Is the 20 km / 45 minutes rule for cross-border workers still in force?
Answered with official sources — Permits G, B and residency
Answer
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. For tax purposes the 20 km zone is a condition for being a cross-border worker, old or new: the CH-IT 2020 Agreement (art. 2) requires residence in a municipality whose territory lies, entirely or partly, within 20 km of the border source: Fedlex SR 0.642.045.43. Old and new workers are distinguished by their activity in the period 31/12/2018-17/07/2023. The Agreement sets no travel-time limit; its 45 days concern non-return for work reasons.
Official sources
4- fedlex.admin.chwww.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/oc/2023/410/it
- sem.admin.chwww.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/themen/aufenthalt/eu_efta/ausweis_g_eu_efta.html
- sem.admin.chwww.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/themen/aufenthalt/nicht_eu_efta/ausweis_g__grenzgaengerbewilligung.html
- sem.admin.chwww.sem.admin.ch/sem/it/home/themen/aufenthalt/eu_efta.html
Other questions on this topic
- 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…
- If I change employer do I need to change the G permit?
The G permit is personal, not tied to a specific employer. The new employer must notify the Cantonal Migration Office within 8 days via EasyGov, indicating the existing permit number (OLCP art. 9). No new issuance procedure is required.
- What is the difference between G and B permits?
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). It does not give Swiss residence rights.
- 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.