Resources
Authority addresses, a glossary and starting points to move your application forward.
Cantonal migration offices
Your application is filed with the office of the canton where you live (or work, for permit G).
Genève
Office cantonal de la population et des migrations (OCPM)
Official website →
Vaud
Service de la population (SPOP)
Official website →
Valais
Service de la population et des migrations (SPM)
Official website →
Fribourg
Service de la population et des migrants (SPoMi)
Official website →
Neuchâtel
Service des migrations (SMIG)
Official website →
Jura
Service de la population
Official website →
Berne
Office de la population (Amt für Bevölkerungsdienste)
Official website →
Zurich
Migrationsamt
Official website →
Bâle-Ville
Migrationsamt
Official website →
Tessin
Sezione della popolazione
Official website →
Lucerne
Amt für Migration
Official website →
Saint-Gall
Migrationsamt
Official website →
Glossary
SEM
State Secretariat for Migration: the federal authority responsible for migration.
Cantonal migration office
The cantonal authority that issues and renews residence permits.
Arrival registration
Mandatory declaration to the commune within 14 days of arrival.
Family reunification
Right to bring your spouse and children, under certain conditions.
Border zone
Region near the border; required only for third-country cross-border workers.
AELE / EFTA
European Free Trade Association: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland.
Debt enforcement register
Register of debts; a clean extract is often required for permit C.
Permit L
Short-term permit (less than 12 months), distinct from permits G, B and C.