SWISS CITIZENSHIP BY NATURALISATION

Swiss citizenship is one of the most valued forms of nationality in Europe, offering long-term security of status, full democratic rights, and a powerful passport. Swiss citizenship is acquired through a three-tier process involving the Confederation (federal level), the canton, and the commune/municipality. In practice, this means that an applicant must satisfy federal legal requirements, while also meeting procedural and integration standards applied locally.  This three-level competence structure is set out in the Swiss Citizenship Act (SCA) and the Swiss Citizenship Ordinance (SCO).

Becoming Swiss requires a formal naturalisation process, rather than being an automatic outcome of long residence. Switzerland also does not grant Swiss citizenship simply because a child is born on Swiss territory (“jus soli”); nationality is primarily acquired by descent from a Swiss parent (“jus sanguinis”) or through a formal naturalisation process.

In this guide we explain how to obtain Swiss citizenship, the main naturalisation routes, and what applicants should expect from the Swiss citizenship process. 

Overview of Naturalisation Routes in Switzerland

Swiss nationality can be acquired in several ways. The most appropriate route will depend on your personal circumstances and connection to Switzerland. Broadly, Swiss citizenship may be obtained through:

• Ordinary Naturalisation: the main pathway for most foreign nationals who have built a long-term life in Switzerland. It is designed for residents who are well-integrated, linguistically established, and permanently settled with a residence history of at least 10 years. Applications are submitted locally and reviewed at three levels (communal, cantonal, and federal) before citizenship is granted. The ordinary route is governed at federal level by Art. 9 SCA, with implementing detail in the SCO;

  
  

• Simplified / Facilitated Naturalisation: a faster, federal-level route available to certain categories of applicants who can show a close legal and personal connection to Switzerland, most commonly through family ties. It involves some integration requirements, but the most significant difference to ordinary naturalisation is a lower residence threshold of 5 years. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is the final decision-maker, although cantonal and communal authorities still carry out the integration interview and submit a recommendation. Facilitated naturalisation categories are provided for in the SCA, including Art. 21 (spouses), Art. 24 (child of a parent who obtained citizenship through naturalisation) and Art. 24a (third-generation applicants).

  
  

Each route has distinct legal criteria, evidential requirements, and procedural steps, and the correct pathway is not always obvious without a careful review of residence history and family circumstances for Swiss citizenship purposes. A tailored assessment can help confirm eligibility, avoid unnecessary delay, and prepare a stronger application from the outset.

Ordinary Naturalisation Requirements

Ordinary naturalisation is the standard route to Swiss citizenship for most foreign nationals who have settled in Switzerland on a long-term basis. To qualify for Swiss citizenship through naturalisation, you will need to satisfy federal, cantonal and communal eligibility requirements, and must also be able to demonstrate integration in Swiss society as a future Swiss citizen. Although the decision is taken through the federal-cantonal-communal system, the core legal framework is set at federal level under the Swiss Citizenship Act and Citizenship Ordinance.

Minimum Residence Period in Switzerland and Counting Rules

To apply for ordinary naturalisation and become a Swiss citizen, you must have been lawfully resident in Switzerland for at least 10 years, three of which must have been in the five years prior to making the application. These federal residence thresholds are set out in Art. 9(1) SCA.

However, not all years are counted in the same way:

• Time spent in Switzerland while holding a long-term B or a settlement C permit counts in full toward the 10-year total;

  
  

• Time spent in Switzerland while holding a legitimation card issued by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA or while holding a Ci permit counts in full toward the 10-year total, provided the individual manages to transfer the legitimation card/Ci permit to a B and/or C permit;

  
  

• Residence between the ages of 8 and 18 on a qualifying permit (i.e. years spent on a B permit, C permit, etc.) is counted double, provided the applicant has also spent at least six years in Switzerland in total at the date of application;

  
  

• Time spent in Switzerland on a short stay permit (L permit) or asylum-seeker permit (N permit) does not count toward the 10-year residency requirement for ordinary naturalisation.

