If you are leaving Geneva for another country or another canton, you must inform the Cantonal Office for Population and Migration of your departure two weeks before the actual date of departure.
However, it is possible to order a certificate of departure (CHF 25 per person). This certificate may be issued at the earliest one month before your departure or at any time once you have already left the territory, provided that your departure has been announced. This certificate may be useful for customs, banking, consular or administrative formalities.
Autres feuillets du livret
- You leave the canton of Geneva for another canton or another country
- You have a C permit and leave Switzerland for a temporary period.
It is possible ton maintain your permit for a maximum period of 4 years by applying for a leave of absence.
- You are a non-EU/EFTA national with a B permit and must leave Switzerland for a temporary period at the request of your employer.
It is possible to request a return authorization. This authorization will allow you to retrieve your B permit upon your return.
- You hold a G permit and cease your gainful activity in Geneva.
You must announce the end of your activity within 14 days.
- You have already announced your departure and wish to order a departure certificate
For whom
You are Swiss and leave the canton of Geneva for a period of more than 3 months.
You have a B or C permit and leave the canton of Geneva for a period of more than 6 months. If you leave the canton for a period of less than 6 months (holiday for example), you do not need to announce your departure, unless you move (to a main residence) in another canton.
You have an L permit and leave the canton of Geneva for a period of more than 3 months. If you leave the canton for a period of less than 3 months (holiday for example), you do not need to announce your departure, unless you move (to a main residence) in another canton.
BREXIT - A British national with acquired rights under the AFMP who announces a permanent departure irrevocably loses their rights. It should be noted that in case of an application for leave of absence, the acquired rights are maintained.
When
Your departure can be announced in the month before but must be announced at the latest two weeks before leaving the canton.
What
It is however possible to order, after your announcement, a certificate of departure (CHF 25 per person). This certificate can be issued at the earliest one month before your departure or at any time, as long as you have already left the territory. This certificate may be useful for customs, banking, consular or administrative formalities.
Terms
You must have a verified e-démarches account to access the online form. You must complete it with accurate and complete information. Anyone who fraudulently fills out this form is liable to criminal prosecution. You further certify that you have read and accepted the applicable rules and legislation.
Minor children leaving the canton with only one parent
If parental authority is exercised jointly by both parents, the place of residence of the minor child may be changed only with the agreement of the other parent or by decision of the judge or the child protection authority when:
- the new place of residence is abroad
- the move has significant consequences for the exercise of parental authority by the other parent and for personal relationships.
In case of permanent departure abroad
In the event of a permanent departure abroad, persons holding a residence or establishment permit undertake to destroy or return their destroyed permit (cut in half) by postal mail to the OCPM. If the permit is needed to make the return journey, it will have to be destroyed upon arrival at destination.
In case of change of canton
If you are Swiss or an EU/EFTA national, you are free to settle in the canton of your choice. However, you must inform the cantonal authorities of your departure and of your arrival at the cantonal and/or communal authorities of your new place of residence.
If you are a national of a third country and hold a B or L permit, you must first apply for a new authorization from the competent authorities of your future canton of residence. Holders of B permit are entitled to the change of canton provided that they are not unemployed and there are no grounds for revocation according to article 62 of the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals. Holders of C permits have the right to change cantons if there are no grounds for revocation according to article 63 of the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals.
If you hold an N or F permit, you cannot change cantons without having received authorization from the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
To obtain this authorization, you must send your request in writing to the SEM, explaining the reasons why you want to change cantons.
Secrétariat d'Etat aux migrations
Quellenweg 6
CH-3003 Berne-Wabern
You must wait for the decision of the SEM before changing cantons and announce your departure to Protection, Asylum and Return Service.
Continue to work in Geneva while residing in another canton
If you have a B, Ci or C permit, you can continue to work in Geneva without additional authorization.
Continue to work in Geneva while residing abroad
If you are a foreign national and wish to pursue a gainful activity in Geneva while residing abroad, you must apply for a cross-border work permit (G permit).
Special conditions apply to third-country nationals wishing to continue gainful employment in Geneva (refer to the specific webpage). Before announcing the departure of the canton, it is strongly recommended to:
- inquire about the possibility of obtaining a G permit and
- take the necessary steps, where appropriate.
