Working in Switzerland: work permits and cross-border commuters
B, C and G (cross-border) permits, free movement with the EU, high salaries: what you need to know to work in Switzerland, explained simply.
Switzerland attracts with some of the world's highest salaries, but working there requires the right permit. For EU and EFTA nationals, the free-movement agreement greatly eases access; for others, the conditions are markedly stricter, with quotas.
The main permits
| Permit | For whom |
|---|---|
| L | Short-term stay |
| B | Residence (often tied to a lasting job) |
| C | Settlement (after several years) |
| G | Cross-border commuter (lives abroad, works in Switzerland) |
Cross-border commuters
Hundreds of thousands of people live in France, Italy or Germany and cross the border every day to work in Switzerland: the cross-border commuters (G permit). They are essential to the economy of border regions like Geneva, Basel and Ticino, and their number is a politically sensitive topic.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a permit to work in Switzerland?
Yes. Access is eased for EU/EFTA nationals thanks to free movement; for other nationalities it is subject to conditions and quotas.
What is a cross-border commuter?
Someone who lives in a neighbouring country and comes to work in Switzerland, in principle returning home regularly. They fall under the G permit.
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