Practical guide to Geneva · 02
Administrative procedures in Geneva: the OCPM guide
Arrival notification, residence and work permits, change of address, certificates and departure: the procedures to know and their deadlines.
The essentials
Your first step: the OCPM
Anyone who takes up residence in Geneva must check their arrival notification with the Cantonal Office of Population and Migration (OCPM). The canton indicates a general deadline of 14 days.
The procedure depends on your nationality and the reason for your stay: work, studies, family… The OCPM also handles residence, certain permits, the address, certificates and leaving the canton.
Notify my arrival (ge.ch)
Deadlines
Dates not to miss
| Procedure | General deadline | Official link |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival notification | 14 days after arrival | ge.ch |
| Change of address within the canton | 14 days after the move | ge.ch |
| Departure notification | 2 weeks before departure (if mandatory) | ge.ch |
| EU/EFTA permit with work lasting over 3 months | Before the start of work | ge.ch |
Your profile
Which procedure matches your situation?
Identify your category before filling in a form.
-
Swiss national
An arrival notification procedure applies when you take up residence in Geneva.
-
EU / EFTA
For a stay of more than three months, a permit application may be required.
-
Third country
Nationals from outside the EU/EFTA generally apply for their permit before arriving.
-
Legitimation card
Special procedures exist for international staff.
-
Other canton
Moving between cantons follows different rules depending on nationality and permit.
-
Family reunification
Specific procedures apply to join a family member.
The permits
Permits B, C, L, G: what are the differences?
The main authorisations to live or work in Geneva.
| Permit | In brief | For whom, in general? |
|---|---|---|
| Permit L | Short-term residence | Assignments or fixed-term contracts |
| Permit B | Residence permit | Long-term stay with a specific purpose: work, studies, family |
| Permit C | Settlement permit | Residents settled for several years, for an indefinite period |
| Permit G | Cross-border commuter permit | People who work in Switzerland and live abroad |
| Legitimation card | Document issued by the FDFA | Staff of international organisations and missions |
The exact conditions depend on your nationality and situation: consult the official page for the service.
Your file
From submission to receiving the permit
Prepare your documents
ID, lease, contract or proof of studies, civil status documents, photos and forms.
Submit the application
Keep the confirmation and check the address given to the OCPM.
Respond to requests
Provide any additional documents; put your name on your letterbox.
Biometrics and permit
You may be invited to have your biometric data recorded.
Address and certificates
Moving, certificates and departure
Moving
Change of address
To be notified to the OCPM within 14 days, even if you stay in the canton.
- Copy of the lease if you are a tenant
- Confirmation from the sub-letter in case of subletting
- Name on the letterbox
Official documents
OCPM certificates
Residence certificate or certificate of a permit application in progress.
- Useful for letting agencies, banks and consulates
- A certificate of application does not replace the permit
- Online ordering
Leaving Geneva
Departure notification
For abroad or another canton: at the latest 2 weeks before departure, when mandatory.
- Departure certificate
- Useful for banking and customs formalities
- Remember your health insurer
Vocabulary
Understanding an official letter
Administrative letters use precise French: deadlines, documents, decisions.
- Mini-lexicon below
- French courses for adults
- Targeted private lessons
Mini-lexicon
The Geneva administrative vocabulary
- OCPM
- Cantonal Office of Population and Migration.
- Taking up residence
- Settling durably in a municipality; it must be notified.
- Residence permit
- The “permit” that authorises you to reside in Switzerland (B, C, L…).
- EU / EFTA
- European Union and European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland).
- Third country
- A country that belongs neither to the EU nor to the EFTA.
- Family reunification
- Procedure to join a family member established in Switzerland.
- Biometric data
- Photo, signature and fingerprints recorded to issue certain residence permits.
- Departure certificate
- Document confirming your departure; useful for banks, consulates or customs.
Alliance Française de Genève
Understanding an official letter in French
Making an appointment, asking a question at the counter, reading a decision: our French courses prepare you for everyday administrative situations in Geneva.
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Official sources
Rules and procedures may change and depend on your situation. Always check the information published by the authorities before taking any step.
Frequently asked questions
Administrative procedures in Geneva: your questions
What is the OCPM in Geneva?
The OCPM is the Cantonal Office of Population and Migration of the canton of Geneva. It records changes of residence, manages residence and certain permits, changes of address, certificates and departures from the canton.
What is the deadline to notify your arrival in Geneva?
The canton indicates a general deadline of 14 days after arrival to notify a change of residence to the OCPM.
Where do I notify my arrival?
With the Cantonal Office of Population and Migration (OCPM), which also manages residence, address, certificates and departure.
Does an EU/EFTA national need a permit?
For salaried work of more than three months, a residence permit with employment must be requested. For some shorter activities, a notification procedure may apply.
When must a third-country national apply for a permit?
Generally before arriving in Geneva; for salaried work, the application is most often submitted by the employer before entry into Switzerland.
How long do I have to report a change of address?
A change of address within the canton must be notified to the OCPM within 14 days.
Can I get a certificate if my permit is still being processed?
In some situations, yes: a certificate can confirm that your application is being processed. It does not replace the permit.
When must I notify my departure from Geneva?
When notification is mandatory, at the latest two weeks before the actual date of departure.
What is biometric data?
To issue certain permits, the OCPM may invite you to have a photo, a signature and your fingerprints recorded.
How do I notify the OCPM of a change of address?
A change of address must be notified to the OCPM within 14 days, online with a personal account whose identity has been verified, or by post with the official form. Swiss nationals can also go to their municipality of residence.
Which documents are needed for a change of address?
The completed, dated and signed form C (or a free-form letter), a colour copy of a valid ID and, if you are a tenant, a copy of the lease. For subletting, a confirmation from the sub-letter (form AL) is requested.
Is a change of address charged?
No, notifying a change of address is free. A fee of CHF 25 applies only if your biometric data must be recorded to update a paper permit.
Who must notify their departure from Geneva?
Swiss nationals leaving the canton for more than 3 months, holders of a B or C permit for more than 6 months and holders of an L permit for more than 3 months. Departure notification is free; a departure certificate costs CHF 25 per person.
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Last updated: November 2026 · Guide written by the Alliance Française de Genève
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