Graubünden changes residence permit procedures: new rules following the Roveredo affair

Context

TL;DR

• Grisons changes residence permit rules after organized crime links found.
• Applicants must declare criminal records or ongoing proceedings.
• False declarations risk permit revocation and criminal proceedings.

Key facts

• Cosa: New rules for residence permits in Canton of Grisons.
• Quando: Change announced after Roveredo affair, exact date not specified.
• Dove: Canton of Grisons, Switzerland.
• Chi: State Councillor Peter Peyer (PS) introduced the new measure.
• Importo: No specific monetary value mentioned.
• Scadenza: Processing times vary, generally 3-6 months.
• Incontro: Meeting scheduled for mid-May in Roveredo to address the issue.
• Gruppo di lavoro: Possible working group to combat organized crime in Grisons.

New rules for residence permits in the Canton of Grisons

After the Roveredo affair, the Canton of Grisons has announced a change in practice for the issuance of residence permits. In the future, applicants will have to declare whether they have any criminal records or ongoing proceedings. This measure was introduced in response to the discovery of links to organized crime among some individuals residing in Roveredo. State Councillor Peter Peyer (PS) explained that these declarations could lead to further investigations, such as requesting a criminal record extract. In case of well-founded doubts, this information could negatively influence the decision to grant the permit.

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Operational details

Practical analysis: what changes for applicants

The new procedure for residence permits in the Canton of Grisons introduces a series of practical implications for applicants. First, it will be necessary to declare any criminal records or ongoing proceedings. This declaration will be verified by the cantonal authorities, which may request additional documents, such as the criminal record extract.

Procedure for applying for a residence permit

1. Declaration of criminal records: Applicants will need to fill out a form declaring whether they have any criminal records or ongoing proceedings. 2. Verification of declarations: The cantonal authorities will verify the declarations provided and, if necessary, request additional documents. 3. Final decision: Based on the information collected, the authorities will decide whether or not to grant the residence permit.

What happens in case of false declarations

Those who are not truthful in their declarations risk having their residence permit revoked. The cantonal authorities may initiate criminal proceedings for false declarations, with consequent sanctions.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before this change, the process of applying for a residence permit in the Canton of Grisons did not require a mandatory declaration of criminal records. The new procedure aims to strengthen transparency and prevent the settlement of individuals linked to organized crime. This change is in line with the measures adopted by other Swiss cantons to combat the phenomenon.

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Key points

What to do to obtain a residence permit in the Canton of Grisons

To obtain a residence permit in the Canton of Grisons, applicants must follow a specific procedure. Here are the steps to follow:

Steps to apply for a residence permit

1. Fill out the application form: Applicants must fill out the residence permit application form, available on the official website of the Canton of Grisons. 2. Criminal record declaration: In the form, applicants must declare if they have any criminal records or ongoing proceedings. 3. Submission of documentation: Along with the completed form, applicants must submit the required documentation, such as a passport, proof of residence, and a certificate of good conduct. 4. Verification of declarations: The cantonal authorities will verify the declarations provided and, if necessary, request additional documents. 5. Final decision: Based on the information gathered, the authorities will decide whether or not to grant the residence permit.

Deadlines and processing times

The processing times for the decision on the residence permit can vary depending on the complexity of the case. In general, the cantonal authorities aim to complete the process within 3-6 months from the submission of the application. However, in complex cases, the process may take longer.

Useful tools

To facilitate the process of applying for a residence permit, applicants can use various online tools. For example, the residence permit calculator can help determine if the requirements for obtaining the permit are met. Additionally, the cost of living calculator can provide an estimate of the costs associated with living in the Canton of Grisons.

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