Working in Switzerland and living in France advice
Live in Evian and Thonon-les-Bains and become a "border" worker. In this article we give you all the tips:
Are you planning to come and live in the Chablais region and work in Switzerland? You are already a resident of Thonon-les-Bains and Evian-les-Bains and have new professional perspectives?
First of all, it is important to know that it is not enough to simply apply and find a job in Switzerland. There are some rules to follow. In order to be able to work in Switzerland while living in France, it is necessary to obtain a cross-border work permit: the "Permis G". Indeed, Switzerland authorizes a maximum number of foreign workers. Therefore, the granting of a work permit makes it possible to manage the flow. The G permit is valid for 5 years for permanent contracts and for any contract lasting more than one year. However, for a contract of 3 to 12 months, the work permit is valid for the duration of the contract. The application is made either by the employee or by the employer to the municipality where the company is located.
Looking for work in Switzerland is not that simple. All applications must be complete and include: a CV with a photo, precise contact details, a detailed description of knowledge and skills as well as references from previous employers, which must be included. This way, you will have a better chance of having your application read and receiving a positive response for a job interview. The number one website for job searches in Switzerland is: https://www.jobup.ch/fr/
The current job market in Switzerland
For the past few years, Swiss companies have been favouring local hiring, especially for qualified workers. However, after the COVID-19 episode, the Swiss labor market is more dynamic than the French market. Indeed, the unemployment rate remains very low and the doors to cross-border workers are still open! Especially in sectors where there is a lack of manpower, such as health, digital and education. Sectors such as building and public works, catering and wellness are not very popular with the Swiss. The supply is therefore greater than the demand.
The difference in salary/cost of living
It should be noted that a cross-border worker, with the same skills, will cost the company much less than a Swiss worker because the salary level is not the same. Why is there a salary difference between a cross-border worker and a Swiss worker? It is no secret that the cost of living in Switzerland is much higher than in France. It is therefore logical that the salaries are proportional and that a cross-border worker's salary is adjusted downwards in relation to the cost of living in France. This is an advantage for employers who take advantage of this cross-border market to reduce their salary costs. But by how much? We estimate that a Swiss salary is about 3 times higher than a French salary.
Concerning taxes: they are generally deducted directly at the source and, as you are not doubly taxable, you will not pay taxes in France. In some cantons, the employee is given the choice to pay taxes in France or in Switzerland.
Exchange rates
Cross-border commuters receive their salary in CHF, so they are subject to the exchange rate.
Depending on the variations, they can be winners or losers.
It is necessary to find a bank that has both CHF and EURO.
Transportation costs
It is necessary to take into account the expenses of the transport costs. This is an important amount to be deducted from your monthly salary. As mentioned in our previous article, trips can be made by car, train or with the famous CGN boat.
Health insurance:
As soon as a cross-border commuter starts working on Swiss territory, he/she is obliged to subscribe to a health insurance. He has two options:
In Switzerland: the LAMal regime
In France: the CMU scheme.
To assist border workers in their administrative procedures, their job search and their daily organization, the association Groupement Transfrontaliers Européen (GTE) has an office in Thonon-les-Bains.
Living in France in the Chablais, the advantages :
The French Chablais extends from the French-Swiss border on the Geneva side, between Hermance and Chens-sur-Léman, to the border of Saint-Gingolph. The main towns Thonon and Evian-les-Bains are ideally located and are very popular with border residents. Indeed, this lower region of the Chablais massif offers a pleasant quality of life between lake and mountain.
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Contact :
- Evian +33 (0) 4 50 75 15 15 / e-mail : evian@decordier-immobilier.com
- Thonon +33 (0) 4 50 72 31 95 / e-mail : thonon@decordier-immobilier.com
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