Manage my biometric appointment

1. Overview

For who

Those who have received a letter from the OCPM asking them to make an appointment for their biometric permit.

Those who have not received the appointment invitation letter can visit the following page: Suivi de ma demande à l'OCPM

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How

To set or change the appointment:

  • enter the code received by post on the Confederation's appointment platform and click "Register".
  • select an appointment date from the calendar.
Make an appointment on the Confederation's platform

It is not possible to edit an expired appointment. If you were unable to attend your appointment or your code is no longer valid, please contact us via our contact form, select "Permis de séjour et de travail", then: "Gérer un rendez-vous biométrique", to request its reactivation.

Contact the cantonal biometric centre

Where

Biometric data are collected by appointment only at the Cantonal Biometric Center.

It takes about 20 minutes, for a single person, to complete the entire process.

Only minors or people with disabilities can be accompanied. People who need special assistance (for example, people with reduced mobility or guide dogs) can contact us to organise their visit.

The physical presence of each person concerned is mandatory. Minor children must be accompanied by their legal representative.

Find us

Processing times

The permit is sent by registered mail to your address approximately 5 to 7 business days after taking your biometrics.

To ensure that you receive your permit, make sure that:

  1. The address you have given to the OCPM is still correct. If not, please make the necessary steps to announce a change of address.
  2. Your name (according to your passport) or that of your minor chils is clearly written on your mailbox.
  3. If you are staying with another person, you have indicated the name of that person to the OCPM by completing the "C/O" section of the OCPM form.
See FAQs for more information

2. Frequently asked questions: appointments and biometric permits

Appointments

My appointment code doesn't work anymore, what do I do ?

If your code is no longer valid, please contact us via our contact form. Select "Permis de séjour et de travail", then: "Gérer mon rendez-vous biométrique", to request its reactivation.

I couldn't show up for the appointment ans my code doesn't work anymore, what do I do ?

It is not possible to edit an expired appointment. If you were unable to attend your appointment, please contact us via our contact form. Select "Permis de séjour et de travail", then: "Gérer mon rendez-vous biométrique", to request your code's reactivation.

Receiving your permit

What is registered mail ?

Registered mail means that the mail is delivered to you by the postman. If you are not at home when the postman arrives, he will leave a notice in your mailbox.

You will then have to go to the post office indicated on the notice within the time mentioned, with a piece of identification and the notice to withdraw your mail.

What to do if you did not withdraw your registered mail in time ?

If you have not been able to get to the post office within the specified time, the mail containing your permit will be returned to our office within 14 working days, The latter is then returned to you in A+ mail within an additional 10 working days.

If you still haven't received your permit 6 weeks after your appointment, send us a message via our contact form. Select "Permis de séjour et de travail", then: "Gérer mon rendez-vous biométrique".

How can you ensure that you receive the letters addressed to you ?

To ensure that you receive the mail addressed to you, make sure that:

  • The address you have given to the OCPM is still correct. If not, please make the necessary steps to announce a change of address.
  • Your name (according to your passport) and/or that of your minor child is clearly written on your mailbox.
  • if your are staying with another person, you have indicated the name of that person to the OCPM by completing the "C/O" section of the OCPM form.

Biometric data

What biometric data is collected ?

On residence permits for EU/EFTA nationals, as well as Ci and G permits of any nationality*, a photo of your face and your signature are recorded.

*For UK citizens with acquired rights who reside outside Schengen area, fingerprints are also recorded for the issuance of a G permit.

On residence permits for third-country nationals, a photo of your face, your fingerprints and your signature are recorded.

What are the criteria for the photo ?

The photograph that will be taken in our booths should reflect your actual appearance. Prefer simple and plain-coloured clothing, as well as natural makeup if you are wearing it. Hair should not hide the face. It is recommended to limit large and brightly coloured jewellery and accessories.

Uniforms, headgear (including very visible headbands) and sunglasses (including those worn on the head) are prohibited. Exceptions for medical or religious reasons are possible. However, the face should remain visible from the point of the chin to the hairline.

For eyewear, it is essential that the eyes are not masked by the frame. Tinted, coloured or reflective glasses are not accepted. Only dark glasses for the visually impaired are accepted.

Is it possible to reuse biometric data already entered to renew a residence permit ?

Biometric data are valid for 5 years. If the residence permit is renewed during this period, they may be re-used. After this time, they must be re-entered.