Is the subsidy automatic for a newcomer to Geneva?

No. Without a Geneva tax assessment, the SAM has no RDU: an initial application with proof of income is essential to obtain the subsidy.

Is a subsidy from another canton transferred to Geneva?

No. Each canton runs its own premium reduction scheme: a new application to the Geneva SAM is required.

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Subsidy for newcomers to the canton of Geneva

Did you settle in Geneva in 2025 or 2026? The authorities do not yet have your RDU: no subsidy can be awarded to you automatically, even if your income qualifies you. An initial application to the SAM is essential.

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Settling in Geneva · 2025 and 2026

Why do newcomers have to apply?

The subsidy is normally awarded on the basis of the unified determining income (RDU), calculated from your Geneva tax assessment. As a newcomer, you have not yet been assessed in the canton: the SAM therefore has no data to evaluate your entitlement. Without an application from you, no subsidy will be paid.

Who is affected?

People who moved from another Swiss canton in 2025 or 2026
People who arrived from abroad with a residence permit (B, L, C or other)
Swiss nationals returning from abroad
Cross-border workers who have become Geneva residents

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Don't forget: enrolment with a Swiss health insurer (LAMal) is compulsory within 3 months of your arrival. The subsidy then reduces that premium, backdated to the start of your entitlement.

Documents you'll need

Proof of arrival or residence (OCPM)
Residence permit where applicable
Proof of LAMal enrolment from your health insurer
Proof of income: employment contract, payslips, latest tax assessment from your previous canton or country

How we help you, free of charge

Between the OCPM, the health insurer and the SAM, settling in Geneva involves a lot of paperwork. Our advisers check your entitlement under the 2026 scale, put together the initial application file and submit it to the SAM. If you wish, we can also compare insurers' LAMal premiums, always with no obligation.

Frequently asked questions

Subsidy entitlement runs from the date you take up residence in the canton and enrol in LAMal. Applying quickly allows a retroactive payment back to the start of your entitlement.

On the proof of income you provide: employment contract, payslips, tax assessment from your previous canton or country. That is why a complete, well-presented file speeds up processing considerably.

No. Each canton has its own premium reduction system. Your Geneva entitlement requires a new application to the SAM under the 2026 Geneva scale.

Official resources

Official scale and forms (ge.ch)

Official documents from the State of Geneva (Health Insurance Service, in French). We help you choose and complete the right form for free.

📊 2026 subsidy scale, official amounts and RDU thresholds.
📄 Form 5 - Newcomers to Geneva, the form matching your situation.
🗂️ All 2026 application forms, full list on ge.ch.

External links to the official ge.ch website. Private site, not affiliated with the State of Geneva.

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