Apply for a cross-border work permit
4. Non-EU national working in Geneva wishing to live in France
For whom
People who:
- are non-EU/EFTA nationals and
- hold a durable C or B permit for gainful employment and
- leave Switzerland for neighbouring France but wish to continue their gainful activity in the canton of Geneva.
In the context of an employed activity, it is up to the employer to carry out the necessary procedures for applying fo a cross-border work permit (G permit).
When
The application for a work permit must be made by the employer before the departure announcement.
Otherwise, the application may be filed up to a maximum of two months after departure.
What
The cross-border work permit (G permit) is tied to a specific employer.
Any change in activity (new employer or termination of employment) must be announced within 14 days. In the case of a term-of-service or conditional permit (see below), an announcement is not sufficient. A new authorisation must be obtained beforehand.
Terms
- Have resided and pursued a gainful activity in Switzerland in the year preceding departure.
- Keep a job
- Establish legal residence in the neighbouring border area
- Return at least 1 day a week to their home abroad
- Have resided and pursued with the same employer a gainful activity in Switzerland for the 2 years preceding departure
- Retain current employer
- Establish legal residence in the neighbouring border area
- Return at least 1 day a week to their home abroad
Contrary to usual applications, once these conditions are met, applicants will be able to obtain a cross-border work permit without a new prior decision from the cantonal market authority (OCIRT).
There may be reservations, on a case by case basis, for B residence permits limited to the duration of employment with an employer or subject to the following conditions:
- for B permits limited to the duration of the duties, the limitation to professional mobility is for a period of 3 years (under work permit B). As a result, the person who receives a G permit after two years has their occupational mobility restricted for another year. Any request for a change of employer within these 12 months will be subject to the prior authorisation of the cantonal labour market authority (OCIRT).
- for conditional B permits, the duration of the restriction varies. It ca be lifted after 12 months, but it can also be maintained for several years. A cross-border work permit may be issued only for the period corresponding to the duration of the restriction. The G permit will be conditional. Its renewal will be subject to the prior decision of the cantonal labour market authority (OCIRT) in the same way as if the person had continued to hold a conditional B permit.
Attachments
- 1 colour copy of a valid passport
- 1 passport-sized photo
- 1 copy of civil status document
- receipt of the application for a residence permit in France. A copy of the permit must be submitted at 12 months in connection with the renewal
- work contract signed by both parties
Additional documentation to demonstrate uninterrupted activity for two years with the same employer may be requested depending on the case.
Price
Payment is made online or by invoice for companies with a customer account with the OCPM.
Businesses with an e-démarches account have the possibility to create a customer account allowing them to benefit from the advantages of a monthly invoice payment. They therefore do not need to pay for each service by means of a credit card. They also have access to a summary of their requests made online.
Where the application is subject to a labour market review by the OCIRT, the latter shall also receive a fee (see Chapter V).
Processing times
The employer shall be kept informed of the outcome of its request within 12 weeks.
In the event of a request for a change of employment (permit limited to the duration of the duties), the applicant is not authorised to work.
Your application, as an employer, is done online. Businesses encountering difficulties with online approaches can obtain an application form to be returned by postal mail by going directly to the OCPM offices.