Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone knows the answer to this question about cross-border commuter permits. I am British and my wife is American. I know that under the bilateral agreements I can live and work in Switzerland, get a B-EC permit, and that my wife would automatically get a B-EC permit as well and be able to work.

But what about G permits? If we were to live in France and I had a G-EC permit would my wife be able to automatically get one also? What about if I worked in France rather than Switzerland - could she still get a Swiss G-EC permit because she's married to an EU citizen?

Meant to say that you can assume this refers to the post 1st June regime...

Hi,
We live across the border in France, and being a non-EU married to an EU citizen, I had no problems getting a G permit. Just remember to register in France too and get the carte de sejour (residency permit) which also gave me automatic right to work in France as well due to married status. Not sure how rules might eventually change under the new president, but for now, it is easy and free! (the French one, that is) My company applied for my G permit for me, and there was no problem.

Good luck!

Hi,
Thanks for the encouraging reply!
I have to admit, I'm still not completely confident though. You say that your employer applied for your permit - doesn't this mean that it's a regular G (which could be refused) rather than a G-EC (which can't).
Basically, we're trying to decide whether to apply for UK citizenship for my wife before we move - which isn't cheap (and couldn't be done after we leave).

Your partner will not have a problem getting a G permit. There are very relaxed regulations for those who are not actually living in Switzerland...especially since you are EU. The employer does have to apply for it still but they will have no problem, this info is coming straight from the fremde polizei that I've spoken with several times.

As your wife is not an EU citizen you will need the G permit - you can't apply for the G-EC unless you are an EU citizen. But as stated elswhere, the G will not be refused unless there are very special reasons.

Is your wife going to be working in Switzerland? If not and you live in France what would she need a permit for then?

I am a spouse of a G-permit holder and as I don't currently work I have no permit at all but I do have the right to live in France as have EU-passports.