Requirements for Ordinary Naturalisation
The path to a Swiss passport is linked to clear legal conditions. Since 2018, standardised rules apply to ordinary naturalisation. For spouses of Swiss citizens (5 years of residence, 3 years of marriage) and for third-generation foreigners, facilitated naturalisation is an alternative.
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1. Residence Periods
The basic requirement is a total stay of 10 years in Switzerland. Three of the last five years must have been spent in Switzerland immediately before the application. Years of residence between the ages of 8 and 18 count double, which simplifies access. The actual stay must still be at least 6 years. Stays with a B, C or Ci permit count; stays with an F permit count only half, and stays with an N or L permit do not count.
2. Settlement Permit (C Permit)
Since 2018, holding a C permit is mandatory. Nationals of the EFTA states and of 14 EU states (including Germany, France, Italy, Austria) receive it after 5 years, everyone else generally after 10 years of legal residence.
3. Integration as a Core Criterion
- Language Skills: Oral B1, written A2 in a Swiss national language. Cantons can require more; the canton of Solothurn, for example, requires oral level B2.
- Economic Independence: No social assistance in the last 3 years.
- Security and Order: Clean criminal record, no ongoing debt enforcement proceedings.
- Social Integration: Participation in social life, club memberships, neighbourhood contacts.
4. Additional Cantonal and Municipal Requirements
In addition to federal requirements, cantons and municipalities may set their own criteria: minimum residence period in the canton (between 2 and 5 years, depending on the canton), passed naturalisation test, and personal interview before the commission.
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements for naturalisation in Switzerland?
Ordinary naturalisation requires: at least 10 years of residence in Switzerland (including 3 of the last 5 years immediately before applying), the C permit (settlement permit), spoken language skills at level B1 and written skills at level A2, financial independence (no social assistance) and a clean criminal record extract.
How long do you have to live in Switzerland to be naturalised?
At least 10 years of residence in Switzerland, including 3 of the last 5 years immediately before applying. Years between the ages of 8 and 18 count double. Actual residence must still amount to at least 6 years. Residence with a B, C or Ci permit counts; residence with an F permit counts for half, and residence with an N or L permit does not count.
Do I need the C permit for naturalisation?
Yes, since 2018 the C permit (settlement permit) has been mandatory for ordinary naturalisation. Nationals of the EFTA states and of 14 EU states (including Germany, France, Italy and Austria) receive it after 5 years, all others usually after 10 years.
What language skills do I need for naturalisation?
Level B1 spoken and level A2 written in a Swiss national language (German, French, Italian or Romansh). Accepted proof includes the fide test or a recognised language certificate. Some cantons require higher levels, for example Solothurn with level B2 spoken.
Official Sources
Further Reading