Introduction – Cross-border unemployment in Switzerland: Why a new guideline in 2025?
Every year more than200,000 cross-border commutersCrossing the border to work in Switzerland. In the event of job loss, the compensation rules differ significantly from those for employees residing in Switzerland.Reforms of March 21, 2025We've updated several policies, so a detailed update is essential to protect your rights and your hard-earned CHF. In this guide, MyBestFX.ch, your ultra-low-cost CHF/EUR exchange partner, explains:step by stepCommentMaximize your unemployment benefitsAndReduce exchange fees.
Cross-border unemployment in Switzerland: definition and stakeholders
Cross-border worker status
We call itConfineany person resident in a neighbouring country (France, Germany, Italy, Austria or Liechtenstein) who returns to their country of originat least once a weekafter having worked in Switzerland. This definition is contained in the Switzerland-EU Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons and in theRegulation (EC) 883/2004.
Impact of bilateral agreements
Unemployment contributions paid in Switzerland canexportedto the country of residence: this country – in most cases France – will pay the compensation on the basis of the periods completed in Switzerland, which are determined by thePDU1 Module(formerly U1/E301).
Cross-border unemployment in Switzerland: eligibility requirements in 2025
Insurance period: have contributed at least6 Fun(France) or the minimum period required by your country of residence in the last 24 months.
Involuntary termination of the contract: termination, failure to renew a fixed-term employment contract, or mutually agreed termination.
Availability and active job search: You must accept any reasonable offer of work (ORE) under the Decree ofMarch 21, 2025, adapted to your skills, located in a compatible geographical area and paid according to French salary levels.
Cross-border unemployment in Switzerland: step-by-step administrative procedure
1. Obtain the PDU1 form from the Swiss Unemployment Insurance Fund
Application form (downloadable atSwiss work) ;
International employer certificate, last 6 pay slips, employment contract, and termination letter.
2. Register with France Travail (or the equivalent organization in your country).
Please present PDU1 + proof of address, ID, RIB.
3. Fulfill your monthly obligations
Online updates, subpoena tracking, proof of job search.
Swiss unemployment benefit for cross-border unemployment: calculation and duration
Reference salary
THE Swiss gross income converted into €(average exchange rate of the Banque de France for the month of the last payment) are used to calculate theReference daily salary(SJR).
Allocation rate and duration
Dal 57% al 75%of the SJR based on seniority and family situation;
from 6 to 24 monthsCompensation (up to 36 months for people aged 50 and over).To determine the calculation of the working period, all working days worked in Switzerland are considered in full.Duration of time.
What's New in 2025 – Cross-border Unemployment in Switzerland: What Will Change?
Before March 21, 2025
From March 21, 2025
HOURS not very precise
HOURS = Skills Match + Territory of Origin + French Salaries
Random checks
Systematic monthly checks
Few sanctions
Suspension possible from the first rejected HOUR
Good to know:an additional waiting time (“waiting time”) of7 Takeapplies if your last Swiss salary exceeds CHF 4,050/month.
Optimizing your finances in the event of cross-border unemployment in Switzerland
Why choose MyBestFX.ch for your CHF → EUR transfers?
Average spread: 0.25% - Until 8 times cheaperthat some banks;
100% online platform, free SEPA transfers within 24 hours;
Customer service based in Switzerland.
Numerical simulation
The former Geneva manager saves money on a monthly salary of 6,000 francs≥ 600 €per year in currency exchange fees by using MyBestFX.ch instead of your traditional checking account.
Common Mistakes – Cross-Border Unemployment in Switzerland
Forget the PDU1 requirementProcessing time 4-6 weeks, plan ahead!
Declare your deductibles in CHFto French income tax: convert it to the official rate.
Refusal of an HOURwithout just cause: immediate suspension.
Ignoring the impact of the exchange rate: each fluctuation of 0.01 CHF/EUR = ± €10 transferred on 1,000 CHF.
FAQ – Cross-border unemployment in Switzerland 2025
How long does it take between cancellation and the first payment?≈ 30 days (legal waiting period + processing of the file).
In Switzerland, can I combine unemployment and reduced capacity to work?Yes, up to 70% of normal working hours.
Do I have to relaunch the Swiss fund if I find work in the EU?No. Simply report your return to work to France Travail.
What happens if I move outside the EU/EFTA?Export rights expire.