How to register in Geneva

Moving to a new country comes with plenty of paperwork, and registering with the local authorities is often one of the first things you’ll need to do. If you’re settling in Geneva, whether for work, studies, or family reasons, here’s a clear overview of how to complete your registration, including specific information for legitimation card holders and for those moving within the canton.

Who needs to register and when?

If you’re staying in the canton of Geneva for more than 90 days, you are required to register with the Office cantonal de la population et des migrations (OCPM) within 14 days of your arrival. This applies to most newcomers, including:

• Swiss citizens returning to Geneva
• EU/EFTA nationals
• Third-country nationals
• International students
• Family members joining a spouse or partner

This obligation also applies if you move from one Swiss canton to Geneva, or even from one municipality to another within the canton. Each municipality (“commune”) must be informed when someone takes up residence.

Important: This obligation does not apply if you are coming to Switzerland to work for an international organization or a diplomatic representation (such as a permanent mission or embassy), provided that you are issued a legitimation card. More information on this is provided below.

How to register

In most cases, it is possible to complete the registration online, you can start here (website of the Canton of Geneva). You’ll need to book an appointment online and bring the required documents with you. While the exact list varies depending on your nationality and situation, you’ll generally need:

• A valid passport or national ID
• Your employment contract or proof of enrollment (for students)
• A lease agreement or official proof of residence
• A passport-sized photo
• Health insurance details or confirmation of coverage
• For non-EU/EFTA nationals: an entry visa or residence/work authorization

If you move from within Switzerland

If you’re already living in Switzerland (or in a different municipality within Geneva) but change your address, you must register at the municipality of your new address within 14 days of your move. They will then inform the OCPM accordingly. However, in some cases, the OCPM may ask you to go there in person in order to issue a new residence permit.

Registration fees

There is a one-time administrative fee when you register. It typically ranges from CHF 65 to CHF 140 depending on the type of permit issued.

What about legitimation card holders?

If you hold a legitimation card (“carte de légitimation”), issued by the Swiss Mission through your employer (typically an international organization or a permanent mission) you are not required to register with the OCPM. If you need or wish to do so anyway, you can follow the instructions on this page on the website of the Canton of Geneva.

That said, certain municipalities may still ask you to report your residence to them. While this step is not mandatory at the cantonal level, it can be useful to be on file for matters such as waste tax, school enrollment, or other municipal services.

Important: you must let your employer know if you move to any other address, as they are required to inform the Swiss Mission accordingly.