Hello, I wanted to report my experience with the residence permit and the work permit. I will move to Geneva by mid-July to start with a new job, so I already have a job contract. Now I am managing the procedures for the work permit and the residence permit and I am currently looking for an apartment. I went to the Office Cantonal de la population in Geneva last week to start the work permit procedure in the meantime (and then my intention was to apply for the residence permit afterwards). They told me that the work permit and the residence permit go together now (it seems things have changed lately) and that you have to apply for the work permit and the residence permit at the same time (once the application is sent, it is possible to start working immediately and you have only to wait for the residence permit). I have read in many forums that real-estate agencies are asking for a residence permit to accept the applications. Anyway it is not possible to apply for the residence permit if you don't have a home address (and contextually it is not possible to apply the work permit). Anyone had the same information at the office cantonal? Is there anybody who got the same informations by the Office Cantonal? Furthermore, I wonder how it is possible that agencies ask for the residence permit if this is not released without an address (at the office cantonal they ask for a copy of the apartment contract or any utility bill).

I take advantage of this post: I am looking for a studio/apartment alone or with flatmates in Geneva. In case of any opportunities, please let me know. Thanks everybody!