British Citizenship by Naturalisation: Top 10 FAQ's for Swiss Citizens

If you are a Swiss citizen, Swiss national, or Swiss passport holder over 18 years old, and have been granted indefinite leave to remain or acquired permanent residence in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation. Below, we address the most frequently asked questions by Swiss nationals considering this important step towards British citizenship.

1. What are the Requirements for Swiss Citizens Applying for Naturalisation as a British Citizen?

Swiss citizens applying for British Citizenship by Naturalisation must meet specific requirements set by the UK Home Office. The criteria differ slightly based on whether you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen:

- If you are a Swiss national married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen:

- You must have been in the UK exactly three years before the date of your application.

- You should not have been absent from the UK for more than 270 days in the last three years.

- You must not be subject to any time limits on your stay in the UK at the time of application.

- If you are a Swiss national not married to a British citizen:

- You must have been in the UK exactly five years before the date of your application.

- You should not have been absent from the UK for more than 450 days in the last five years.

- You must not be subject to any time limits on your stay in the UK during the 12 months prior to applying.

- You must not have breached any UK immigration laws during the qualifying period.

- You should not have been absent from the UK for more than 90 days in the last 12 months.

Additionally, as a Swiss citizen, you must be of good character, have sufficient knowledge of the English language and life in the UK, and provide two suitable referees for your application.

2. Can Swiss Nationals Apply for British Citizenship if Absences Exceed 90 Days Due to the Pandemic?

If you are a Swiss passport holder who has exceeded the 90-day absence limit due to the pandemic, the Home Office may exercise discretion. This is more likely if you have established strong ties to the UK (e.g., a home, family, or employment) and if the absence was due to compelling reasons such as travel restrictions.

3. What Does “Free from Immigration Time Restrictions” Mean for Swiss Passport Holders?

For Swiss nationals, being free from immigration time restrictions means you must have the right to live in the UK without any time limits. If you are not married to a British citizen, you must have been free from these restrictions for 12 months before your application. Proof can include a biometric residence permit (BRP) or a permanent residence card.

4. Do Swiss Nationals Need to Prove English Language Skills?

Yes, Swiss citizens, even if fluent in English, must meet the language requirement unless they hold a degree from a majority English-speaking country or the UK. If not, you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency through an approved language test or a degree taught in English, verified by ECCTIS.

5. How Can Swiss Nationals Satisfy the Life in the UK Requirement?

Unless exempt, Swiss nationals applying for British citizenship must pass the Life in the UK test, which is conducted at an official test centre in the UK. The test costs £50, and a unique reference number will be issued upon passing, which you must include in your naturalisation application.

6. What is the Good Character Requirement for Swiss Nationals Applying for British Citizenship?

Swiss passport holders must demonstrate good character to be eligible for naturalisation. The Home Office assesses this based on factors such as criminal history, financial stability, and immigration compliance. Swiss nationals are advised to seek legal advice to address any potential concerns regarding this requirement.

7. Who Can Be a Referee for a Swiss Citizen’s British Citizenship Application?

Swiss nationals need two referees for their application. One must be a British citizen with professional standing or over 25 years old, and the other can be any nationality with professional standing. Referees must know the applicant personally for at least three years and meet specific criteria set by the Home Office.

8. When Will Swiss Nationals Receive a British Passport After Naturalisation?

Swiss citizens will not automatically receive a British passport after naturalisation. Instead, they will first receive a naturalisation certificate, which they must use to apply for a British passport separately.

9. How Much Does British Citizenship Cost for Swiss Nationals?

The application fee for Swiss nationals seeking British citizenship through naturalisation is £1,330, with an additional £80 fee for the mandatory citizenship ceremony.

10. How Long Does the Naturalisation Process Take for Swiss Citizens?

For Swiss nationals, the processing time for a British naturalisation application can be up to six months, though most applications are completed within 2-4 months. Delays may occur due to the pandemic.

Contact Our UK Immigration Experts for Swiss Citizens

If you are a Swiss citizen, Swiss national, or Swiss passport holder seeking expert advice and assistance with your British naturalisation application, contact our British Nationality Lawyers in Switzerland on +41 21 588 07 70 or fill out our contact form.