Overview
Depending on your permit and nationality, you are required to:
- announce a change of employer, or
- seek permission to change employer
Application for L permit
For whom
Third-country nationals holding:
- an L permit with gainful activity or obtained within the framework of family reunification
must obtain a new work permit to change employer.
EU/EFTA nationals holding a valid L permit with gainful activity benefit from professional mobility and do not need to announce changes related to their activity.
Quand
Your new employer must apply 6 to 8 weeks before the planned job start.
Conditions
The application must be filed by the new employer.
The latter must wait for the confirmation of the OCPM before starting to have you work. The authorization shall be granted only if the Directorate for Foreign Labour of the OCIRT accepts the application in advance,
It should be noted that the OCIRT is submitting the employer's request to the Tripartite Commission for the Economy of the Canton of Geneva for prior notice. This committee is made up of representatives of employers, workers and the State.
For more information on the conditions of admission, please visit this page.
Pièces à joindre
- form K
- colour copy of a valid passport
- work contract signed by both parties
- information on the company and the staff situation (number of employees, nationalities and types of permit)
- employer's motivation letter
- evidence of and detailed results of the employer's searches in the Swiss ans European markets (inter alia, announcement of the position to the OCE)
- CV, copy of diplomas and work certificates of the applicant
Applying for a change of employer
The request is made by postal mail.
Announcement for B refugee, S or F permit
For whom
You hold a B refugee, S or F permit and change employer.
Quand
The change of employer must be announced within 14 days.
Conditions
The announcement of a change of employer must be made by the new employer.
Any cessation of activity must be announced within 14 days.
Announcing a change of employer
The announcement is made online on the website of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
Application for N permit
For whom
You have an N permit and want to change employer.
Quand
Your new employer must submit the application 3 to 4 weeks before the start of the activity.
Conditions
The usual working and wage conditions in the sector must be respected. It is possible to obtain the usual salary conditions using the online calculator.
The employer must wait for the confirmation of the OCPM before starting the gainful activity of their employee. Authorization shall be granted only if the Directorate of Foreign Labour of the OCIRT accepts the application in advance.
It should be noted that the OCIRT is submitting the employer's request to the Tripartite Commission for the Economy of the Canton of Geneva. This committee is made up of representatives of employers, workers and the State.
Any cessation of activity must be announced within 14 days.
Pièces à joindre
- completed form N
- copy of the work contract signed by both parties
- form R completed by the previous employer or certificate of free engagement
Prix
No fees are charged by the OCPM for holders of an N permit of the Canton of Geneva.
The OCIRT charges the new employer a fee of CHF 50 per application.
Apply for a change of employer
The application can be delivered directly to the Protection, Asylum and Return Service or sent by postal mail.
Announcement for Ci permit
For whom
You hold a Ci permit and want to change employer.
Quand
The change of employer must be announced within 14 days before the start of the new gainful activity.
Conditions
The primary holder of the legitimation card must be domiciled in Geneva.
Pièces à joindre
- completed form K
- copy of the work contract signed by both parties
- form R completed by the previous employer or certificate of free engagement or copy of the certificate of employment of the last employer
Prix
Free if change of employer only.
In the event of renewal:
- CHF 65 for EU/EFTA nationals
- CHF 85 for third-country nationals
Announce a change of employer
The announce is made by postal mail.