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 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 |
| Cross-border permit application | 3 months |
| 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 |
| Early C permit | 12 months |
| Leave of absence for C permit holders | 6 weeks |
| 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).
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Indicative times published by the OCPM; a file can take longer.
Processing times reported by our readers
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Permits in Geneva
Sources
- OCPM — Register my arrival (in French)
- OCPM — Cantonal Office for Population and Migration (in French)
- OCPM — Average processing times (in French)
General information from the official sources cited. It does not replace the decision of the competent authority. Last checked: 16 October 2026.