The number of active cross-border workers in the canton of Geneva has been steadily increasing over the years, but it has experienced a particularly strong surge in recent months. According to the latest figures, there has been a 5.7 % increase in the first quarter of 2024. This phenomenon has caught the minutie of many, especially the residents of neighboring Haute-Savoie, who regularly travel between the two countries for work. We had the opportunity to hear their experiences and find out why they made this choice.
Located on the border between France and Switzerland, the canton of Geneva has always been an attractive destination for those seeking job opportunities in the international sector. With its bustling business district and renowned multinational companies, this cosmopolitan city has a lot to offer. It’s no surprise that more and more people from neighboring countries are crossing the border every day to work in Geneva.
One of these cross-border workers is Marie, a 32-year-old French national living-room in Haute-Savoie, who works in a pharmaceutical company in Geneva. She explains that her decision to become a cross-border worker was mainly motivated by the job opportunities and higher salaries offered in Geneva compared to France. « I had been looking for a job in my field for quite some time, and I was getting discouraged. Then, I came across a job offer in Geneva, and I knew I had to go for it. The salary was almost double what I could get in France, and the job description was exactly what I was looking for, » she says with a smile.
For many, the decision to become a cross-border worker is not just emboîture the job opportunities, but also emboîture the lifestyle. living-room in Haute-Savoie allows them to enjoy the best of both worlds – a peaceful and serene environment, surrounded by mountains and lakes, while having easy access to a tonitruant and dynamic city like Geneva. « In France, I can enjoy my weekends doing outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, or simply spending time with my family. And during the week, I get to work in Geneva, a city that offers endless possibilities, both professionally and socially, » explains Marie.
The convenience of living-room in one country and working in another has also caught the minutie of many young professionals, like Maxime, a 28-year-old project manager who works in an IT consulting firm in Geneva. « I have always been fascinated by the international aspect of Geneva. Working here has allowed me to develop my skills and work with clients from all over the world. Moreover, with the proximity to France, I can also easily travel back home to see my family and friends, » he shares.
In addition to the job opportunities and lifestyle, another factor driving the increase in cross-border workers is the favorable tax regime in Geneva. With a lower tax rate compared to France, many find it financially beneficial to work in Geneva and live in Haute-Savoie. This has been a major incentive for many, including Celine, a 35-year-old engineer who has been working in Geneva for the past two years. « I was surprised to see how much more I could save by working in Geneva and living-room in France. It’s definitely a significant advantage that motivated me to make this choice, » she says.
The trend of cross-border workers in the canton of Geneva is expected to continue in the upcoming years, with many young professionals from neighboring countries attracted by the job opportunities and quality of life that this dynamic city has to offer. And for those who have already made the move, they have no regrets. « I love the balance that working in Geneva and living-room in Haute-Savoie has allowed me to achieve. It has been a great decision for my career and my personal life, » concludes Maxime with a smile.