In practice, calculating residence for a Swiss citizenship application can be complex where you have held different permits over time (for example study permits, short-stay permits, or periods spent abroad) or if there have been various interruptions in your stays or you have resided at different locations. For this reason, many applicants benefit from a detailed residence-clock review before submitting an application for Swiss citizenship. 

Requirement to Hold a C Permit

Ordinary naturalisation is only open to foreign nationals who hold a Swiss permanent residence permit (C permit) when they apply. This is a federal eligibility condition under Art. 9 SCA.

If you currently hold a long-term B permit, L permit, B student residence permit, legitimation card / Ci permit or another status, you will need to obtain a C permit first and then apply for Swiss citizenship through ordinary naturalisation. 

Federal Integration Criteria

Beyond the minimum residence period and requirement to hold a valid C settlement permit, ordinary naturalisation requires successful integration in Switzerland. Integration is assessed using several overlapping criteria. You must be able to demonstrate that you:

• Respect public security and order: You must not pose, or have posed, a risk to Swiss public security or social order. Criminal convictions, repeated minor offences, or ongoing proceedings can complicate or delay naturalisation;

  
  

• Respect the values of the Swiss Constitution: Applicants must show alignment with fundamental Swiss constitutional principles, including the rule of law, democratic values, equality, and mutual respect;

  
  

• Participate in economic life or education: You should be economically self-sufficient, genuinely engaged in education or training or otherwise be participating in Swiss social and economic life. Reliance on social assistance in the last 3 years can disqualify an applicant unless any received benefits have been fully repaid;

  
  

• Acquire language skills in a national language: Applicants must be able to communicate in the national language of their area (German, French, Italian, or Romansh). The federal minimum standard is typically B1 oral (speaking/listening) and A2 written (reading/writing). You will normally need to evidence this with a recognised certificate (such as a fide-approved test), unless you qualify for a specific exemption;

  
  

• Show social and cultural integration: Naturalisation also assumes genuine participation in Swiss life and basic knowledge of political, geographical and historical facts. This includes familiarisation with Swiss history, politics, geography, local customs, social involvement, and an ability to function confidently in everyday Swiss contexts.

  
  

• Family unity integration:  integration of the spouse or registered partner, or of minor children for whom parental responsibility is exercised, is also taken into consideration when evaluating an individual case.

The non-exhaustive integration criteria are defined in Art. 12 SCA. 

Cantonal and Communal Residence Rules

In addition to the federal 10-year requirement, each canton (and sometimes commune) sets its own minimum residency period locally (generally between 2 and 5 years in the canton and/or municipality) immediately preceding the application. These cantonal and communal residence requirements do not apply on top of the 10-year federal requirement, but must be fulfilled within that overall period. Applicants must meet these local duration requirements as well, in order for the canton or commune to consider the application. 

Cantons/communes may impose additional procedural requirements within the framework of the SCA before granting Swiss citizenship.

Simplified / Facilitated Naturalisation

Simplified naturalisation is a faster, federal-level, procedure for applicants who have a close legal and personal link to Switzerland, such as family ties. It does not remove integration requirements, but reduces the residence duration and centralises the decision-making at federal level.

The simplified route is available to:

• spouses of Swiss citizens, either living in Switzerland or abroad;

  
  

• third-generation foreign nationals born and raised in Switzerland;

  
  

• certain children of Swiss citizens or naturalised parents;

  
  

• stateless children meeting residence criteria.

  
  

The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) decides on simplified naturalisation applications, although cantonal authorities usually carry out interviews and local assessments.

Other Grounds for Swiss Citizenship

Some people may acquire Swiss citizenship outside the standard naturalisation processes, for example:

• by descent or birth to a Swiss parent;

  
  

• through adoption by Swiss citizens;

  
  

• through re-acquisition/reinstatement if they were previously Swiss and lost nationality in specific situations. 

