Swiss border worker G permit: conditions and duration

The G permit is the EU/EFTA border permit issued by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). It applies to nationals of an EU or EFTA state who live in one of these states and work in Switzerland, and who generally return home daily or at least once a week. It is valid for five years for an open-ended contract. For a contract of more than three months and less than one year, its duration corresponds to that of the employment contract. It is issued by the cantonal authorities of the place of employment.

This page outlines the conditions and duration of the G permit according to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). It does not cover application procedures (who submits them, and the deadline), renewals, job loss, changes of employer, health insurance, unemployment benefits, or cross-border worker taxation. These points should be verified with the canton or on dedicated websites.

Who is the G license for?

The SEM FAQ (updated 06/07/2026) defines cross-border workers as "nationals of an EU/EFTA state who live in an EU/EFTA state." The SEM factsheet "Cross-border workers" adds the following conditions:

• to be domiciled in an EU or EFTA member state; ;
• be employed in Switzerland or, if self-employed, have the headquarters of your business in Switzerland; ;
• return home "in principle every day or at least once a week".

The SEM's page on the G permit (last updated: 01/01/2022) reiterates this return home. The factsheet specifies that cross-border workers benefit from professional and geographical mobility throughout Switzerland.

Returning home and staying during the week

The SEM (State Secretariat for Migration) defines the return criterion as follows: "in principle every day or at least once a week." The FAQ indicates that a cross-border worker who stays in Switzerland during the week must register with their municipality of residence. The G permit is based on having a primary residence abroad.

The duration of the G permit

The factsheet specifies that a permit issued for a short-term contract can be extended if the commitment is renewed. The sources at the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) do not define the boundary between "short-term contract" and "five years" in the same way: the G permit page states "more than one year" and "less than one year," while the FAQ states "at least one year." This page does not provide a definitive answer: for a contract of exactly one year, the applicable duration should be verified with the canton.

An activity lasting three months or less: no permit required, just an advertisement.

A gainful activity lasting a maximum of three months per calendar year does not require a permit. It falls under the online notification procedure. According to the SEM's page on this procedure (updated 01/04/2026), the employer must notify the employee taking up employment in Switzerland for a maximum of three months no later than the day before the start of the activity.

A short mission is planned. For an activity lasting more than three months, the SEM factsheet on stays for gainful employment mentions an authorization issued upon presentation of a work certificate or a declaration of commitment.

Who issues the permit and on what basis

The permit is issued by the cantonal authorities of the place of work, according to the FAQ. The SEM guide (updated January 13, 2026) reiterates this: "The issuance of permits falls under the jurisdiction of the cantons." For work lasting more than three months, the SEM factsheet on residence for gainful employment mentions a work certificate or a declaration of employment (employment contract) with an employer established in Switzerland. This text is general: it does not specify who submits the application for the G permit, nor the deadline.

The "Frontaliers" factsheet adds a practical detail: the employer's name must appear on the booklet.

Cross-border commuter G permit: numerical example (fictitious profile)

Situation. Two employees reside in France and work in Switzerland. Marc has a permanent contract. Julie has an eight-month contract, from November 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.

Issue. Their G licenses are not valid for the same duration. What is the difference?

Strategy. Apply the two rules from the SEM's G permit page: five years for an open-ended contract, duration of the employment contract for a contract of more than three months and less than one year.

Result. Marc's permit covers 60 months. Julie's covers 8 months (242 days from November 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 inclusive). The difference is 52 months. The factsheet mentions an extension if the commitment is renewed; this example does not assume any renewal.

These profiles are fictitious. The figures illustrate the rule and do not predict your situation.

What this page doesn't say

The SEM's page on the G permit and the FAQ do not specify who submits the application, the deadline, or what happens in case of renewal, a change of employer, or job loss. This page does not state any rules regarding health insurance, unemployment, or housing. These points should be verified with the canton where the work is performed.

Cross-border worker's G permit: what changes depending on your case

• Your nationality and country of residence, which must be those of an EU or EFTA state.
• The nature of the contract : indefinite duration, fixed term of less than one year, or self-employment.
• Your pace of returning home, which should remain daily or at least weekly.
• The canton where the workplace is located, which issues the authorization.
• The duration of the activity over the calendar year, with the threshold of three months.
• Your tax and social security situation, not addressed here.

The rule depends on your situation. No results are guaranteed.