Applying for a residence permit without gainful activity
6. Permit for medical treatment for third-country national
For whom
If you are a third-country national, you may undergo medical treatment in Switzerland provided that the financing of your treatment and your departure from Switzerland are guaranteed.
When
Your application for authorization to enter and stay must be submitted before your entry into Switzerland to the competent Swiss representation of your place of residence abroad.
Terms
- Have sufficient financial means to guarantee the financing of medical treatment
- Commit to leave Switzerland at the end of medical treatment
According to article 2, paragraph 1, letter b of the Ordinance of 27 June 1995 on health insurance (OAMal), foreign persons who stay in Switzerland for the sole purpose of medical treatment or cure are not entitled to subscribe to compulsory health insurance (ATF 9C_217/2007 of 08.04.2008). Accordingly, the person providing the guarantee will have to bear the medical expenses of the foreign person whose purpose of stay in Switzerland is to seek medical treatment.
In principle, the financial means are deemed sufficient if they exceed the amount which would entitle a Swiss national, and possibly their family members, to receive assistance following the request of the person concerned and taking into account his personal situation. For those entitled to a pension, the financial means shall be deemed sufficient if they exceed the amount entitling a Swiss national who so requests, and possibly his family members, to supplementary benefits due to old-age, survivors and invalidity insurance.
You must have a personal e-démarches account to be able to file your application online.
Attachments
- form M - only for postal mail requests
- colour copy of a valid passport
- 1 passport-sized photo with full names on the back
- evidence of sufficient financial resources or proof of assumption of responsability (form O) by a Swiss guarantor or holder of a B or C permit
- certificate from the hospital or nursing home (medical certificate) or medical report in the following format
- a written commitment to leave Switzerland at the end of the treatment
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
If your are abroad, the application must be filed with the Swiss representation competent for your place of residence.
If for health reasons you have to apply from Switzerland, you can apply online or by postal mail.