Naturalisation is the final step in the process of integrating into the Swiss way of life. It gives you the right to vote and to stand for election.
Since Switzerland recognises dual nationality, applicants for a Swiss passport do not risk losing their original nationality, provided their country of origin also permits dual nationality.
There is an ordinary naturalisation procedure and a simplified naturalisation procedure for people who are already part of a Swiss family.
Who can apply?
Holders of a settlement permit (C permit).
What are the residence requirements?
Federal legislation requires you to have lived at least ten years in Switzerland, including three of the five years prior to the application being made.
The time spent in Switzerland between the ages of 8 and 18 counts double, but you cannot apply for naturalisation until you have lived in the country for at least six years.
Depending on the canton, you must also have lived for between two and five years in your commune or canton of residence before you can apply for naturalisation.
What are the individual requirements?
Swiss law provides that Swiss citizenship may be granted to persons
who are successfully integrated into Swiss society,
who are familiar with the way of life in Switzerland,
who do not pose a danger to Switzerland's internal or external security.
You can find detailed information on ordinary naturalisation on the State Secretariat for Migration website.
The requirements for obtaining the citizenship rights in a canton or a commune vary considerably from one canton and commune to another.
How much does it cost?
The bill can vary substantially depending on the commune and canton, but on average the fees are as follows:
Commune: from 500 to 1,000 francs per person
Canton: up to 2,000 francs per person
Confederation:
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In addition, there is a charge for the documents required (residence certificate, extract from criminal records, extract from the debt enforcement register, etc.).
What is the procedure?
You have to apply to the canton or commune where you live. To find out where to obtain the form, consult the website of your canton of residence.
Once you have submitted your application, you will be invited to a personal interview where you will be told what the next steps are.
The procedures vary considerably from canton to canton, but you will need to prove that you have sufficient language skills to communicate in a national language. Some authorities require you to take written or oral naturalisation tests to check your knowledge of Switzerland and your canton. Here are examples of tests from the Canton of Vaud and from the Canton of Bern.
How long does the procedure take?
The length of the naturalisation process varies greatly. For more information, please contact your local cantonal or communal authority.
Who can apply?
The husband or wife of a Swiss citizen.
The child of a Swiss citizen.
A person under the age of 25 who is a member of a foreign family that has lived in Switzerland for three generations.
A stateless minor child.
A person who has lost their Swiss citizenship (e.g. by marrying a foreign national).
What are the residence requirements?
To apply for simplified naturalisation, you do not need to have lived in Switzerland for as long as for ordinary naturalisation. The period of residence required varies from case to case.
What are the individual requirements?
The basic requirements are the same as for ordinary naturalisation. In addition, there are conditions that vary according to your case; you can find out more on the State Secretariat for Migration's webpage How do I become a Swiss citizen?
How much does it cost?
The cost of the simplified naturalisation procedure in Switzerland varies according to age:
250 francs for minors under the age of 12
650 francs for minors aged 12 and over
900 francs for adults.
The full amount must be paid in advance and is not refunded if the application is refused.
What is the procedure?
The application for simplified naturalisation must be sent to the State Secretariat for Migration using the official form. You can order this form by sending an email to sending an email to SEM, and it will be delivered by post to your home address.
The documents that also have to be provided vary according to the case. You can find more information on the State Secretariat for Migration's webpage How do I become a Swiss citizen?
How long does the procedure take?
The simplified naturalisation procedure takes an average of one and a half years.
FAQs (link content only in German, French and Italian) on Swiss citizenship from the State Secretariat for Migration.