Apply for a permit to reside and work in Geneva
2. Employed activity for EU/EFTA nationals
For whom
Any EU/EFTA national employed by a company in Switzerland with an employment contract of more than 3 months must submit an application for a residence permit with activity.
When
The application for a work permit must be made before the gainful activity starts.
Terms
Employment contract of more than 4 months
- The application is submitted by the future beneficiary or the employer.
- Persons who were established in another canton must announce their departure there in order to continue the procedure in Geneva.
- The gainful activity can start as soon as the complete file is sent to the cantonal office of population and migration, unless the gainful activity is regulated and therefore requires in addition an authorisation to practise this profession in Switzerland.
120-day or up to 4 month contract
- The application is filed by the employer.
- The beneficiary does not have to declare his arrival to the Cantonal Office for Population and Migration and can start working as soon as he enters Switzerland.
- The residence permit insurance shall be transmitted to the employer.
You must have a personal e-démarches account in order to submit your application online.
Attachments
Employment contract of more than 4 months
- M Form - only for postal mail requests
- Colour copy of a valid I.D.
- Copy of the lease or landlord's attestation established according to the AL form (with copy of the main lease and the landlord's I.D.)
For employment agencies, add:
- Copy of the assignment and/or service rental contracts
If you wish to settle with your family, add:
- M Form for each family member involved - only for postal mail requests
- Colour copy of a valid I.D. for each family member involved
- Copy of the marriage certificate for spouses (with official translation if necessary)
- Copy of the birth certificate for children (with official translation if necessary)
- Evidence of parental authority for children arriving with only one parent, or EM form.
120-day or up to 4 month contract
- M Form - only for postal mail requests
- Colour copy of a valid I.D.
For employment agencies, add:
- Copy of the assignment and/or service rental contracts
What
The duration of the employment contract determines the authorisation issued:
- Employment contract of 364 days or less per year: short-term residence permit (EU/EFTA L permit). The validity of the authorisation shall be equivalent to that of the employment contract.
- Employment contract of 1 year or more or indefinite duration: residence permit (EU/EFTA B permit). The authorisation is valid for 5 years.
- Employment contract of 120 days per period of 12 months or employement contract up to 4 consecutive months: insurance of residence authorisation. The latter acts as a work authorisation.
Holders of an L or B permit enjoy geographical and professional freedom: the residence permits granted to active persons are not linked to a canton, an employer or a defined activity. They are valid throughout Switzerland.
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 permit application can be made online or by postal mail.