Working in Geneva and living in France

Why choose to work in Switzerland?

Living in France but working in Switzerland, crossing the border every day… This way of life offers many advantages, both financial and professional.

The benefits of working as a cross-border worker in Switzerland

What are the advantages of working in Geneva and living in France? First of all, working in Switzerland and living in France offers numerous financial and professional benefits. The Swiss job market is very dynamic and salaries there are the highest in Europe. In January 2023, the minimum wage in the canton of Geneva stood at 4,368 Swiss francs gross, or 4,400 euros. Compared to French wages, Swiss pay is therefore very attractive. Certain sectors, such as finance, chemicals and the pharmaceutical industry, are actively recruiting. 

By living in France whilst earning a salary in Switzerland, cross-border workers can make real savings. Indeed, the cost of living in Switzerland is very high. Housing, transport, food, leisure activities… Everything is more expensive in Switzerland than in France. Cross-border workers can also maintain their routines and family life in France, for example by sending their children to school there.

The downsides of working as a cross-border worker in Switzerland

However, living as a cross-border commuter does have its drawbacks. Living in France and working in Geneva means spending time in the car or on public transport every day to get to Switzerland. According to a study by the Jura Arc Cross-Border Statistical Observatory (OSTAJ), half of cross-border workers (also known as commuters) take more than 42 minutes to get to work each day. Most of them work more than 35 km from their homes. Finally, it is important to note that the working week is not fixed, as it is in France. Swiss workers work longer hours, with a typical working week of between 42 and 50 hours.

Where should you live in France if you work in Geneva?

Where do cross-border workers live in France? Which are the best towns to settle in for easy access to Switzerland for work? In the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in 2023, there were more than 125,000 French citizens working in Switzerland… The towns closest to Geneva are home to a large number of cross-border workers: Annecy, Annemasse, Thonon-les-Bains, Évian-les-Bains, Bons-en-Chablais, Douvaine, Veigy, Neuvecelle, Publier, Lugrin, and Vétraz-Monthoux… Surrounding Lake Geneva, these towns in Haute-Savoie are all located less than 30 minutes from Geneva! They are therefore highly sought-after by cross-border workers, not only for their proximity to Switzerland but also for their quality of life. The surrounding natural landscape, with its lakes and mountains, makes for a unique living environment, ideal for both couples and families.

Living in France and working in Geneva: practical considerations

Living in one country but working in another: becoming a cross-border worker requires a certain amount of organisation. What are the administrative formalities involved in cross-border work in Switzerland? To become a cross-border worker between France and Switzerland, the administrative formalities are relatively straightforward. Work permits, taxation, insurance… Here is the information you need to know to be able to work in Switzerland with peace of mind, whilst living in France.

Currency and foreign exchange

As a reminder, Switzerland is not part of the eurozone. The local currency is the Swiss franc. Whether you’re working in Switzerland and need to make purchases there, or simply want to convert your salary into euros, b-sharpe offers a reliable euro-to-Swiss franc currency converter that is updated in real time, highly intuitive and easy to use.

The Swiss work permit

In order to work in Switzerland as a cross-border worker, all EU citizens must hold a Swiss work permit, or G permit. This is essential for working in Switzerland. It is very easy to obtain: the application is made by the Swiss employer, who will complete the work permit application form themselves and submit it to the Swiss cantonal authorities. In the case of a permanent contract, the G permit is valid for 5 years. The conditions for obtaining a G permit are as follows: 

• hold a Swiss employment contract or a letter of offer;
• already be employed by a Swiss company;
• return to their home outside Switzerland at least once a week.

Opening a Swiss bank account

In order to receive your salary in Swiss francs, your employer will ask you for an IBAN registered in Switzerland. You will therefore need to open a bank account. You can then transfer your salary each month to a French bank account. The b-sharpe currency converter is a trusted financial partner for all your banking transactions between France and Switzerland.

The Swiss insurance system

When working in Switzerland, French cross-border workers are no longer covered by the French general social security scheme, nor by their mutual insurance or supplementary insurance in France. To obtain cover, cross-border workers must choose between the French scheme (CMU) and the Swiss scheme (LAMAL).

Recognition of qualifications

Have you studied abroad and would like to work in Switzerland? Good news: the Swiss education system is similar to that of European Union countries. This means that most professions are open to you with a degree obtained within the EU. If you obtained your degree outside the EU, you will need to apply for academic recognition. However, it is important to note that certain professions are regulated, particularly in the fields of healthcare, education, etc. In such cases, recognition of your qualification will be required. Here are some examples of regulated professions in Switzerland: doctor, dentist, pharmacist, psychologist, vet, civil engineer, teacher, taxi driver, architect, lawyer… If you need your qualification to be recognised as equivalent, an official platform has been set up to help you.

Taxes

And what about taxation? How is tax calculated in France for cross-border workers? As Switzerland is a federal state, each canton is free to set its own tax rules for cross-border workers. Some French nationals working in Switzerland can continue to pay their taxes in France. Since 1983, an agreement has been in place between France and Switzerland regarding the tax regime for cross-border workers: the wages earned by these workers are taxable in their country of residence. Thus, it is possible to live in France and pay taxes there, whilst working in Geneva. This agreement has been adopted in the following cantons: Vaud, Valais, Jura, Neuchâtel, Bern, Solothurn, Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft. And in Geneva? Please note that if you work in Geneva, you will pay your taxes in Switzerland, i.e. in your country of employment.

Cross-border mobility

For cross-border workers, living in France but working in Geneva means spending a lot of time travelling. If you plan to drive on Swiss motorways, remember to buy a Swiss vignette, which is the motorway toll sticker. Available in either physical or digital form, this essential pass allows you to drive legally on Swiss roads. 

Living in France but working in Geneva? It’s possible! Many French people have decided to move to Switzerland to work and live there. Others have chosen to continue living in France, close to the border, so they can commute to their employer in Switzerland. The rise of remote working has also made life easier for these cross-border workers.  By the end of 2022, 380,000 people were crossing the French-Swiss border daily to work in neighbouring Switzerland, according to the Federal Statistical Office. b-sharpe offers cross-border workers the option to exchange currencies online and transfer their Swiss salary, whilst benefiting from a transparent exchange rate. To avoid having to open a second bank account in Switzerland, they can then transfer their salary directly back to France.