The OCPM procedure
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.
Third-country nationals (including UK nationals since 2021). The employer files the work permit application; the cantonal labour-market authority reviews it, then it goes to the SEM for approval. The person enters Switzerland on the visa issued by the Swiss representation, then registers their arrival with the OCPM.
After the decision, the OCPM invites the person to the Cantonal Biometrics Centre in Vernier to capture the data for the residence card. Renewal works from the expiry notice the OCPM sends out.
Registering in Geneva
In Geneva, anyone settling in the canton registers their new address with the OCPM within 14 days of arriving. The procedure depends on nationality (EU/EFTA or third country), on holding an FDFA legitimation card, or on arriving from another canton. The OCPM counters (route de Chancy 88, Onex) work by appointment only, and the biometric data for the residence card is taken at the Cantonal Biometrics Centre in Vernier.
Processing times in Geneva
Processing times published by the cantonal office (OCPM)
| Type of application | Indicative time |
|---|---|
| First permit application with employment (EU national) | 6 to 8 weeks |
| First permit application with employment (non-European national) | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Other permits without employment (EU national) | 3 months |
| Other permits without employment (non-European national) | 8 months |
| Student permit application | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Family reunification application | 6 to 8 months |
| Renewal via expiry notice (or form K with no change of situation) | 3 months |
| Appointment for biometric data capture | 2 to 4 weeks |
Indicative times published by the OCPM, plus about 2 working days for incoming mail to be assigned. Source: OCPM — Average processing times of applications (published 21.09.2026) (in French).
14
41.5%
1'609 CHF
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Who can get a B permit in Geneva?
The B permit is the residence permit for foreign nationals living in Switzerland long-term for a set purpose (work, study, family, living without work). For EU/EFTA nationals with a contract of at least one year it is valid for five years; for third-country nationals it is issued for one year and renewed.
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.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a B permit take in Geneva?
Where do you apply for a B permit in Geneva?
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?
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See also
Sources
- OCPM — Register my arrival (in French)
- OCPM — Cantonal Office for Population and Migration (in French)
- OCPM — Average processing times (in French)
- 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.