Even if you have been a resident of Switzerland for a long time, you may still not know every little detail about what is involved in the naturalisation process.
True, there are plenty of websites on this subject, but be very careful about believing everything you read on this topic online.
Not only do some websites spread information that is dated and no longer current, but — worse yet —they also promise to get you Swiss citizenship if you only part with your money.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that each and every site is out to scam you, though some undoubtedly are.
If someone guarantees that you will get your Swiss passport if you contract with them, that should sound alarm bells in your head. It goes without saying that this is not legitimate — not only in Switzerland but likely in most other countries as well.
So if someone makes this promise to you, run the other way, and don’t look back.
On the other hand, there are those that offer services of attorneys to get the naturalisation process going for you.
Generally speaking, they could be totally legit, but unless you are too busy to handle the process yourself or have other compelling reasons why you can’t, you don’t need an intermediary to apply for citizenship.
READ ALSO: Do you need a lawyer to help get a Swiss work permit or citizenship?
Websites you can trust
The Local Switzerland as gathered a horde of essential information on becoming Swiss that will cover everything from the costs, the tests involved, the reasons you might get rejected and also the different paths you can take to becoming Swiss. All the information is available at our special web page on Swiss citizenship. We also feature the experiences of those who have become Swiss and their essential advice.
There are also official government resources that can help with the basics.
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
Without a doubt, this is the most comprehensive ‘go-to’ source for anyone wishing not only to apply for citizenship, but also for foreigners who want to obtain a Swiss work /residency permit, a visa, or learn about entry requirements for various nationalities.
All the conditions for naturalisation, including the length of residency, language requirements, and integration criteria, are listed on this website.
Ch.ch
This particular website is operated jointly by federal and cantonal authorities, so information provided therein is also credible and accurate.
Unlike SEM, which offers extensive and detailed information on every aspect of naturalisation, this site provides the abridged, but nevertheless pretty complete, version on naturalisation requirements and steps to be taken.
Swiss Embassy in your country
Switzerland’s representations abroad are also good sources of information on this subject — especially if they are provide details relating to obtaining Swiss citizenship pertaining specifically to your nationality.
You can find Switzerland’s Embassy in your country of residence on the website of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Individual cantons
While federal naturalisation criteria are the same throughout the country, each canton has the right to implement its own eligibility requirements — as long as they are not contrary to, or less strict than, national rules.
A number of cantons have done so, either by imposing longer residency or stricter language requirements, as explained here:
- How long do I need to stay in my Swiss canton to qualify for citizenship?
- Do all cantons have the same language rules for Swiss citizenship?
If you want to check out what your canton’s naturalisation rules are, you can do so directly on their iindividual websites.
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