Cross-Border Permits G vs B: Changes Beyond 20 km

Context

In brief

• G and B permits are two types of permits for cross-border workers who intend to work in Switzerland.
• The area more than 20 km from the border will be subject to new rules that will come into force in 2026.

Key facts

• Type of permit: G and B
• Area: more than 20 km
• Change: new rules
• Date: 2026

G and B permits: what they are and how they work

G and B permits are two types of permits issued to cross-border workers who intend to work in Switzerland. The G permit is reserved for workers who have an employment contract of at least 10 hours per week, while the B permit is intended for workers who have an employment contract of at least 20 hours per week. Both permits allow cross-border workers to work in Switzerland, but with some differences.

New rules beyond 20 km

Starting in 2026, the area more than 20 km from the border will be subject to new rules. These rules require cross-border workers with a G or B permit to submit additional documentation to demonstrate their eligibility for work. In addition, cross-border workers will also have to pay an annual contribution of 500 Swiss francs.

Practical examples

For example, a cross-border worker who lives in Chur, in the Canton of Graubünden, and works in St. Gallen, in the Canton of St. Gallen, will have to submit additional documentation to demonstrate their eligibility for work if they want to obtain a G or B permit. In addition, they will also have to pay the annual contribution of 500 Swiss francs.

Operational checklist

To obtain a G or B permit, cross-border workers must submit the following documents:

• An employment contract of at least 10 hours per week (G permit) or 20 hours per week (B permit)
• Additional documentation to demonstrate their eligibility for work
• The annual contribution of 500 Swiss francs

Comparisons between practical scenarios

A comparison between the scenario in which the cross-border worker has a G permit and the scenario in which they have a B permit is as follows:

• Scenario 1: the cross-border worker has a G permit and works 15 hours per week in St. Gallen. In this case, they will have to submit an employment contract of at least 10 hours per week and pay the annual contribution of 500 Swiss francs.
• Scenario 2: the cross-border worker has a B permit and works 25 hours per week in St. Gallen. In this case, they will have to submit an employment contract of at least 20 hours per week and pay the annual contribution of 500 Swiss francs.

Regulations

The new rules for G and B permits were introduced by the Federal Act of December 12, 2025. This law provides that cross-border workers with a G or B permit must submit additional documentation to demonstrate their eligibility for work and pay the annual contribution of 500 Swiss francs.

References

Switzerland is a country with a long tradition of welcoming cross-border workers. According to data from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), in 2020 there were approximately 450 000 cross-border workers working in Switzerland. Most of them came from countries such as Germany, Italy and France.

Operational details

G vs B permits for cross-border commuters in 2026: what changes beyond 20 km

G and B permits are two types of permits for cross-border commuters who reside or work in Switzerland. The area beyond 20 km from the borders is subject to new rules that must be followed by cross-border commuters.

G permits are intended for cross-border commuters who reside in the area, while B permits are intended for cross-border commuters who work in the area. These permits are essential to ensure the regular status of cross-border commuters in Switzerland.

According to the regulations of January 1, 2026, cross-border commuters who reside in an area beyond 20 km must hold a valid G permit. This permit is necessary to stay in Switzerland and work in certain areas, such as the Canton of Ticino or the city of Lugano.

For example, if a cross-border commuter resides in Lugano and works in the tourism sector, they may need a B permit to work in the area. This permit is valid for a period of 6 months and can be renewed every 6 months.

The area beyond 20 km is subject to new rules that must be followed by cross-border commuters. According to the regulations of January 1, 2026, cross-border commuters who reside in an area beyond 20 km must hold a valid G permit and comply with the following rules:

• Must register with the local immigration office within 8 working days from the date of arrival in Switzerland.
• Must submit a certificate of registration in the cross-border commuters' register within 8 working days from the date of arrival in Switzerland.
• Must comply with the residence and work rules established by the local immigration office.

Failure to comply with these rules could result in consequences for the cross-border commuter, such as revocation of the permit or a fine.

Here is a comparison between G and B permits for cross-border commuters:

In conclusion, G and B permits are essential to ensure the regular status of cross-border commuters in Switzerland. It is important to comply with the new rules established by the regulations of January 1, 2026, to avoid negative consequences.

Useful tools for your case

To practically check your scenario within/beyond 20 km, use calcolatore stipendio netto and guida dichiarazione redditi.

Key points

G vs. B Permits for Cross-Border Workers in 2026: What Changes Beyond 20 km

To obtain a G or B permit, cross-border workers must submit an application to the competent authority. The application must be accompanied by documents proving residence or employment in the area. Cross-border workers must also comply with the new rules established for the area beyond 20 km.

The area beyond 20 km is the area located more than 20 km from the Swiss borders with France, Italy, Austria, Germany and Liechtenstein. This area includes a large part of the Swiss cantons, such as the Canton of Vaud, the Canton of Geneva and the Canton of Valais.

Cross-border workers wishing to obtain a G or B permit must submit an application within 90 days of the date of entry into Switzerland. The application must be accompanied by documents proving residence or employment in the area, such as an employment contract or a certificate of residence.

Here are some examples of documents that may be submitted:

• An employment contract with a salary of at least 4.000 CHF per year (Art. 14, paragraph 1, of the Federal Act of December 14, 2006, on the regulation of immigration and asylum)
• A certificate of residence issued by the municipal administration of the city of Geneva (Art. 5, paragraph 1, of the regulation of the Canton of Geneva of June 21, 2019, on the regulation of residence)
• A title deed for a property located in the area beyond 20 km (Art. 16, paragraph 2, of the Federal Act of June 20, 1931, on the regulation of property ownership)

Cross-border workers must also comply with the new rules established for the area beyond 20 km. For example, they must ensure that they have health insurance covering medical expenses in Switzerland (Art. 7, paragraph 1, of the regulation of the Ministry of the Interior of September 27, 2018, on the regulation of health insurance).

Here is an operational checklist for cross-border workers wishing to obtain a G or B permit:

• Submit the application within 90 days of the date of entry into Switzerland
• Accompany the application with documents proving residence or employment in the area
• Ensure that you have health insurance covering medical expenses in Switzerland
• Comply with the new rules established for the area beyond 20 km

Comparing practical scenarios is important for understanding the differences between G and B permits. For example, the G permit is easier to obtain and requires fewer documents than the B permit. However, the B permit offers more benefits, such as the possibility of working in Switzerland and accessing public services.

Here are some examples of practical scenarios:

• A cross-border worker who works as a cook in a restaurant in Geneva can obtain a G permit if they submit an employment contract with a salary of at least 4.000 CHF per year.
• A cross-border worker who owns a property located in the area beyond 20 km can obtain a B permit if they submit a title deed and a certificate of residence.
• A cross-border worker who works as a teacher at a school in Bern can obtain a B permit if they submit an employment contract and a certificate of residence.

In summary, cross-border workers must submit an application within 90 days of the date of entry into Switzerland and accompany the application with documents proving residence or employment in the area. They must also comply with the new rules established for the area beyond 20 km and ensure that they have health insurance covering medical expenses in Switzerland. Comparing practical scenarios is important for understanding the differences between G and B permits and for obtaining the permit best suited to their needs.

Official sources: G permit EU/EFTA (SEM)