Obtain a certificate from the OCPM

3. Order a certificate - permit application submitted

For whom

If you have applied for a residence permit or have announced your arrival in Geneva an need a certificate justifying your situation, you can apply for a certificate.

You must already be present on the territory of the canton and live there effectively.

There is no "family certificate". If more than one member of your family requires a certificate, you will need to order one for each person.

When

You can apply for a certificate after your arrival in Geneva and after you have applied for a residence permit or announced your arrival (for Swiss nationals).

What

The following information, as provided by you, shall be included in the certificates:

  • Last name, first name
  • Civil status
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Origin (for Swiss persons) - Nationality (for foreign persons)
  • Address
  • It shall indicate that the person concerned is awaiting for a decision on their request.
The certificate does not mention the date of arrival in the canton and does not make the stay in Switzerland legal.

Terms

This certificate can only be issued if you have already applied for a residence permit or announced your arrival (Swiss nationals) and you actually reside in Geneva.

If you place your order from your e-démarches account for another member of your family, you will automatically receive a certificate in your name which will also be charged to you. If you only need the attestation of your family member, you must make your request without going through your e-démarches account.

Price

A fee of CHF 25 is collected by certificate.

Processing times

Applications for certificates made with a verified e-démarches account shall, as a general rule and subject to special circumstances, be processed immediately. The access key to download the attestation on the secure online platform is sent by email within the day following the order.

Applications made without an account are sent by postal mail to your address known by the Cantonal Office for Population and Migration.

Processing times can be consulted on this page: Délais de traitement moyens des demandes déposées à l'OCPM | ge.ch

For Swiss nationals who apply to their commune of residence, the issue of the certificate is in principle immediate.

Order a certificate justifying the submission of a permit application

Select "attestation de résidence" form the drop-down menu.

Last updated
14 August 2025

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