Naturalisation in Switzerland

Thinking about becoming a Swiss citizen? Switzerland advises foreigners to take up Swiss nationality once they're well integrated in their society.

Switzerland has two processes for obtaining Swiss citizenship. Ordinary (or regular) naturalization is the one most people go through; facilitated (or simplified) naturalization is a shorter and less complicated process usually open to the foreign spouses and children of Swiss citizens, and, since early 2017, third generation foreigners. According to official statistics just under a quarter of the 40,689 naturalizations in 2015 were facilitated.

There’s more than one set of requirements. To obtain regular naturalization a foreigner must meet the requirements laid out by three levels of government: the commune, the canton and the Confederation. 

Following changes to the federal foreigners' law that came into effect on January 1st 2018, an applicant must now have lived in Switzerland for ten years (it was previously 12) or less if you spent your adolescence here, and have a C residence permit. They must also show they abide by Swiss law and order, pose no threat to the country and be well integrated, a broad term that covers your participation in Swiss economic, social and linguistic life.

You must speak the local language to be in with a chance. Decent language skills have always been necessary for Swiss citizenship but requirements used to vary depending on the canton. But under the 2018 changes, there is now a required minimum level of language proficiency.

Cantonal and communal rules vary considerably. Each canton has different requirements, usually centring around how integrated you are in the community you live in. Do you have Swiss friends and work colleagues who deem you part of the community? Do you know a thing or two about the local area? Are you down with Swiss traditions, politics and history?

The length of the process varies depending on where you live, but expect several years, nevertheless last year there were over 46'000 naturalisations in Switzerland, the majority originating from Germany, Italy, Portugal, France and Kosovo.