Working Across France and Switzerland: Taxes, Insurance, and Work-Life Balance for Cross-Border Workers

You live in France, work in Switzerland (Geneva, Vaud, Basel…). You're employed but not a Swiss tax resident. Your status is governed by detailed bilateral agreements.

Cross-border work between France and Switzerland is a unique opportunity combining attractive Swiss salaries with French quality of life. For more career strategies abroad, explore our guide on finding your first job abroad.

Status: You're a 'frontier worker' if you return home at least once a week.

Taxes: Depending on canton, tax is withheld at source in Switzerland (Geneva, Valais) or paid in France (Vaud, Jura, Neuchâtel).

Health insurance: Choose Swiss LAMal or French CPAM within 3 months of starting work. Learn more about European healthcare systems.

Retirement: You pay Swiss contributions (AVS) but can combine rights with France.

Unemployment: If job loss occurs, France (country of residence) handles benefits.

1. Tax filing: Even if taxed in Switzerland, some French border communes charge small local levies.

2. Health cover: Compare LAMal (≈350–450 CHF/month/adult) vs CPAM + top-up (≈150–250 €/month). Check our guide on the European Health Insurance Card.

3. Commute: Plan buffer time (snow, strikes).

4. Documents: Contract, employer letter, G-permit, proof of residence, bank details, insurance.

5. Family: Check which country pays child benefits—often the working parent's country.

Contract: Salary in CHF, Swiss social charges, Geneva source tax.

Insurance: LAMal 'frontier' plan—care in France reimbursed by CPAM, Swiss care at Swiss rates.

Tax France: Still declare yearly; get a credit to avoid double taxation.

Holidays: 4-week minimum; align with Swiss calendar (different holidays).

Daily life: Keep CHF + EUR accounts for good exchange rates. See our tips on opening a bank account as an expat.

Pros: Higher pay, strong economy, solid social system.

Cons: High Swiss prices, long commute, admin complexity.

Use currency transfer apps (Wise, Revolut) for better rates.

Keep all pay slips and AVS statements—needed for pensions.

If changing canton, recheck insurance/tax rights.

For Franco-Swiss couples, consider joint filing to smooth taxation.

Balance work and personal life—discover our tips on building a fulfilling life abroad.

Cross-border work can be balanced—not bureaucratic chaos. Learn the rules, keep records, and you'll enjoy both worlds: Swiss stability and French comfort. For remote workers, also check our article on working remotely from another EU country.