  
  

These routes arise only in particular factual circumstances and are less frequently encountered in practice than ordinary or simplified naturalisation applications. If you believe you may qualify through one of these bases, we can assess your position and confirm the best legal pathway for Swiss citizenship and Swiss citizen status.

Ordinary Naturalisation Application Process

Once you meet the 10 year federal residence requirement, satisfy the applicable cantonal and communal residence rules, hold a C permit, and meet the statutory integration requirements, you can begin the ordinary naturalisation process. 

Although the legal eligibility framework is federal, the procedure moves through the Commune, Canton, and Confederation in sequence. This multi-level review is a defining feature of Swiss citizenship and underscores the importance of careful preparation and consistent evidence when applying for Swiss citizenship.

Stage One: Eligibility Review and Pre-Application Preparation

Before filing, applicants should ensure that:

• their residence clock is complete under federal counting rules;

  
  

• they hold a valid C permit;

  
  

• they can evidence the statutory local language and federal/cantonal/communal integration requirements; and

  
  

• there are no hidden risks (for example, unresolved debt enforcement records, prior offences, or gaps in permit history).

  
  

At Richmond Chambers Switzerland we can assist applicants to assemble a full “citizenship dossier” including residence history, employment or education records, language certificates, and supporting integration evidence, so that the application can be presented coherently to meet the requirements of all three decision-making levels for Swiss citizenship.

Stage Two: Filing the Application Locally

Ordinary naturalisation applications are submitted first at local level, usually to your communal/municipal authority or cantonal citizenship office, depending on local procedure.

You will typically be asked for:

• proof of identity and civil status;

  
  

• proof of 10 years lawful Swiss residence;

  
  

• a C-permit;

  
  

• evidence of language requirement compliance;

  
  

• records demonstrating economic participation and integration;

  
  

• extracts from Swiss criminal and debt registers.

  
  

Local authorities usually also collect the first layer of naturalisation fees at this stage.

Stage Three: Communal and Cantonal Assessment

After filing, your commune (and then canton) will conduct a substantive integration review. This commonly includes:

• a personal interview focused on your life in Switzerland, language use, work/study history, community ties, and understanding of Swiss society;

  
  

• a civics or knowledge assessment about Switzerland’s political system, history, geography, and day-to-day social norms;

  
  

• checks on good character, public order, and financial conduct, including verification of criminal and debt records.

  
  

If concerns arise, applicants may be invited to provide further evidence or explanations before a formal approval or refusal is issued.

Stage Four: Federal (SEM) Review

Once local approval is granted, the file is transferred to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) for federal assessment. 

The SEM ensures that the requirements of the Swiss Citizenship Act (SCA) are applied consistently across Switzerland. Following the cantonal pre-assessment, the SEM reviews whether the formal requirements (such as length of residence and settlement status) and the substantive requirements (including integration and compliance with the legal order) are met. The SEM also conducts a security review, which includes verification of identity, assessment of internal and external security considerations, and checks of criminal records.

SEM does not usually re-interview applicants, but it can request clarification or additional documentation if needed.

Stage Five: Decision and Conferral of Swiss Citizenship

If SEM approves the application, Swiss citizenship is formally granted through the three levels of authority. You become:

1. a citizen of your commune,

   
   

2. a citizen of your canton, and

   
   

3. a citizen of the Swiss Confederation.

   
   

You will receive an official decision confirming naturalisation, and your Swiss civil status registration will be updated accordingly to reflect your status as a Swiss citizen.

Stage Six: Swiss Identity Documents After Naturalisation

Naturalisation does not automatically issue a passport. After citizenship is conferred, you may apply for:

• a Swiss passport, and

  
  

• a Swiss identity card,

through the standard cantonal passport office procedures. You will generally need to attend a biometric appointment and provide the naturalisation confirmation showing your Swiss citizenship.

