Announcing my departure to the OCPM

You must have a verified e-démarches account to access the online form. You must complete it with accurate and complete information. Anyone who fraudulently fills out this form is liable to criminal prosecution. You further certify that you have read and accepted the applicable rules and legislation.

Minor children leaving the canton with only one parent

If parental authority is exercised jointly by both parents, the place of residence of the minor child may be changed only with the agreement of the other parent or by decision of the judge or the child protection authority when:

• the new place of residence is abroad
• the move has significant consequences for the exercise of parental authority by the other parent and for personal relationships. 

In case of permanent departure abroad

In the event of a permanent departure abroad, persons holding a residence or establishment permit undertake to destroy or return their destroyed permit (cut in half) by postal mail to the OCPM. If the permit is needed to make the return journey, it will have to be destroyed upon arrival at destination.

In case of change of canton

If you are Swiss or an EU/EFTA national, you are free to settle in the canton of your choice. However, you must inform the cantonal authorities of your departure and of your arrival at the cantonal and/or communal authorities of your new place of residence.

If you are a national of a third country and hold a B or L permit,  you must first apply for a new authorization from the competent authorities of your future canton of residence. Holders of B permit are entitled to the change of canton provided that they are not unemployed and there are no grounds for revocation according to article 62 of the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals. Holders of C permits have the right to change cantons if there are no grounds for revocation according to article 63 of the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals.

If you hold an N or F permit, you cannot change cantons without having received authorization from the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

To obtain this authorization, you must send your request in writing to the SEM, explaining the reasons why you want to change cantons.

Secrétariat d'Etat aux migrations
Quellenweg 6
CH-3003 Berne-Wabern

You must wait for the decision of the SEM before changing cantons and announce your departure to Protection, Asylum and Return Service.

Continue to work in Geneva while residing in another canton

If you have a B, Ci or C permit, you can continue to work in Geneva without additional authorization.

Continue to work in Geneva while residing abroad

If you are a foreign national and wish to pursue a gainful activity in Geneva while residing abroad, you must apply for a cross-border work permit (G permit).

Special conditions apply to third-country nationals wishing to continue gainful employment in Geneva (refer to the specific webpage). Before announcing the departure of the canton, it is strongly recommended to:

• inquire about the possibility of obtaining a G permit and
• take the necessary steps, where appropriate.

If you are a Confederate (not Genevan) and leave the canton for abroad, you must apply for a professional registration if you are pursuing an independent activity in Geneva. If you are an employee, you do not have to take any special steps.