If you are a Confederate (not Genevan) and leave the canton for abroad, you must apply for a professional registration if you are pursuing an independent activity in Geneva. If you are an employee, you do not have to take any special steps.
Attachments
- Form D completed
- Copy of a valid I.D.
If the child(ren) leaves the canton with only one parent:
- proof of parental authority and custody rights - if applicable, the authorization of the other parent or form EM
Price
The departure announcement is free.
Processing times
Processing times can be consulted on this page: Délais de traitement moyens des demandes déposées à l'OCPM | ge.ch
Departure announcement
The departure announcement can be made by postal mail or online if you have a verified e-démarches account. Swiss nationals can also make an announcement directly with the commune in which they live.
For whom
You have a C permit (authorization of establishment) and leave Geneva temporarily for abroad.
You can apply to keep your C permit up to 4 years. This is an application for leave of absence.
When
Your request for leave of absence must be sent to the office 30 days before your departure or, at the latest, within 6 months after your departure.
A first leave of absence granted for a period of less than 4 years may be extended upon request. A new application must then be re-filed. The total duration of the absence may not exceed 4 years and the request for extension must be made before the expiry date of the leave of absence.
Return to Switzerland must be announced before the end of the granted period.
An expiry of the deadline shall result in the expiry of the establishment permit on the date of actual departure from Switzerland.
Terms
You must keep the original of your leave of absence authorization until your return to Switzerland.
A leave of absence does not allow you to obtain a cross-border work permit.
For information purposes, in matters of naturalization, only an absence of a maximum duration of 1 year, on the order of the employer or for the purpose of educational or advanced training, does not imply an interruption of the stay in Switzerland.
You must have a verified e-démarches account to access the online form. You must complete it with accurate and complete information. Anyone who fraudulently fills out this form is liable to criminal prosecution. You further certify that you have read and accepted the applicable rules and legislation.
Minor children leaving the canton with only one parent
If parental authority is exercised jointly by both parents, the place of residence of the minor child may be changed only with the agreement of the other parent or by decision of the judge or the child protection authority when:
- the new place of residence is abroad
- the move has significant consequences for the exercise of parental authority by the other parent and for personal relationships.
Attachments
- form D
- copy of a valid I.D.
- your original C permit
- cover letter
- if the child(ren) leaves the canton with only one parent: proof of parental authority and custody rights - if applicable, the authorization of the other parent or form EM
Price
The leave of absence costs CHF 65 per adult (CHF 30 for minors).
Payment is made online for application submitted via the online form or by invoice for applications sent by postal mail.
Processing times
Processing times can be consulted on this page: Délais de traitement moyens des demandes déposées à l'OCPM | ge.ch
Request for leave of absence
The request for leave of absence can be made by postal mail or online if you have a verified e-démarches account.
For whom
If you are a national of a non-EU/EFTA country with a B permit and you have to leave Switzerland temporarily (maximum 4 years) for your employer of for professional development purposes, it is possible to apply for a return authorization that will allow you to obtain a B permit upon your return.
When
Your return authorizazion request must be made 30 days before your departure.
Terms
The maximum duration of stay abroad is limited to 4 years.
The request must be justified by your employer. They must indicate the reasons for the stay abroad and guarantee you an activity upon your return.
You must have a verified e-démarches account to access the online form. You must complete it with accurate and complete information. Anyone who fraudulently fills out this form is liable to criminal prosecution. You further certify that you have read and accepted the applicable rules and legislation.
Minor children leaving the canton with only one parent
If parental authority is exercised jointly by both parents, the place of residence of the minor child may be changed only with the agreement of the other parent or by decision of the judge or the child protection authority when:
- the new place of residence is abroad
- the move has significant consequences for the exercise of parental authority by the other parent and for personal relationships.
Attachments
- form D
- copy of a valid I.D.
- a letter of motivation of your employer stating the reasons for your stay abroad and guaranteeing you an activity on your return, accompanied by the necessary supporting documents
- if the child(ren) leaves the canton with only one parent: proof of parental authority and custody - if applicable, the authorization of the other parent or form EM
Request a Return Authorization
The request for return authorization can be made by postal mail or online if you have a verified e-démarches account.