worth checking how your country of residence handles cross-border remote work.
Do you pay tax in Switzerland or at home?
That depends on the tax treaty between Switzerland and your home country.
In many cases, income tax is paid in Switzerland. But most countries require you to declare your Swiss income on your domestic tax return. You may also need to pay additional tax depending on your overall income and national rules.
For example:
- If you live in France and work in Switzerland, you’ll usually pay tax in Switzerland, but report the income in France
- If you live in Germany, you may need to pay some tax there, depending on how much of your income is taxed at source
It’s a good idea to speak to a tax adviser who specialises in cross-border arrangements to make sure you’re complying fully.
How we help cross-border professionals
At Mase Consulting, we regularly place candidates into specialist engineering and commercial roles in Switzerland. Many of these are filled by professionals who live just over the border and commute weekly or daily.
We understand what’s required from both the candidate and employer’s side, and we can advise on:
- Who qualifies as a cross-border worker
- How to manage the application process
- Which permits and documents are needed
- What to expect in terms of salary, tax, and benefits
- Employer expectations when it comes to hybrid or remote work
If you’re based in France, Germany, Austria or Italy and are looking to take on a new role in Switzerland, we’re here to support you through the process.
Looking for a cross-border role?
Take a look at our current opportunities or speak to one of our consultants about roles that match your skills and goals.
