Swiss Naturalisation: Conditions and Procedure
Ordinary and facilitated naturalisation: residence conditions, integration and procedure under the Swiss Nationality Act.
Last updated : 2026-04-28
Two Paths
The Nationality Act (NA) of 2014 (in force 1 January 2018) distinguishes ordinary naturalisation (art. 9 et seq. NA) and facilitated naturalisation (art. 20 et seq. NA).
Ordinary Naturalisation (art. 9 et seq. NA)
Three-step process: federal authorisation, cantonal citizenship, municipal citizenship.
Federal Conditions
Residence (art. 9 NA): ten years total in Switzerland, including three of the last five years. Years between 8 and 18 count double. B or C permit required.
Integration (art. 11 NA): respect for public security and order, constitutional values, language competence (B1 oral, A2 written minimum), economic participation or education, supporting family integration.
No security threat: criminal record checked. Financial independence: no lasting social welfare dependency (art. 12 let. c NA).
Cantonal/Municipal Conditions
Additional requirements: cantonal residence minimum (often 2-5 years), knowledge tests, interview with naturalisation commission.
Facilitated Naturalisation (art. 20 et seq. NA)
Spouse of Swiss Citizen (art. 21 NA)
After five years in Switzerland and three years of marriage. Must be integrated.
Child of Swiss Parent (art. 24 NA)
Before age 25 if nationality was not acquired automatically.
Third Generation (art. 24a NA)
Since 2018, for foreign nationals whose grandparent had a residence right and parent attended compulsory schooling in Switzerland.
Procedure
Application to cantonal authority (ordinary) or SEM (facilitated). Investigation of formal and material conditions. Ordinary requires three concordant decisions (federal, cantonal, municipal). Facilitated decided by SEM after cantonal consultation.
Appeals
If refused: FAC then FSC for facilitated; cantonal remedies for ordinary.
Costs
Vary considerably by canton/municipality: hundreds to several thousand francs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years of residence for naturalisation?
Ten years for ordinary (art. 9 NA), with years 8-18 counting double. Five years for facilitated naturalisation of a Swiss citizen's spouse (art. 21 NA).
What language level is required?
B1 oral and A2 written in a national language (art. 11 let. c NA and art. 6 NBO). A recognised language certificate is required.
Does a criminal record prevent naturalisation?
Criminal convictions are an obstacle under art. 11 let. a NA. Severity and age of convictions are considered. Minor old offences are not necessarily prohibitive.
Editorial note
This article is provided for general information on Swiss law. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a professional.
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