Swiss Citizenship Timelines and Fees

Timeframes and costs vary because communal and cantonal stages differ in pace and fee structure. What is consistent is that fees are usually charged at each level (commune, canton, Confederation). Applicants should expect the process to take between one and two to two and a half years.

Simplified / Facilitated Naturalisation Routes

While ordinary naturalisation is the standard pathway for most foreign nationals, Swiss law provides a separate and faster procedure known as simplified (facilitated) naturalisation. This route is reserved for specific categories of people who are considered to have a particularly close personal or family connection to Switzerland justifying earlier access to Swiss citizenship.

Simplified naturalisation is decided at federal level by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), although the canton usually carries out interviews and integration checks. Simplified naturalisation can reduce residence requirements, but it does not remove the need to demonstrate integration, language ability, and good character as part of the Swiss citizenship assessment.

Simplified Naturalisation for Spouses of Swiss Citizens

Often described informally as “Swiss citizenship by marriage,” this is one of the most common facilitated routes to Swiss nationality. The legal basis is Article 21 of the Swiss Citizenship Act.

Eligibility depends on whether the couple lives in Switzerland or abroad, and the residence and marriage thresholds differ accordingly.

Spouses living in Switzerland may qualify if they:

• have been married to their Swiss spouse and living together in a genuine marital relationship for at least 3 years; and

  
  

• have lived in Switzerland for at least 5 years in total, including at least 1 uninterrupted year immediately before the application.

  
  

Spouses living abroad may qualify if they:

• have been married to their Swiss spouse and living together in a genuine marital relationship for at least 6 years; and

  
  

• can demonstrate close ties to Switzerland. This usually involves showing a sustained and meaningful connection to Swiss life, such as regular visits to Switzerland, ongoing relationships with Swiss family or community networks, familiarity with Swiss customs, and an intention to remain connected to the country in the long term as a future Swiss citizen.

  
  

In both scenarios, the marriage must be stable and genuine, and simplified naturalisation is not available in certain edge cases - for example, where both spouses were foreign nationals at the time of marriage and the Swiss spouse only became Swiss later through ordinary naturalisation and then acquired Swiss citizenship.

Finally, facilitated naturalisation does not waive integration requirements. Applicants must still show appropriate integration into Swiss society, including:

• sufficient ability in a national language for everyday life;

  
  

• respect for Swiss public order and constitutional values; and

  
  

• real participation in Swiss economic, educational, and social life.

  
  

Because the route combines formal thresholds with an overall integration assessment, it is often useful to review residence history, marital timelines, and supporting evidence carefully before an application is lodged for Swiss citizenship.

Simplified Naturalisation for Third-Generation Foreign Nationals

Switzerland provides a facilitated route to citizenship for certain third-generation foreign nationals who were born and raised in Switzerland. The purpose of this category is to recognise that, where a family has lived in Switzerland for three generations, the applicant’s connection to the country is already deep-rooted and their integration is typically well-established. Applications are decided at federal level through the simplified naturalisation procedure, with local authorities still involved in assessing residence history and integration before granting Swiss citizenship.

Although the legal criteria are technical, the route is broadly aimed at applicants who can show that Switzerland has been the centre of life for three generations. In practice, this generally means that the applicant:

• was born in Switzerland;

  
  

• holds a permanent residence (C) permit;

  
  

• has completed at least 5 years of compulsory schooling in Switzerland, demonstrating that their upbringing and socialisation took place within Swiss society;

  
  

• has at least one  parent who holds or previously held a C permit and completed at least 5 years of their compulsory schooling in Switzerland;

  
  

• has a grandparent with established residence ties; at least one grandparent was born in Switzerland or held a recognised right of residence here.

  
  

Taken together, these requirements reflect a situation in which the applicant, their parent, and their grandparent have each developed legally recognised and substantial connections to Switzerland over time.

