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Information about border-crossing commuters

Border zones

Border-crossing commuters from EU-17, EFTA countries, EU-8 countries and Bulgaria and Romania.

Border-crossing commuters from EU-17 and EFTA countries

Border zones have been abolished for nationals from the old EU-15, the EFTA countries as well as from Cyprus and Malta. These nationals may take up a salaried or self-employed occupation anywhere in Switzerland (full geographical and professional mobility) while retaining their main domicile in any EU/EFTA country. The possibility of residing in Switzerland during the week remains. The person concerned must, however, report to the local authorities. Employment relationships lasting under three months are permit free and merely have to be reported to the competent authorities.

Gainful employment exceeding 3 months is still subject to a permit for border-crossing commuters (EC/EFTA Permit G). These persons must accordingly apply for a permit at the migration authorities in their place of work. They will need a valid identity card or a valid passport for the submission of their application.

Border -crossing commuters from EU-8 countries

Nationals from EU-8 countries whose domicile is in a foreign border zone and who work in a neighbouring Swiss border zone may file an application for a border-crossing commuter’s EC/EFTA Permit G. The permit they receive is, however, only valid for Switzerland’s border zone.

Border-crossing commuters from Bulgaria and Romania

Nationals from Bulgaria and Romania whose domicile is in a foreign border zone and who work in a neighbouring Swiss border zone may file an application for a border-crossing commuter’s EC/EFTA Permit G. The permit they receive is, however, only valid for Switzerland’s border zone. The following interim provisions apply for border-crossing commuters: