The Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva reiterates the rules applicable to staff members of international organizations (IOs) who are resident in Switzerland at the end of their employment (see the Information Notice).

Upon termination of the contract, a grace period is automatically granted: two months for staff members and two weeks for interns. During this period, the legitimation card remains valid. This grace period allows the staff member and their family to organize their departure or regularize their stay.

Anyone wishing to stay in Switzerland beyond this period must submit a residence permit application to the cantonal population office (OCP) of their place of residence. Applications are examined by the authorities based on nationality, professional situation, and the applicable legal provisions. In all cases, applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves.

Residence permit applications must be submitted sufficiently in advance and include all required documentation to ensure processing within a reasonable timeframe.

For further information, please refer to the admin e-guide page “Swiss Cards,” the Information Notice on Continuing Residence in Switzerland (January 2026), as well as the documents and links mentioned therein.

Host State Relations service
Relations.secretariat@cern.ch
Tel.: 75152