As CERN is situated on the Swiss-French border you are entitled to take up residence in either Switzerland or France. It is a matter of personal choice and will notably depend on your financial situation, family status and individual lifestyle.

Cost of living

It is important to compare the cost of living in Switzerland and France as the prices of accommodation, food, leisure activities, etc. do vary from one to the other.

Work and residence permit

If you are considering taking up residence with your family, you should be aware that there are differences between the French and Swiss regulations governing work and residence permits for the members of your family (spouse, registered partner and dependent children).

Users should contact the Users’ Office.
Members of the personnel should contact HR Departement.

Childhood, Education and Training

Childhood, Education and Training in Geneva

Childhood, Education and Training in L’Ain

Education and Training in Haute-Savoie

More information about Children from the Social Service

Transport

The Canton of Geneva is primarily urban, with a well-developed public transport network, while in the neighbouring region of France it is advisable to have your own means of transport. Members of CERN Staff Association may benefit from preferential rates.

Accomodation

It is rather difficult to find accomodation in the area. We therefore strongly advise you to inform yourself and to contact the Real Estate Agencies before you arrive in the region.

Geneva Housing
Housing in l’Ain and La Haute-Savoie

The CERN Housing Service offers various types of short term furnished accommodation (rooms, apartments) for rent.
CERN Hotel Reservation :
Information before booking a room
Online booking
It also provides assistance, information and advice regarding hotels in the local area, where special rates have been negotiated for CERN users and offers assistance with finding furnished or unfurnished accommodation on the local private market: apartments and houses on the private market.