How to get a Swiss passport: naturalisation in Switzerland

The short answer

For many foreign residents, the Swiss passport feels like the final step after years of living, working and building a life in Switzerland.

But getting Swiss citizenship is not simply a matter of filling in one federal form. Switzerland has a very Swiss system: you do not only become a citizen of the country. You also become a citizen of a canton and a commune.

1. The Swiss passport has three levels

One of the most important things to understand is that Swiss citizenship is layered. When you naturalise, you acquire Swiss federal citizenship, cantonal citizenship and communal citizenship.

This is why your local commune matters. The State Secretariat for Migration explains that, once the cantonal naturalisation decision becomes legally binding, the applicant has acquired communal, cantonal and Swiss federal citizenship.

A simple way to remember it: one passport, three green lights.

2. Federal requirements: the national baseline

At federal level, ordinary naturalisation is generally for foreign citizens who have lived in Switzerland for at least 10 years, including 3 of the 5 years before filing the application, and who hold a permanent residence permit, usually known as a C permit.

There are special counting rules. Years spent in Switzerland between the ages of 8 and 18 count double, but the person must have actually lived in Switzerland for at least 6 years.

Time with a B or C permit counts. Time with an FDFA legitimation card or Ci permit counts. Time with an F permit counts half. Time with an N permit or L permit does not count.

3. Canton and commune rules: the Swiss twist

Federal rules are only the first layer.

Cantons and communes can add their own residence requirements. SEM says cantonal legislation requires a minimum residence period of between 2 and 5 years in the canton and commune concerned.

This is why moving house can matter. A move to another canton or commune may affect the local residence clock. Always check with your canton and commune before applying, especially if you are close to the required threshold.

For example, the Canton of Zurich self-check refers to living at least 2 years in the same commune and at least 2 years in the canton. In Vaud, the canton lists 10 years in Switzerland, 3 continuous years during the 5 years before applying, and 2 years in the Canton of Vaud, including the year before applying.

4. Integration: what do authorities check?

Naturalisation is not just about years.

Authorities check whether you meet the formal requirements, are successfully integrated and are familiar with the Swiss way of life. SEM also says applicants must not pose a threat to Switzerland’s internal or external security.

In practice, integration can include things such as:

• respecting public security and order
• paying taxes and avoiding serious debts
• having no relevant criminal record
• respecting the values of the Swiss Constitution
• participating in economic life or education
• supporting the integration of family members
• knowing everyday Swiss life, politics, geography and society

The exact process can vary locally. In Zurich, for example, ordinary naturalisation requires knowledge of Switzerland, the Canton of Zurich and the Zurich communal system.

5. Language requirements

Language is a key part of the process.

SEM says applicants for regular or early naturalisation must prove knowledge of a national language. The required level is based on a model that differentiates between spoken and written language skills, and SEM publishes a list of recognised language certificates.

In many cantonal procedures, the practical benchmark is B1 spoken and A2 written in the relevant national language. Vaud, for example, lists French B1 oral and A2 written for ordinary naturalisation.

6. How the process usually works

The ordinary naturalisation process usually starts with the canton or commune where you live.

The local authority checks the formal requirements, integration and familiarity with Swiss life. It then prepares a naturalisation report. If the canton and commune support the application, the file is sent to SEM for the federal naturalisation licence.

After SEM grants the federal licence, the canton makes the final naturalisation decision.

So the process is not simply: apply to Bern → get passport.

It is more like: commune / canton check → SEM federal licence → canton final decision → citizenship.

7. How much does it cost?

Costs vary because there are federal, cantonal and communal fees.

SEM charges CHF 100 for adults, CHF 150 for spouses applying jointly and CHF 50 for minors for the federal decision on the naturalisation licence. Communal and cantonal fees are added on top and are regulated by cantonal law.

In Vaud, for example, the canton lists additional cantonal and communal fees for ordinary naturalisation. This is why the total cost can vary significantly depending on where you live.

8. What if you are married to a Swiss citizen?

That is usually a different route: simplified naturalisation.

If you live in Switzerland and are married to a Swiss citizen, SEM says you may apply if you have lived in Switzerland for a total of 5 years, spent the year before applying in Switzerland, and have been married to and living with the Swiss citizen for 3 years.

This guide focuses mainly on ordinary naturalisation, because that is the standard route for many foreign residents.

9. Can you keep your original nationality?

Switzerland allows dual nationality. SEM states that, since 1 January 1992, Swiss law no longer requires people who become Swiss to give up their previous citizenship.

But your country of origin may have its own rules. Some countries restrict or do not allow dual nationality, so you should always check with the authorities of your original country.

FAQ

Can I apply for Swiss citizenship with a B permit?
For ordinary naturalisation, the federal route normally requires a C permit.

Do children need to wait 10 years?
Not always in the same way. Years spent in Switzerland between the ages of 8 and 18 count double, but the person must have actually lived in Switzerland for at least 6 years.

Is Swiss citizenship automatic after 10 years?
No. Ten years is only one requirement. You still need the correct permit, local residence, integration, language ability and approval through the process.

Do I need to speak Swiss German?
The federal rule concerns a Swiss national language, not dialect. But local practice can vary, especially during interviews or community-level checks. Check your canton and commune.

Can I move during the process?
Be careful. Since canton and commune residence requirements matter, moving can affect eligibility or timing. Check with the authorities before moving if you are close to applying.

Sources

• State Secretariat for Migration SEM — How do I become a Swiss citizen?
• State Secretariat for Migration SEM — Ordinary naturalisation
• State Secretariat for Migration SEM — Language requirements
• State Secretariat for Migration SEM — Simplified citizenship by marriage
• State Secretariat for Migration SEM — Dual nationality
• Canton of Zurich — Naturalisation self-check and residence requirements
• Canton of Zurich — Basic knowledge test
• Canton of Vaud — Ordinary naturalisation requirements