Apply for a cross-border work permit

6. Non-EU/EFTA cross-border work permit as a self-employed person

For whom

Any non-EU/EFTA (third country) national wishing to carry out a self-employed gainful activity in Geneva as a cross-border worker must apply for a cross-border work permit (permit G) from the Cantonal Office for Population and Migration (OCPM).

Any gainful activity requires a work permit.

Third-country nationals do not have easier access to the Swiss labour market (see under "terms" below). 

When

You must submit the application approximately 6 to 8 weeks before the planned activity in Switzerland.

You are entitled to work only if you have received your work permit.

Terms

Requirements for non-EU/EFTA nationals

  • have a right of durable residence in one of Switzerland's neighbouring countries
  • have been legally resident in the neighbouring border area for at least six months
  • return at least one day a week to their home abroad

Labour market terms and conditions

The request is transmitted by the OCPM to the OCIRT which verifies that the following conditions are indeed fulfilled:

  • Serving Switzerland's economic interests
    • This may be the case where the company contributes to the diversification of the regional economy in the sector concerned, obtains or creates jobs for local workers, makes substantial investments and generates new mandates for the Swiss economy.
  • Have a sufficient and autonomous source of income
  • Demonstrate that the financial conditions and operating requirements of the business are met (see documents requested below)

Applications for third country nationals are also examined by the Directorate for Foreign Labour of the OCIRT, in terms of conditions of access to the labour market. They are competent to make prior decision before a person who is not entitled to work takes up employment. To this end, the OCIRT submits the request for prior notice to the Tripartite Commission for the Economy of the Canton of Geneva.

Attachments

  • 1 colour copy of your valid passport
  • 1 passport-sized photo (with full names on the back)
  • 1 copy of civil status document
  • 1 proof of residence in neighbouring France issued by the City Hall attesting to a stay of more than 6 months
  • 1 copy of the foreign residence permit of a durable nature
  • extract from the criminal record
  • CV, copy of diplomas and work certificates of the applicant
  • cover letter 

  • full project presentation file - business plan (nature of the activity, organisation of the company, financial forecasts, figures and details over 3 years including turnover, expenses, profits, staff, etc.)

  • proof of sufficient and autonomous source of income

Price

Payment is made online.

See our Taxes and fees table

The examination of the application by the OCIRT is also subject to a fee (art. 12) charged by this service.

Processing times

You shall be kept informed of the outcome of your request within 12 weeks.

Apply for a cross-border work permit

Your request is made online. Those who have difficulties with the online process can obtain an application form to be returned by postal mail by going directly to the OCPM offices.

Last updated
6 August 2025

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