A strict age limit applies. The foreign national must submit their application before reaching the age of 25.  As with all simplified naturalisation routes, applicants must still satisfy the general integration standards, including respect for public order, appropriate language skills, and active participation in Swiss social and economic life as part of their Swiss citizenship application.

Because eligibility depends on a combination of family history, permit status, schooling records, and timing, applications often succeed or fail on the strength of the documentary evidence. Where there is any uncertainty - for example about a grandparent’s residence position, a parent’s past permit status, or periods spent abroad - it is usually worth reviewing the family timeline carefully before filing for Swiss citizenship.

Simplified Naturalisation for Children of a Swiss Parent

Having a Swiss parent does not always mean that a child automatically became Swiss at birth. In a limited number of situations, a foreign child of a Swiss citizen can instead obtain Swiss nationality later through simplified (facilitated) naturalisation. 

This route is relevant, for example, where:

• the Swiss parent was not able to transmit Swiss citizenship at the time of birth under the rules then in force; or 

  
  

• where a child born abroad was not registered as Swiss within the required timeframe.

  
  

By way of illustration, a foreign child of a Swiss mother who (if the child was born before the 1985 reform) could not pass on Swiss nationality may qualify, as may a child born abroad to a Swiss parent who was not recorded with the Swiss authorities at birth.

The precise legal basis and procedure depend on the child’s individual circumstances - including whether the Swiss parent is the mother or father, the parents’ marital status at the time of birth, and the child’s place of birth and registration history. 

In some categories, statutory age limits apply (for instance, certain applications must be lodged before the child reaches the age of 22), so timing can be important to secure Swiss citizenship.

Simplified Naturalisation for Children of Naturalised Parents

Where a parent acquires Swiss citizenship through ordinary naturalisation, their minor children are normally included in the same application and become Swiss at the same time. However, this does not always happen in practice. A child may have been living abroad, may not have been part of the household, or may simply have been left out of the parent’s application. In these situations, Swiss law allows certain children of naturalised parents to obtain Swiss nationality later through simplified naturalisation, provided they remain closely connected to Switzerland.

This route is designed for young people who have effectively grown up in Switzerland and are already integrated into Swiss life. To qualify, the child must have been under 18 at the time the parent applied for naturalisation, must apply in their own right before turning 22, and must be able to show a meaningful residence history in Switzerland - specifically, at least five years’ lawful residence in total, including the three years immediately before the simplified naturalisation application is filed. As with other facilitated routes, the applicant must also meet the general integration requirements, including language ability and social and economic integration, which are assessed through the SEM process with input from local authorities.

Because this category is tightly defined and subject to statutory age limits, timing and residence calculation are often decisive. Where eligibility is uncertain - for example if there were periods spent abroad, changes in household composition, or questions about whether the child could have been included in the parent’s original naturalisation - a tailored review of the residence record and family timeline is usually advisable before an application for Swiss citizenship is submitted.

Simplified Naturalisation for Stateless Children

Stateless children below the age of 18 who have lived in Switzerland for at least 5 years may qualify for facilitated citizenship once they meet residence and integration criteria. This route is designed to prevent long-term statelessness for children fully embedded in Swiss society.

Application Process for Simplified Naturalisation

The simplified naturalisation process is more centralised than the ordinary route, but it still relies on communal and cantonal fact-finding and integration checks. Although details vary slightly by category, applications generally move through these stages:

• Application to SEM (or via a Swiss representation abroad). The applicant files a federal simplified naturalisation application, submitting evidence that they fall within a facilitated category and meet the general integration standards. If applying from abroad, the file is usually lodged through a Swiss embassy or consulate and then forwarded to SEM.

  
  

• Cantonal / consular enquiries and interview. SEM instructs the competent cantonal or consular authority to carry out the necessary enquiries. This typically includes verifying residence history for applicants living in Switzerland, checking language and integration evidence (or close connection to Switzerland), and conducting an interview in the local national language. The local authority or consulate then prepares a report and recommendation for SEM.

