How long is the G permit valid and how is it renewed? (cross-border guide)
Answered with official sources — Permits G, B and residency
Answer
The EU/EFTA G permit lasts as long as the employment contract, up to 5 years (FNA art. 35 para. 2, OLCP art. 7) source: Fedlex FNA RS 142.20. Open-ended contracts are issued a 5-year permit, automatically renewed while employment continues. The employer files the request with the Migration Office (Ticino: Servizio migrazione, Bellinzona) via the EasyGov portal, attaching contract, Italian residence certificate and health card. Employer change requires a new notification within 8 days of new hire. Unemployment: permit remains valid 6 months to seek new work (FNA art. 61a).
Official sources
2Other questions on this topic
- 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.
- 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.