If a stay is longer than 90 days (which will generally be the case with stays for educational purposes), an application for a residence permit must be submitted to the cantonal migration authority. If a student enters Switzerland with the intention of staying for more than three months, they must apply for a residence permit and register their presence within 14 days of arrival. In Geneva, this procedure must be carried out at the OCPM. Applications can generally be made by post.
You need to send in Form E, which is available on the internet, together with the additional documents mentioned on the form. These include:
- copies of identity documents
- 1 passport sized photo with full name written on the back
- copy of lease or written certificate from accommodation provider
- certificate of enrollment at educational institution
The procedure at the OCPM costs CHF 65.