This route is for EU/EFTA nationals whose main residence is in an EU/EFTA state and who work in Switzerland, employed or self-employed. Return home abroad daily as a rule, or at least weekly. No border zones apply: residence may be anywhere in EU/EFTA and work anywhere in Switzerland. Third-country G permits have separate rules. For EU/EFTA employees, a permanent contract or fixed contract over one year gives a five-year G permit. For a fixed contract over three months but under one year, validity matches the contract. Employment under three months uses online notification rather than a work permit. Check the competent authority for boundary cases; these employee-duration rules must not be assumed for every self-employed case.
Geneva OCPM fee list (28 January 2026), adult EU-category G permit: CHF 65 for arrival/return or extension. Confirm the applicable EFTA tariff and any separate work-authorisation charges with the canton. This is a Geneva example, not a national total.≈ $73
Canton Geneva (OCPM, published 21 September 2026): an indicative 3 months for a cross-border permit request; other cantons may differ.
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Source-backed requirements
Application
(2)Permit duration or notification
ConditionalFor EU/EFTA employees, a permanent contract or fixed contract over one year gives a five-year G permit. For a fixed contract over three months but under one year, validity matches the contract. Employment under three months uses online notification rather than a work permit. Check the competent authority for boundary cases; these employee-duration rules must not be assumed for every self-employed case.
Verified officialEU/EFTA residence and weekly return
MandatoryThis route is for EU/EFTA nationals whose main residence is in an EU/EFTA state and who work in Switzerland, employed or self-employed. Return home abroad daily as a rule, or at least weekly. No border zones apply: residence may be anywhere in EU/EFTA and work anywhere in Switzerland. Third-country G permits have separate rules.
Verified official
Source citations
OCPM Geneva — Liste des taxes (fee list, 28 January 2026)
Geneva OCPM adult arrival/initial-issue card fees: EU L/B CHF65; EU C CHF105 without/120 with biometrics; third-country L/B/C CHF117 without/137 with biometrics. EU G CHF65 arrival/return or extension. Canton/service/nationality-scoped; no Young Professionals-specific total or national visa fee established.
SEM — G EU/EFTA permit (Cross-border commuters)
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
SEM G permit page (modified 01.01.2022): EU/EFTA cross-border commuters; valid 5 years for contracts over one year or permanent; return home daily or at least weekly; under 3 months no permit, online notification applies.
Official links
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