Guidance

Immigration guidance for the Canton of Geneva

Published 31 March 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-canton-specific-work-permit-for-switzerland/immigration-guidance-for-the-canton-of-geneva

Work permit applications

Work permit applications must be filed with the Office cantonal de la population et des migrations. The application must be submitted in French but the attachments can be submitted in English. They only accept applications submitted via mail. The processing time is typically 6 to 8 weeks.

Working for a Swiss branch of a UK based company

If you are transferring to the Swiss branch of a UK-based company, or working for a Swiss company on a Swiss employment contract, your employer must complete the Formulaire M (on the Geneva Canton website).

The form requests the following information:

  • personal information (full name, maiden name, first name(s), nationality, date and place of birth, gender, marital status, parents’ names, phone number, email address, previous stays in Switzerland)
  • type of application (transfer to UK branch or working for Swiss company)
  • family members (children, spouse, accompanying family)
  • previous official address (old residence abroad, embassy/consulate)
  • criminal record certificate

In addition, you must submit copies of your:

  • employment contract
  • CV
  • diplomas
  • proof of housing

Providing services to a client in Switzerland

If you will provide services to a client in Switzerland your UK based employer must complete the TD form (on the Geneva Canton website). The form is only available in French.

The form asks for:

  • personal details (full name, maiden name, first name(s), nationality; date and place of birth, gender, marital status; parents’ names; contact details – phone number and email)
  • address details (residence abroad: full address, embassy/consulate for visa; address in Geneva: rental/sublease info, apartment number, floor, number of rooms; arrival date in Geneva)
  • employer/foreign company independent service provider (company name, economic sector; address; contact details – email, phone; legal representative/agent),
  • assignment details (role of worker – employee or independent; weekly hours; gross annual salary; secondment allowance; exact duration; work location; Swiss client)

In addition to the forms you will need to submit the following documents:

Contact

Labour market

Office cantonal de l’inspection et des relations du travail
Service de la main-d’œuvre étrangère
5, rue David-Dufour
Case postale 64
1211 Genève 8

Alternatively, you can telephone +41 22 388 74 00.

Migration office

Office cantonal de la population et des migrations
88, Route de Chancy
Case postale 2652
1211 Genève 2

Alternatively, you can telephone +41 22 546 46 03

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