The OCPM procedure
Cross-border commuters working in Geneva have their file held by the OCPM, which also keeps the register of foreign nationals working in the canton without living there. The G permit application goes to the OCPM; the average processing time published by the office is 3 months.
EU/EFTA nationals can live anywhere in the EU/EFTA as long as they return to their main home at least once a week. Third-country nationals need a long-term right of residence in a neighbouring country and at least six months' residence in the neighbouring border zone; their permit is then valid only in the Geneva border zone.
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 |
|---|---|
| Cross-border permit application | 3 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
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 G permit in Geneva?
The G permit is the cross-border commuter permit: the person lives abroad, works in Switzerland and returns to their main home at least once a week. For EU/EFTA nationals it is valid for five years with a contract of more than one year and covers the whole of Switzerland.
Work
Return to the main home at least once a week. Full mobility for EU/EFTA nationals; the canton's border zone for non-EU nationals.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a G permit take in Geneva?
Where do you apply for a G permit in Geneva?
Does a cross-border commuter have to go home every day?
Can an EU cross-border commuter work outside Geneva or Vaud?
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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 G permit
- SEM — G permit (non-EU)
Legal basis: AFMP · FNIA · OASA
General information from the official sources cited. It does not replace the decision of the competent authority. Last checked: 16 October 2026.