Canton of Geneva: authorities and administrative procedures
- Capital
- Geneva
- Official languages
- Français
- Official cantonal website
- ge.ch (ge.ch, opens in a new tab)
Answer a few questions — Civena computes the steps, deadlines and authorities for your situation. No account needed.
Work out my stepsWho handles what in the canton of Geneva
Worked out by Civena’s rule engine from verified rules for the canton of Geneva. Whether a step applies to you depends on your permit, household and situation. Steps handled through federal portals are listed on each life-event page.
Geneva: request the change of canton 3 months ahead — 3 months before your arrival
Apply in advance to the new canton for a change of canton — Before your move
Your C permit: change of canton
Apply to extend your B permit — At the latest 14 days before expiry
Renew your C permit card — At the latest 14 days before the card expires
Contact your cantonal migration office about your permitto confirm
Your renewal window opens — Earliest application date
Expect a biometric data appointment
Obtain your permit before you start work
Register with your new commune — Within 14 days of moving
Report your new address to your commune
Update your dog’s registration
Deregister from your commune before you leave — Before your departure
Register with your commune of residence — Within 14 days of arrival, and before starting work
Apply for your residence permit at the commune
Report your new civil status (and any new surname)
Re-register your vehicle in the new canton — Within 14 days of moving
Update the address on your vehicle registration — Within 14 days of moving
Deposit or return your number plates — Within 14 days
- Geneva Cantonal Tax Administration (ge.ch, opens in a new tab)Canton: GenevaContact page not yet confirmed by Civena
Know which canton taxes you this year
Settle your taxes with the cantonal tax administrationto confirm
- AHV/AVS compensation officeMunicipalityHandled by each commune: forms, opening hours and local requirements differ. Check your commune’s official website.
Have your self-employed status recognised by a compensation office — Recommended: within the first few months
- Cantonal compensation office (AHV/AVS)MunicipalityHandled by each commune: forms, opening hours and local requirements differ. Check your commune’s official website.
Notify your cantonal compensation office
- Cantonal military authorityMunicipalityHandled by each commune: forms, opening hours and local requirements differ. Check your commune’s official website.
If you serve: inform the cantonal military authority
- Civil register office of the place of birthMunicipalityHandled by each commune: forms, opening hours and local requirements differ. Check your commune’s official website.
Birth registration with the civil register office — Within 3 days of birth
- Civil register office of your place of residenceMunicipalityHandled by each commune: forms, opening hours and local requirements differ. Check your commune’s official website.
Apply for the marriage preparatory procedure
Rules specific to this canton
Before
Geneva: request the change of canton 3 months ahead
CantonDeadline: 3 months before your arrivalGeneva asks nationals of non-EU/EFTA countries to request authorisation to change canton three months before the planned arrival date.
- Why
- Geneva’s published OCPM practice.
- Authority
- Cantonal Population and Migration Office (OCPM) (ge.ch, opens in a new tab)
OCPM – change of canton (ge.ch, opens in a new tab)
Report incorrect information- Geneva: arriving from another canton (ge.ch, opens in a new tab)FRLast verified 23 Sept 2026