As far as I recall (and anyone better informed should feel free to correct me) the CDLs issued by international organisations here are part of an exemption from all immigration and employment regulations; hence no taxes or social security contributions and no accumulation of any residency rights.  As far as I know, once a CDL of this type expires (usually a month after you leave the job concerned) your status "resets" to that of a new arrival, which in the case of non-EU passport holders normally means you can't stay.

However, there are some variations in the status and treaties of the various organisations, so you should check the original documentation that came with your CDL.

Andy

Thanks a lot for this Andy. So if I am a non-EU citizen who doesn't not have a permanent contract with any international organization here in Geneva, no matter how many years I have accrued on a temp CDL will not lead to a C Permit?

I might have to ask the Swiss Mission to the UN to seek clarifications. But sometimes they just can be even more clueless than I am when it comes to immigration rules!

All I know is (if the rules didn't change) you can apply for Swiss citizen directly after 10 or 12 years (please check the duration as well). 

By virtue of its status as a Member State of the United Nations, Switzerland is represented at the UN by a diplomatic mission whose mandate is exactly that:  diplomatic representation.

Its brief is not concerned in any way with the permit status of individual residents in Switzerland or the residency regulations for temporary UN staffers.   (Just as well, because they probably have enough on their plate as it is.)

However, have you thought of contacting the Office de la Population in Geneva?  Their Service étrangers et confédérés should be able to clarify your situation.  You should be able to set up an appointment with someone who speaks English if you phone ahead.  

All the very best in finding a solution to your problem.

Ritchie

There are different kind of legitimation card,  I assume yours is G.  Its best to check with Office de la Population. They are very helpful.

Yes I have a G type CDL. Thanks a lot for the advice. I will phone them up tomorrow to make an appointment. :)

Hello Jessica,

I have a the same situation and looking for an answer. Did you receive any response from them?

Govin

Hello guys!

I know this discussion happened a long time ago. However, it would be interesting and helpful to know what was the solution in that situation with CDL.

I am a holder of the Legitimation Card type R and I am non-EU, I pay taxes and social deductions, including unemployment contribution here in Switzerland and so far it's not very clear to me what rights I have with this CDL, i.e do I have a right to chômage as I pay this contribution, while FDFA guidelines say that CDL holders have to leave the country upon the termination of the contract, pretty confused here. And what reimbursement I can claim when I leave the country? I heard so far they reimburse only pension fund, which looks pretty unfair, any suggestions where clarifications can be found? And, indeed, I would be grateful if anyone has experience in this and may share!

Hi, Olena. This thread was about changing from CDL type G for C permit.

You are in a different situation, with a CDL type R, and you have questions regarding your rights to benefits. Having a type R means you were probably locally recruited by a mission (if you want help here, it would help if you provide more specific information, by the way). That is why you are not tax exempt and have some rights as an employee.

I don't know who is your employer, but usually, HR is very helpful and experienced in such matters, and they know your particulars better than anyone.

Otherwise, the place to start would be here: https://www.eda.admin.ch/missions/mission-onu-geneve/en/home/manual-regime-privileges-and-immunities/introduction/legitimation-card.html

The specialist contact provided in that page is:

Service of Registration of the International Community
Rue de Varembé 9-11
P.O. Box 194
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. +41 (0)58 482 24 24
Fax +41 (0)58 482 24 37

Thanks