Maternity and Paternity Leave in Switzerland for Cross-Border Workers

The arrival of a child is an exceptional moment, but it raises many legal and financial questions when you work in Switzerland and live in a bordering country.

As a cross-border worker (G permit holder), you enjoy the same fundamental rights as resident workers regarding birth-related leaves. Whether you are the future mother or father, Swiss law provides for specific allowances covered by the Loss of Earnings Compensation (APG).

Here is a clear and detailed overview of your rights, the duration of your leave, and the procedures to undertake with your Swiss employer.

1. Maternity Leave in Switzerland

Federal maternity leave (maternity insurance) grants female workers the right to paid leave after childbirth. Unlike in France, prenatal leave does not exist as such in Swiss law. If you must stop working before the birth, this falls under standard sick leave (upon presentation of a medical certificate).

Duration and Compensation

Minimum legal duration: 14 weeks (98 days) starting from the child's birth.
Compensation: 80% of the average salary earned before childbirth.
Cap: The daily allowance is capped at a maximum amount set by the Confederation (currently 220 CHF per day).

🇨🇭 CANTONAL AND CONVENTIONAL SPECIFICITIES

Some cantons or collective employment agreements (CCT) are more generous than federal law. For example:

In the Canton of Geneva, the duration of maternity leave is extended to 16 weeks, with allowances that may be adjusted.
Many employers pay 100% of the salary throughout the entire maternity leave, depending on the employment contract or the applicable CCT.

Eligibility Conditions for Cross-Border Workers

To benefit from the maternity allowance, you must:

Have been insured with the AVS (Old-Age and Survivors' Insurance) during the 9 months preceding childbirth.
Have engaged in lucrative employment for at least 5 months during this period.
Still be employed on the date of childbirth.

2. Paternity Leave in Switzerland

Introduced more recently into federal legislation, paternity leave allows working fathers (including cross-border workers) to be involved from the child's first days.

Duration and Conditions

The legal duration of paternity leave is 2 weeks (i.e., 14 paid days). These days can be taken:

All at once (14 consecutive days, including weekends).
Or as single days (10 working days).

Deadline: The leave must strictly be taken within the 6 months following the birth. After this period, the right expires.

Overview of Federal Rights	Maternity Leave	Paternity Leave
Legal Duration	14 weeks minimum	2 weeks (14 days)
APG Compensation	80% of salary (capped at 220 CHF/day)	80% of salary (capped at 220 CHF/day)
Contribution Conditions	9 months AVS, including 5 months of work	9 months AVS, including 5 months of work
Usage Deadline	Immediately upon birth	Within 6 months following birth

3. Procedures and Family Allowances

As a cross-border worker, your procedures are primarily handled through your Swiss employer.

How to Apply for Your Allowances (Maternity / Paternity)?

The payment of the allowance is not automatic. In principle, your employer submits the application to their competent AVS compensation office once the child is born.

You will need to provide them with a copy of the birth certificate or an updated family record book.

💶 FAMILY ALLOWANCES (CHILD ALLOWANCES)

In addition to birth leave, you are entitled to Swiss family allowances. If your spouse works in your country of residence (e.g., France), priority rules apply:

Priority Country: The country where the professional activity is exercised pays the allowances as a priority. If both parents work, the children's country of residence is prioritized.
Differential Allowance (ADI): If the allowance amount from the priority country is lower than what the other country provides, the second country's fund pays the difference. In Switzerland, allowances are generally higher.

Maximize Your Cross-Border Income

You will soon receive your family allowances or leave indemnities in Swiss Francs (CHF). Do not lose a portion of these amounts to bank exchange fees.

With ibani, convert your income and allowances at the best exchange rate, directly to your local bank account.

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Maternity and Paternity Leave in Switzerland: Rights and Procedures for Cross-Border Workers