What is the difference between G and B permits? (cross-border guide)
Answered with official sources — Permits G, B and residency
Answer
The G permit (cross-border) is issued to EU/EFTA nationals working in Switzerland who return to Italy at least weekly (Foreign Nationals Act art. 35, OLCP art. 7) source: Fedlex SEM FNA RS 142.20. It does not give Swiss residence rights. The B permit (residence) is issued with a contract over 12 months and actual domicile transfer to Switzerland; it gives residence, easy family reunification and progression to C permit after 5-10 years. B holders are taxed ordinarily above CHF 120,000/year, while G is always at source. Switching G→B requires effective residence transfer.
Official sources
2Other questions on this topic
- What happens to my G permit if I lose my job?
The G permit remains valid for 6 months after employment ends (FNA art. 61a) to allow job search. During this period the worker may claim unemployment.
- Can spouse and children hold a family G permit?
Yes. AFMP Annex I art. 3 allows family members (spouse, children under 21 or dependents, dependent parents) of EU/EFTA cross-border workers to work in Switzerland and obtain their own 5-year G permit. No minimum contract duration is required.
- Can I have two Swiss employers with one G permit?
Yes. OLCP art. 12 allows G permit holders to hold multiple Swiss employments simultaneously. Each employer notifies the hire and withholds tax on its share.
- Is the 20 km / 45 minutes rule for cross-border workers still in force?
In a different form. For EU/EFTA nationals SEM states that border zones no longer exist: the G permit requires no maximum distance or travel time, only a return home that is normally daily or at least weekly. The border zone still applies to third-country nationals.
- Must I register with AIRE if I hold a G permit?
No. AIRE (Italian Citizens Resident Abroad Register) applies to Italians moving residence outside Italy for over 12 months. The G permit holder keeps Italian residence, so does NOT register with AIRE.
- Can I bring my family to Switzerland under the G permit?
The G permit does not give an automatic family reunification right in Switzerland because it is not a residence permit (FNA art. 42 applies to settlement permits).
- How long is the G permit valid and how is it renewed?
The EU/EFTA G permit lasts as long as the employment contract, up to 5 years (FNA art. 35 para. 2, OLCP art. 7). Open-ended contracts are issued a 5-year permit, automatically renewed while employment continues.
- How do I switch from G permit to B permit?
You must effectively move to Switzerland (FNA art. 33). Procedure: (1) find a Swiss dwelling and sign a lease; (2) notify the Municipal registry office within 14 days of arrival with passport, work contract and lease; (3) the Commune…