Announcing my departure to the OCPM
3. Leave of absence (C permit)
For whom
You have a C permit (authorization of establishment) and leave Geneva temporarily for abroad.
You can apply to keep your C permit up to 4 years. This is an application for leave of absence.
When
Your request for leave of absence must be sent to the office 30 days before your departure or, at the latest, within 6 months after your departure.
A first leave of absence granted for a period of less than 4 years may be extended upon request. A new application must then be re-filed. The total duration of the absence may not exceed 4 years and the request for extension must be made before the expiry date of the leave of absence.
Return to Switzerland must ben announced before the end of the granted period.
An expiry of the deadline shall result in the expiry of the establishment permit on the date of actual departure from Switzerland.
Terms
You must keep the original of your leave of absence authorization until your return to Switzerland.
A leave of absence does not allow you to obtain a cross-border work permit.
For information purposes, in matters of naturalization, only an absence of a maximum duration of 1 year, on the order of the employer or for the purpose of educational or advanced training, does not imply an interruption of the stay in Switzerland.
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.
Attachments
- form D
- copy of a valid I.D.
- your original C permit
- cover letter
- if the child(ren) leaves the canton with only one parent: proof of parental authority and custody rights - if applicable, the authorization of the other parent or form EM
Price
The leave of absence costs CHF 65 per adult (CHF 30 for minors).
Payment is made online for application submitted via the online form or by invoice for applications sent by postal mail.
Processing times
Processing times can be consulted on this page: Délais de traitement moyens des demandes déposées à l'OCPM | ge.ch
The request for leave of absence can be made by postal mail or online if you have a verified e-démarches account.