Immigration in Geneva

Apply for Geneva residence permits through the Service cantonal de la population (SCP), located at Route de Chancy 88, 1213 Onex. SCP (Office cantonal de la population et des migrations) is Geneva's main immigration authority handling all work and residence permits. Book appointments online via the Canton of Geneva website (ge.ch). Bring complete dossier: employment contract, passport, residence permit application form (in French), biometric photos, salary slips, employer support letter, and debt register extract (Extrait du registre des poursuites). Some communes (municipalities) also have local offices for initial registration within 14 days of arrival. After SCP approval, register at your commune office (mairie) with rental contract. Processing times: EU/EFTA 4-8 weeks, non-EU 10-20+ weeks depending on quotas. Online appointment booking essential as walk-ins face long waits.

Geneva work permit applications require comprehensive documentation submitted to SCP (Service cantonal de la population). Essential documents: valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), completed permit application form in French (formulaire de demande d'autorisation), signed employment contract with Geneva employer (detailing role, salary, start date), employer justification letter (especially for non-EU citizens), university diplomas and professional qualifications (originals or certified copies), salary slips from previous employment (if applicable), Swiss health insurance confirmation, debt register extract (Extrait du registre des poursuites) from current/previous canton, criminal record certificate from country of origin or residence, biometric passport photos meeting Swiss standards, and rental contract or proof of Geneva address. Non-EU citizens also need proof employer advertised position to EU/Swiss market first. All non-French/English documents require certified French translations. Incomplete applications cause significant delays.

Geneva permit processing times vary significantly by nationality and permit type. EU/EFTA citizens: L and B permits typically 4-8 weeks from complete application submission to SCP approval. Straightforward as no federal quotas apply, though Geneva's high application volume can cause delays. Non-EU/EFTA citizens: 10-20+ weeks or longer due to federal quota system and multi-layer review (cantonal SCP and federal migration office). High-skilled positions with salaries above CHF 120,000 process faster. Peak seasons (January-March for corporate relocations, summer for UN/NGO assignments) see longer processing. Diplomatic and international organization permits (UN, WHO, ICRC, WTO) have specialized tracks: 6-12 weeks depending on coordination between organization, Swiss foreign ministry, and SCP. Cross-border workers (France residents): 2-6 weeks for G permit if employer already registered. Start applications 3-4 months before planned move for non-EU permits.

Yes, Geneva diplomatic and international organization permits follow different processes than standard residence permits. Diplomatic permits (legitimation cards) issued to UN staff, international organization employees (WHO, ICRC, WTO, WIPO, ILO), diplomatic missions, and their families. Coordinated through Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAE) and SCP, not standard quota system. Types: legitimation card (carte de légitimation) for international civil servants, diplomatic ID for embassy staff, and dependent cards for family members. Processing involves organization's HR department, DFAE protocol division, and SCP. Typically 6-12 weeks. Benefits: tax exemptions, diplomatic privileges, easier family reunification. However, permits tied to international organization employment; leaving job requires permit change to standard B permit or departure. Organizations like UN provide dedicated relocation support offices. Standard B/L permits for private sector (banking, consulting, finance) follow regular SCP quota processes without diplomatic benefits.

Yes, cross-border workers (frontaliers/Grenzgänger) can live in France and work in Geneva with G permit (permis frontalier). Applies to French residents in departments bordering Switzerland (Ain, Haute-Savoie). Requirements: primary residence in France border zone, return to France residence at least once weekly (daily commute typical), and employment with Geneva employer. G permit valid duration of employment contract, renewable. Advantages: lower French housing costs (Annemasse, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, Ferney-Voltaire 30-50% cheaper than Geneva), larger apartments, family schooling options. Considerations: taxed at source by Swiss employer but may owe French income tax depending on bilateral agreements, health insurance complexities (choose Swiss or French system), daily commute via CEVA train or traffic-heavy roads. Application through SCP with employer; processing 2-6 weeks. Popular among families seeking affordability while accessing Geneva salaries. Approximately 90,000+ cross-border workers commute daily to Geneva from France.

Yes, Geneva Canton (French-speaking) requires all official documents in French or accompanied by certified French translations (traductions certifiées). Documents needing translation: birth certificates, marriage certificates, university diplomas, professional qualifications, employment contracts (if not in French/English), previous residence permits, criminal records, and official correspondence from non-French/English countries. SCP and commune offices accept English for some documents (employment contracts from international companies, UN/NGO documentation, university diplomas from English-speaking countries) but prefer French. Personal civil documents always require French translations. Sworn translators (traducteurs assermentés) charge CHF 50-150 per document. Application forms (formulaires) must be completed in French. SCP staff provide some English support given Geneva's international nature, but French fluency significantly improves application efficiency. Incorrect or non-certified translations cause processing delays or rejections. Investment in professional certified translations essential for complex immigration cases.