Switzerland cross-border commuter G permit in 2026
A G permit is for people who remain resident abroad while working in Switzerland. It should not be confused with a Swiss residence permit.
EU/EFTA commuters
EU/EFTA nationals may live anywhere in the EU/EFTA region and work in Switzerland as employees or self-employed persons. They must normally return to their main residence abroad at least once a week.
Where the employment contract lasts more than one year or is unlimited, the EU/EFTA G permit is generally valid for five years. If the contract is for more than three months but less than a year, the permit usually tracks the contract duration. Employment under three months can fall under notification instead.
Third-country commuters
The third-country G route is much narrower. SEM states that a third-country national generally needs:
- a permanent residence permit in a neighbouring country;
- residence in that neighbouring country's border zone for at least six months;
- compliance with Swiss labour-market admission requirements;
- weekly return to the main residence abroad.
Third-country G permits are usually valid for one year and are geographically more restricted.
Official guidance: SEM G EU/EFTA permit and third-country G permit.
Related: short-term notification, EU/EFTA employment, remote work options, Switzerland hub.
Official and supporting sources
- SEM — G EU/EFTA permitgovernment · accessed 2026-09-21
- SEM — Third-country G permitgovernment · accessed 2026-09-21