Applying for a residence permit without gainful activity
5. Permit without activity for third-country national
For whom
If you are a third-country national (outside the EU/EFTA) and wish to live in Switzerland for a long time without gainful employment, a permit may be obtained if you meet a number of specific conditions.
When
Your application for permission to enter and stay must be submitted before you enter Switzerland.
How
Your request can be made:
- to the Swiss representation of your place of residence abroad, which will inform you about the documents to be produced, or
- through our online form
If your application is approved, you will receive an entry visa to be collected from the Swiss representation competent for your place of residence as well as an additional form to be sent to us by post within 14 days of your arrival.
If you are in possession of a long-stay visa or a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen State, you do not need to apply for a visa.
Terms
It is possible to obtain a permit as an annuitant under the following conditions:
- have sufficient financial resources to meet your needs
- have the minimum age set by the Federal Council (55 years)
- justify special personal ties to Switzerland
- commit not to engage in any gainful activity in Switzerland or abroad (with the exception of the management of your own wealth)
An annuitant is deemed to have necessary financial means if they are certain to benefit from them until their death (annuities, fortune), to the point that one can practically exclude the risk that they might come to depend on public assistance.
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
- supporting documents for the financial resources
- if already available: copy of the lease or attestation of the landlord established with form AL (with copy of the main lease and I.D. of the landlord and the sub-tenant)
- a letter of motivation and a formal commitment not to engage in gainful activity in Switzerland or abroad except for the management of one's own wealth
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 application can be made online or through the Swiss representation of your place of residence abroad.