If the children live abroad and one of the parents works in an EU or EFTA member state, which parent can claim a Swiss family allowance?

As regards EU and EFTA member states, the “place-of-employment” principle applies. A family allowance claim must be submitted in the country where the applicant works, even if the person entitled to claim or their children live in another country. If both parents are gainfully employed, priority is given to the provisions in the country where the children live. If the other parent works in a country with higher family allowance rates, that country pays out the difference.