Is the 20 km / 45 minutes rule for cross-border workers still in force?
Answered with official sources — Permits G, B and residency
Updated 11 August 2026
Answer
Yes, updated. The CH-IT 2020 tax Agreement (art. 2) defines a cross-border worker as someone residing in a municipality whose territory lies, entirely or partly, within 20 km of the border source: Fedlex SR 0.642.045.43. SEM also requires daily (or at least weekly) return home. The old 45-minutes rule was dropped in 2004 for all EU/EFTA nationals under the Free Movement Agreement (AFMP). Today the G permit requires no commuting-time cap, only weekly return. For tax purposes the 20 km remain relevant for old/new worker classification and rebate allocation.
Official sources
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.
The information on this page is for guidance only and does not replace personal advice from an accountant, lawyer or union office. Tax, social-security and permit rules change frequently: always verify with the official sources linked in each answer.