Hi everyone, this is my first post - have been lurking on Glocals for a while reading threads on flat-finding but it seems there hasn't been anyone addressing this problem yet.

I am going to start an internship at the UN from January to July 2015. Compared to others, my mobility is rather limited - I come from a developing country so have to apply for a Schengen visa just to come to Geneva before I can apply for a Carte de Légitimation.

Recently I have come across a nice studio in Gaillard (over the border near Thônex) which is affordable compared to other flats/studios in Geneva. However, a friend of mine who studies in Geneva has told me that a permit is needed to rent a flat in France, and that my Carte de Légitimation would not allow me to live over the French border. So I would like to ask:

- Is that really the case that I have to have the French permit if I want to rent (sign a contract, become an official tenant, etc.) over the border?
- I have relatives living in France. Can I ask them to rent the flat then 'sublet' it back to me?
- Will it affect my application for the Carte if I have a French address (while not being permitted to rent in France)?

Really looking forward to your answers.

Michael

Hello Ritchie, 

Could you please advise me on the questions raised by Michael 8 years ago. I am almost in the similar situation as he was then. 

Thank you!

Pramesh

Hello.

I am also curious about the eligibility for non-EU passport holders to reside in France while working in Geneva for the first time.

Dear @Ritchie and @Pramesh P, could you please share your experience? I am a Ukrainian who has got a jof offer with the IO in Geneva recently. Many thanks.

Iryna