Moving & permits
Living in Switzerland or working across the border?
A foreign home with a Swiss job can suit an established household near the border. Living in Switzerland may simplify the commute and local participation. The better arrangement depends on your circumstances and the precise rules for both countries.
Editorial review: 16 October 2026
Establish the legal options
For EU/EFTA nationals, a G permit covers work in Switzerland while residing in an EU/EFTA state, with return to the main foreign residence at least weekly. Third-country nationals face different conditions and should verify eligibility with the canton. Swiss residence under L or B is another framework; the permit letter alone does not settle every household member's rights. Confirm the intended arrangement before comparing homes.
Calculate the complete household cost
Price realistic routes at commuting times, including parking, transfers and occasional overnight stays. Compare housing, tax treatment and health-insurance obligations for the specific country, canton and family situation. FOPH provides information for people resident abroad as well as Swiss residents. Cross-border tax rules and insurance choices require individual checking. Keep exchange-rate exposure visible where income and spending use different currencies.
Test remote work and daily life
Discuss the actual home-working pattern with the employer. Work performed in the residence country can affect social-security coverage, taxation and employer obligations; thresholds and agreements differ. Obtain confirmation for the planned arrangement before treating remote days as assured. Consider childcare pickup, school calendars, partner employment and the time left after travel. Trial the commute on an ordinary workday and compare the result with a Swiss home near the workplace.