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.

Persons holding a valid C permit, irrespective of their nationality, may engage in gainful employment. They do not have to make any special application to the Cantonal Office for Population and Migration (OCPM).

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.

Last updated
6 August 2025

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