Announcing my arrival at the OCPM
7. Change of canton - arrival from another canton
For whom
Foreigners who take up residence in Geneva while previously residing in another canton are required to announce their arrival.
If you are a Swiss national, the announcement procedure is as follows: Announcement of arrival in Geneva for Swiss nationals.
When
EU/EFTA nationals must announce themselves no sooner than 30 days before arrival and no later than 14 days after arrival.
Non-EU/EFTA nationals must apply for permission to change canton 3 months before the desired date of arrival.
Terms
Non-EU/EFTA C permit holders have the right to change cantons provided that there is no reason for revoking their authorization according to Article 63 of the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals.
Non-EU/EFTA B permit holders have the right to change cantons if they are not unemployed and there is no reason for revoking their authorization within the meaning of Article 62 of the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals
Departures fomalities must be carried out with the competent authorities of the canton of provenance.
Persons holding a valid residence permit in French will not be issued a new residence permit (unless the authorization is amended).
You must have a personal e-démarches account to be able to file your application online.
Attachments
EU/EFTA nationals
- Form M duly completed, dated and signed - only for postal mail applications
- Colour copy of a valid I.D.
- Copy of the residence permit issued by the canton of provenance
- Copy of the lease or, in case of sublease, attestation of the landlord established with the AL form (with copy of the main lease and copy of the landlord's I.D.)
Non-EU/EFTA nationals
- Form M duly completed, dated and signed - only for postal mail applications
- Colour copy of a valid passport
- 1 passport-sized photo with full names on the back
- Copy of the residence permit issued by the canton of provenance
- Copy of the lease or, in case of sublease, attestation of the landlord established with the AL form (with copy of the main lease and copy of the landlord's I.D.)
- Supporting documents for the financial resources
Additional documents if the application concerns the family
EU/EFTA nationals
- Form M duly completed, dated and signed for each family member - only for postal mail applications
- Copy of marriage certificate for spouses (with official translation)
- Copy of birth certificate for children (with official translation)
- EM form if children come with only one parent
- Supporting documents for the financial resources
Non-EU/EFTA nationals
- Form M duly completed, dated and signed for each family members- only for postal mail applications
- 1 passport-sized photo with full names on the back for each family members
- Copy of marriage certificate for spouses (with official translation)
- Copy of birth certificate for children (with official translation)
- EM form if children come with only one parent
Additional documents if the applicant is not gainfully employed
EU/EFTA nationals
- Attestation from the social services of the canton of provenance
- Supporting documents for the financial resources
Non-EU/EFTA nationals
- Attestation from the social services of the canton of provenance
- Cover letter
Price
For online applications, payment is made online as well.
For applications sent by post, payment is made by invoice.
Processing times
Processing times can be consulted on this page: Délais de traitement moyens des demandes déposées à l'OCPM | ge.ch
Help to fill in the online form
See our fact sheet: Practical help to announce your arrival in Geneva online or to apply for a residence permit with or without activity at the OCPM | ge.ch
Your request can be made online or by postal mail.