Shared Housing for Expats in Geneva: How to Settle In Easily in 2026
You just accepted a job in Geneva. Congratulations! But now the crucial question: where to live?
Geneva is one of the world's most expensive cities for housing. And when you arrive from abroad, finding an apartment without a Swiss rental history can take months. The good news? There's a fast, affordable, and social solution: shared housing on the French side.
The Challenge of Arriving in Geneva
When you're an expat arriving in Geneva, you face several obstacles:
- No Swiss rental history: landlords require local references
- High security deposits: 3 months' rent in Switzerland (5,400 – 7,500 CHF for a studio)
- Administrative delays: B or G permit needed before signing a lease
- Social isolation: arriving alone in a new city
- Unfamiliar territory: which neighborhoods, which transport options?
Why Expats Choose Shared Housing on the French Side
More and more international expats choose to live on the French side and work in Geneva. Here's why:
The Financial Advantage
- Rent 40-60% cheaper than Geneva
- Full Swiss salary preserved (no negative tax impact)
- Cost of living (groceries, restaurants, leisure) significantly lower
- Annual savings of 8,000 to 20,000 CHF
The Administrative Advantage
- No B permit needed (the G cross-border permit is enough)
- Simpler lease: furnished contract, fewer guarantees required
- No Swiss bank guarantee blocked for years
The Social Advantage
- Established expat community
- Professional network: your housemates also work in Geneva
- Quick integration: local tips, outings, mutual support
The G Permit: What You Need to Know
To live in France and work in Switzerland, you need the G permit (cross-border):
- Who applies: your Swiss employer
- Duration: 5 years, automatically renewable
- Condition: reside in the border zone (90 km from the border)
- Taxation: taxed at source in Switzerland (Canton of Geneva)
- Processing time: 2 to 4 weeks
All our residences in Ville-la-Grand, Ambilly and Annemasse are in the border zone eligible for the G permit.
Our Solution for Expats: Move In Within 2 Weeks
At La Villa Coliving, we welcome expats and newcomers year-round. Here's how it works:
Step 1: Online Application (5 min)
Fill out the form on our Join Us page. We respond within 48 hours.
Step 2: Chat and Visit
A video call or in-person visit to get to know each other and show you the available houses.
Step 3: Move In
Sign the lease, drop your bags. Your room is fully furnished and equipped. Common spaces are ready. The community welcomes you.
What's Included in Your Rent (1,380 CHF/month)
No surprises, everything's included:
- 🛏️ Private furnished room with double bed, desk, storage
- 🏊 Pool (heated at La Villa, indoor at Le Loft)
- 💪 Gym and sauna
- 🧹 Cleaning 2x/week
- 📶 High-speed fiber internet
- 🧘 Weekly yoga and sports classes
- 🎉 Monthly community events
- 🍱 Monthly meal baskets
- 📺 Streaming subscriptions
Expat Testimonials at La Villa
"I arrived from Brazil for a UN position. I found La Villa online, moved in within 10 days. My housemates explained everything: transport, good deals, best spots. I felt at home from the first week." — Lucas, 28
"After 3 months of unsuccessful searching in Geneva, I discovered coliving. The value for money is unbeatable, and the community is incredible." — Maria, 31
Arrival Checklist for Expats
✅ Signed employment contract ✅ G permit application through employer ✅ La Villa Coliving application ✅ French bank account (can be opened after arrival) ✅ Cross-border health insurance (CMU or LAMal) ✅ Transport subscription (Léman Express or car)
Ready to Start Your Geneva Adventure?
Don't waste months looking for an impossible-to-find apartment. Discover our 3 houses and apply in 5 minutes. Your new life 15 minutes from Geneva starts now.