Focus on cross-border worker status
The number of cross-border workers between France and Switzerland is constantly rising. Attracted by a dynamic labour market and high wages, many French people cross the border every day to work for a Swiss employer. What are the pros and cons of this particular way of life? What are the specific features of this status? In this article, b-sharpe provides you with everything you need to know to understand the status of a cross-border worker.
Working in Switzerland but living in France: the administrative formalities
What administrative procedures do cross-border workers between France and Switzerland have to go through?
The Swiss work permit
To work in Switzerland as a cross-border worker, you must obtain a Swiss work permit (Permis G). However, it is very straightforward to obtain: the application is made by the Swiss employer. They will complete the work permit application form themselves and then submit it to the Swiss cantonal authorities.
Opening a Swiss bank account
To receive your salary in Swiss francs, you will need to provide your employer with an IBAN registered in Switzerland. You will therefore need to open a bank account. You can then transfer your salary each month to a French bank account. To do this, you can use the b-sharpe currency converter. It is a reliable financial partner that will enable you to carry out all your banking transactions between France and Switzerland.
Recognition of qualifications
Have you studied abroad and would like to work in Switzerland? Whilst most professions are open to you in Switzerland – even with a qualification obtained in the European Union – others require your qualification to be recognised. Indeed, certain professions are regulated, for example in the fields of healthcare and education: doctors, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, vets, civil engineers, teachers, taxi drivers, architects, lawyers… If you need your qualification to be recognised as equivalent, an official platform has been set up to help you.
Being a cross-border worker between France and Switzerland: pros and cons
What are the benefits of being a cross-border worker? And, conversely, what are the drawbacks of this very specific way of life?
Is it worth living in the Swiss border region?
Generally speaking, yes. Cross-border workers who live in France but work in Switzerland stand to gain significantly in financial terms. This is because wages in Switzerland are higher than in France. The Swiss job market is very dynamic: in fact, the country offers the highest wages in Europe. Living in France whilst earning a salary in Switzerland therefore offers a real financial advantage. As the cost of living in France is lower, cross-border workers save money by continuing to live in France. They can maintain their usual arrangements (children’s schooling, social life, insurance and healthcare, etc.).
The journey to work can sometimes be quite long
However, there are certain drawbacks to consider, such as journey times and longer working weeks in Switzerland. According to a study by the Jura Arc Cross-Border Statistical Observatory, half of cross-border workers spend more than 40 minutes travelling by car or public transport to get to work on the other side of the border. The Léman Express rail network serves 45 stations from France and is used by many cross-border commuters.
Labour law in Switzerland
It is also worth noting that employees in Switzerland generally work longer hours than in France. The standard working week is typically between 42 and 50 hours.
Finally, labour laws differ between France and its neighbour across the border. Legislation is more flexible in Switzerland, where employers are able to dismiss employees without cause, sometimes with very short notice periods. This is a point to bear in mind for cross-border workers, who might, for example, want to set aside some money as a financial safety net in the event of redundancy. However, it is important to note that, in the event of unemployment, cross-border workers will then be eligible for unemployment benefits in France.
FAQ: your questions about Swiss cross-border worker status
Salary, taxes, unemployment, lifestyle… b-sharpe answers your questions about the status of cross-border workers in Switzerland.
What is the salary for a Swiss cross-border worker?
How much can you earn as a cross-border worker between France and Switzerland? It all depends, of course, on the sector. However, it is important to note that the minimum wage in Switzerland is higher than in France. The amount varies by canton, but in Geneva, for example, it stands at 4,111 Swiss francs gross per month. Using a euro-to-Swiss franc converter, this works out at around 4,334 euros. However, it is worth noting that the average salary in Geneva is 6,123 euros.
Where should you live as a Swiss cross-border worker?
Where should cross-border workers settle? Ideally, a French cross-border worker should live as close as possible to the Swiss border, so they can benefit from a shorter commute… Consequently, in order to live in France whilst working in Switzerland, cross-border workers usually settle in towns near the border. Several towns in Haute-Savoie are located less than 30 minutes from Geneva. These include, for example, the towns of Annecy, Annemasse, Thonon-les-Bains and Évian-les-Bains, as well as the towns of Bons-en-Chablais, Douvaine, Veigy, Neuvecelle, Publier, Lugrin and Vétraz-Monthoux… As a result, in 2023, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region was home to more than 125,000 French citizens working in Switzerland.
What about health insurance?
When it comes to health insurance, cross-border workers can choose between the Swiss scheme (LAMal for cross-border workers) and the French health insurance scheme (CMU for cross-border workers). Both schemes were created specifically for cross-border workers. Reimbursement rates are identical, and both schemes entitle the holder to a Carte Vitale. However, there are some differences: whilst the LAMal for cross-border workers provides access to healthcare networks in both Switzerland and France, the CMU for cross-border workers provides access only to the French healthcare network.
What are the tax rules for cross-border workers?
As a cross-border worker between France and Switzerland, in which country should you pay your taxes? In 1983, a tax agreement was established between France and Switzerland regarding the taxation of cross-border workers: the wages earned by these workers are taxable in their country of residence. It is therefore possible to live in France and continue to pay tax there, whilst working in Switzerland. This agreement applies in the following cantons: Vaud, Valais, Jura, Neuchâtel, Bern, Solothurn, Basel-Landschaft and Basel-Stadt. In other cantons, tax must be paid in Switzerland.
By crossing the border every day to work in Switzerland, cross-border workers enjoy favourable working conditions and often very attractive pay, whilst maintaining their lifestyle in France. What’s more, the cross-border regions offer a pleasant living environment, nestled in the heart of the mountains. However, these cross-border workers follow a rather unique routine, which may not suit all employees. Living in one country and working in another requires a fair amount of organisation: finances, taxes, regulations, insurance… Especially as France and Switzerland do not use the same currency. To support them with all their financial transactions between France and Switzerland and to exchange currencies online, b-sharpe offers a 100% online, reliable and intuitive currency converter.
