The OCPM procedure
Geneva hosts most of the international organisations based in Switzerland. Spouses and children (up to age 25) of officials of these organisations and of members of foreign representations who want to work apply to the OCPM for the Ci permit; arrival registration for legitimation card holders follows its own procedure.
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.
14
41.5%
1'609 CHF
Report your processing time
Got your permit? Tell us how many weeks you waited: answers feed the medians published on this page (shown from 5 answers).
Who can get a Ci permit in Geneva?
The Ci permit is the residence permit with work rights for spouses and children up to age 25 of officials of intergovernmental organisations and members of foreign representations. It is valid only for as long as the main holder's posting.
Work
The Ci permit allows paid work: that is its purpose, as the FDFA legitimation card does not allow it on its own.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you apply for a Ci permit in Geneva?
Who can get a Ci permit?
Get put in touch with an immigration lawyer
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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 Ci permit
- SEM — Ci permit
Legal basis: FNIA · OASA
General information from the official sources cited. It does not replace the decision of the competent authority. Last checked: 16 October 2026.