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Cross-border commuter
Anyone who lives in Germany and works in Switzerland is considered a cross-border commuter. We'll show you what's important - from authorisation and taxes to insurance and pensions. Our experienced cross-border commuter advisors will help you get everything right from the start.
German cross-border commuters in Switzerland
Many people live in Germany and commute to work in Switzerland on a daily or regular basis. As a cross-border commuter, you benefit from a higher income and a stable labour market, but you also have to observe special regulations. Issues such as cross-border commuter permits, taxes, health insurance and pensions are key to ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Our experts in Zurich will help you make the right decisions and optimise your cross-border commuter status.
Cross-border commuter
A cross-border commuter is someone who lives in Germany and works in Switzerland, but usually returns to their place of residence every day. This form is the most common and is officially recognised with the Cross-border commuter permit G regulated. For many Germans who commute to Switzerland, this is an ideal compromise: they benefit from the higher Swiss wage level, the stable economy and short commutes, while the centre of their lives and social environment remain in Germany. Cross-border commuters generally pay their taxes in Germany, while Switzerland levies a withholding tax that is later credited. It is important that you Obligation to return and document the border crossing.
The choice of Cross-border commuter health insurance plays a major role, because as a cross-border commuter you can choose between the German statutory health insurance and the Swiss basic insurance (Option right). An early consultation with our cross-border commuter experts will help you to find the best solution for you - in terms of tax and insurance.
Cross-border commuters with a weekly stay
A Cross-border commuters with a weekly stay lives in Switzerland during the week and travels back to Germany at the weekend. This option is often chosen if the daily commute to work is too long. Although the centre of life remains in Germany, this person also needs the Cross-border commuter permit. The decisive factor is that you can prove that your home is still in Germany - for example through your family, flat or regular return.
It is important to organise everything correctly - from permits and taxes to accommodation. Our experts in Zurich will help you find the best solution for your personal situation.
Health insurance for cross-border commuters
If you work in Switzerland and live in Germany, you are considered a cross-border commuter and must take out health insurance in Switzerland. At the same time, you have a so-called right of option - this means you can choose whether you want to take out insurance in Switzerland or Germany. This decision is very important because it is permanent and can only be changed later in exceptional cases.
Option 1: Swiss health insurance
Most cross-border commuters opt for Swiss health insurance. These are Special health insurance for cross-border commuters, that offer basic insurance in accordance with Swiss law. The big advantage: you are fully insured in Switzerland and can go to the doctor or hospital there without any restrictions. However, so that you can also make use of medical services in Germany, you will receive a Certificate S1, which you can use to register with a German health insurance fund. This also entitles you to doctor's visits and treatment in Germany - the costs are then settled between the Swiss and German health insurers.
Option 2: German health insurance (option right)
If you have the Option right you can take out statutory health insurance in Germany instead. In this case, you remain a member of your German health insurance fund and pay your contributions there directly. The advantage is that you continue to use your usual system and receive all benefits in Germany. The disadvantage: with German health insurance, you can only be treated in Switzerland in emergencies unless you take out additional private international health insurance. This option is therefore often impractical for cross-border commuters who want to go to the doctor in Switzerland frequently.
Individual counselling is recommended, as the decision on health insurance has long-term financial and health consequences. Contact us early on and let our cross-border commuter specialists advise you.
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