Geneva · OCPM
B permit in Geneva
EU/EFTA nationals. The residence permit application goes to the OCPM within 14 days of arrival, with the employment contract (open-ended or at least one year for a five-year B permit). For people without paid work, the OCPM checks financial means and health and accident insurance.
First permit application with employment (EU national): 6 to 8 weeks(time published by the OCPM)
Requirements by nationality
B permit for EU/EFTA nationals
Nationals of an EU or EFTA state are entitled to a five-year EU/EFTA B permit if they show an open-ended contract or one of at least one year (365 days). The right comes from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP): there is no quota and no priority check.
B permit for non-EU nationals
Nationals of non-EU/EFTA states are only admitted to work if they are qualified: managers, specialists and other qualified workers, starting with university graduates with several years of work experience.
B permit for UK nationals
Since 1 January 2021, the AFMP no longer applies to the United Kingdom. UK nationals coming to Switzerland to work are treated like other third-country nationals: they apply for a permit to the competent cantonal authority before starting, under the conditions of the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act (qualification, priority for domestic workers, quotas).
Work
EU/EFTA B permit holders have occupational and geographical mobility. For third-country nationals, the permit is tied to the work the canton has authorised.
Renewal
The canton sends an expiry notice before the permit runs out. In Geneva, the OCPM gives an average of 3 months for a renewal with no change of situation.
Towards the C permit
The B permit leads to the C permit after five or ten years, depending on nationality and integration (see the C permit page).
Procedure by canton
Frequently asked questions
How long is a B permit valid?
Can an EU national get a B permit without working?
Do UK nationals still get the EU/EFTA B permit?
Get put in touch with an immigration lawyer
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Other permits
See also
Sources
- SEM — EU/EFTA B permit
- SEM — Non-EU/EFTA nationals
- SEM — United Kingdom
- Fedlex — Foreign Nationals and Integration Act (FNIA)
Legal basis: AFMP (RS 0.142.112.681) · FNIA (RS 142.20) · OASA (RS 142.201)
General information from the official sources cited. It does not replace the decision of the competent authority. Last checked: 16 October 2026.