Ukrainian-French Translation in Geneva: Guide for Refugees and Residents

Geneva is an international city like no other — home to the European headquarters of the United Nations, the UNHCR, and numerous humanitarian organisations. Since 2022, Switzerland has granted Statute S (temporary protection status) to tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees. To obtain this status, settle in the canton of Geneva and regularise their situation, Ukrainian nationals need certified Ukrainian-French translations recognised by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). This guide is here to help.

Statute S in Switzerland: temporary protection for Ukrainians

Statute S (protection status) is a form of collective protection granted by Switzerland to people fleeing situations of widespread violence. Activated for the first time in March 2022 in favour of Ukrainian nationals, it grants access to the labour market, healthcare, education and social assistance.

The SEM (State Secretariat for Migration) is the competent authority for Statute S and residency permits. To build your dossier with the SEM or the cantonal Geneva authorities, certified translations of your Ukrainian documents are generally required.

An important linguistic note: Ukrainian is a Cyrillic language distinct from Russian. Your translator must be specifically sworn for Ukrainian. Submitting a Ukrainian document with a translation certified only for Russian is an error that can invalidate your entire dossier.

Key authorities and institutions in Geneva

• SEM (State Secretariat for Migration) — Statute S and residency permits
• OCPM (Geneva cantonal population and migration office) — cantonal registration
• UNHCR Geneva — referral and orientation for Ukrainian refugees
• Hospice Général — social assistance for Statute S holders in Geneva
• DIP (Department of Public Instruction) — children's schooling
• OPE (Office for Careers Guidance, Vocational and Continuing Education) — degree recognition and training

Ukrainian documents required for Statute S and Geneva procedures

For the Statute S dossier with the SEM

• Ukrainian passport (закордонний паспорт) — certified translation of identity and validity pages
• Birth certificate (свідоцтво про народження) — for every family member
• Marriage certificate (свідоцтво про шлюб) — for spouses
• Documents proving Ukrainian nationality (internal identity card, etc.)
• Proof of residence in Ukraine before departure, if available

For children's schooling in Geneva

• Ukrainian school attendance certificate — to determine the year of admission
• Translated Ukrainian school reports
• Vaccination record if required by the DIP

For degree recognition and employment

• Ukrainian university degree (диплом) and transcript (додаток до диплому)
• Vocational training certificates
• Criminal record certificate (довідка про несудимість) — frequently required by Swiss employers
• Professional references and recommendation letters from Ukraine

Translation turnaround times in Geneva

Geneva and the UNHCR: a unique international context

Geneva hosts the European headquarters of the United Nations and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Since 2022, many Ukrainians have been in contact with UNHCR services in Geneva for guidance and protection.

For certain procedures with the UNHCR or international Geneva organisations, documents translated into English may also be required alongside the French version. We also offer sworn Ukrainian-English translations if needed.

FAQ — Ukrainian translation in Geneva

Does the SEM accept translations produced by an online agency?

Yes, provided the translator is duly sworn. In Switzerland, sworn translators are generally recognised by cantonal courts. The SEM accepts sworn translations produced by translators recognised in Switzerland, France or Belgium, depending on the documents involved. Contact us to clarify your situation and we will advise on the most appropriate approach.

Does the Hospice Général of Geneva require sworn translations?

For Statute S social assistance, the Hospice Général may request translations of identity and family composition documents. In some cases, a simple certified translation suffices for internal procedures, but a sworn translation is always preferable to avoid any subsequent complications.

Can I have my Ukrainian medical or engineering degree recognised in Geneva?

Recognition of regulated professional qualifications (doctors, pharmacists, lawyers, etc.) is a separate process from simple translation. It involves procedures with the relevant Swiss professional bodies. A sworn translation of your degree is the essential first step — we can help you with that. Contact us for personalised guidance.