Working in Geneva with a residence permit
1. Overview
Any person legally resident in Geneva whose residence permit does not expressly state that gainful employment is authorized must take steps to be authorized to work.
Certain applications for work permits for third-country nationals (outside the EU/EFTA) are examined by the Directorate for Foreign Labor of the Cantonal Office of Labor Inspection and Relations (OCIRT). It is the commission which is competent to make a prior decision before a person who is not entitled to work takes up employment.
- Your are an EU/EFTA national with a B or L permit without activity and have found a Swiss employer
You must submit an application for a residence permit with activity.
- You are a third-country national with a permit without activity and have found a Swiss employer
Your employer must submit an application for a residence permit with activity.
- You have been granted a residence permit under the family reunification scheme
Find out about employment opportunities.
- You hold an N permit (asylum seeker) and wish to pursue a gainful activity
Your employer must apply for a work permit.
- You have an F or B refugee permit and wish to pursue a gainful activity
Your employer must announce your employment.
- You hold an S permit (person to be protected) and wish to pursue a gainful activity
Your employer must apply for a work permit.
- You are a family member of someone who holds a FDFA legitimation card and would like to pursue a gainful activity
You or your employer must apply for a Ci work permit.
- Your are a student and want to work while you are studying
You or your employer must apply for a work authorisation.
- You are an EU/EFTA student who has completed their studies and would like to seek employment in Switzerland
You must apply for a permit to search for a job.
- You are an non-EU/EFTA student who has completed their studies and would like to seek employment in Switzerland
You must apply for a permit to search for a job.
- You are an EU/EFTA student and have found a job after completing your studies
You must submit an application for a residence permit with activity.
- You are a third-country student and have found a job after completing your studies
Your employer must submit an application for a residence permit with activity.
- You are a foreign national and would like to establish yourself in Geneva and carry out a self-employed activity
You must submit an application for a residence permit for self-employed.
- You are a foreign national and would like to work in Geneva without residing there
You or your employer must apply for a cross-border work permit.