Geneva · OCPM
L permit in Geneva
For a contract of three months to one year, EU/EFTA nationals apply to the OCPM for an L permit; it lasts as long as the contract. Work of less than three months per calendar year needs no permit but an online notification to the SEM, filed by the employer.
First permit application with employment (EU national): 6 to 8 weeks(time published by the OCPM)
Requirements by nationality
L permit for EU/EFTA nationals
With an employment contract of three months to one year, EU/EFTA nationals are entitled to an EU/EFTA L permit. It is valid for as long as the contract and can be extended up to twelve months in total.
L permit for non-EU nationals
For third-country nationals, the short-term permit follows the same admission conditions as the B permit: qualification, priority for domestic workers, standard pay and working conditions. Short-term permits are subject to quotas set by the Federal Council, separate from the B permit quotas.
Work
The L permit covers the work set out in the contract; changing jobs follows the rules for the holder's nationality.
Procedure by canton
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a permit to work less than three months in Switzerland?
Can the L permit be extended?
Get put in touch with an immigration lawyer
Describe your situation in a few lines: we pass your request to a professional in the region, who replies to you directly. The service is free for you.
Other permits
See also
Sources
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.