  
  

• SEM assessment and decision. SEM reviews the report alongside the federal file to confirm both that the applicant meets the specific facilitated ground (for example, spouse of a Swiss citizen or third-generation applicant) and that integration requirements are satisfied. SEM then issues the decision on simplified naturalisation.

  
  

• Conferral of citizenship. Once approved, Swiss citizenship is conferred at all three levels. The applicant becomes a citizen of a commune and canton and, through that, of the Swiss Confederation, in the same way as under ordinary naturalisation.

  
  

Because SEM is the single federal decision-maker and the procedure does not require a full communal voting or multi-layer approval process, simplified naturalisation is often quicker and more predictable in practice than ordinary naturalisation. However, refusal risks remain where the underlying facilitated category is not fully evidenced, where there are gaps in residence or family-tie documentation, or where integration indicators are weak - particularly language ability, economic participation, or concerns about compliance with Swiss public order. 

Practical Tips to Strengthen a Swiss Citizenship Application

Swiss naturalisation is not just a box-ticking exercise. The process tests whether you are genuinely established and integrated in Switzerland as a future Swiss citizen. The following practical steps can significantly improve prospects on either the ordinary or simplified route:

• Be strategic about timing: Even where you meet the 10-year threshold (or the shorter facilitated periods), it is wise to apply once your situation is stable - particularly your permit history, employment/education position, and residency in the commune/canton;

  
  

• Plan ahead for language evidence: If you do not already have a recognised certificate, consider taking a fide-approved or otherwise SEM-accepted language test early. Leave time to retake if needed;

  
  

• Maintain a clean public-order and debt record: Minor issues can accumulate. Where enforcement proceedings, unpaid taxes, or past convictions exist, these should be addressed or contextualised with supporting documents before applying;

  
  

• Avoid long absences shortly before applying: Ordinary naturalisation requires at least 3 of the last 5 years in Switzerland, so extended stays abroad close to submission can disrupt eligibility;

  
  

• Prepare for interviews and civic knowledge checks: Applicants are often asked about Swiss political structures, daily life, local customs, and practical integration. Basic knowledge of Swiss history and geography is also usually required. Reading federal and cantonal civic materials and practising answers in the relevant national language can make a large difference;

  
  

• Document integration in a real-world way: Evidence such as steady employment or formal studies, local community involvement, children’s schooling, and ongoing Swiss social ties all help demonstrate that your connection to Switzerland is deep, not superficial and supports Swiss citizenship.

  
  

Dual Citizenship in Switzerland

Swiss law permits dual or multiple nationality. You do not need to renounce your existing citizenship in order to naturalise as Swiss and become a Swiss citizen, and Switzerland will not require proof of renunciation.

That said, some countries restrict or prohibit dual nationality. This means that while Switzerland allows you to keep your original citizenship, your home country may not. If you are unsure, you should check the nationality rules of the country you currently hold, as naturalisation in Switzerland could lead to automatic loss of your original nationality under that country’s law.

Loss or Revocation of Swiss Citizenship

Swiss citizenship is generally secure once granted. However, it can be lost or withdrawn in a small number of specific situations:

• Voluntary renunciation: A Swiss citizen who also holds another nationality may apply to renounce Swiss citizenship, typically where they live abroad.

  
  

• Annulment for fraud or concealment: Naturalisation may be annulled if it was obtained by intentionally providing false information or concealing essential facts. This is an exceptional measure and is normally pursued only where deliberate deception can be proven.

  
  

• Revocation for serious offences against Switzerland’s interests: In very rare cases, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), with the consent of the canton of origin, may revoke the Swiss citizenship of a dual national whose conduct is seriously detrimental to the interests or reputation of Switzerland. This power is reserved for extreme situations, such as involvement in terrorism or comparable threats to Switzerland’s internal or external security. It cannot be used if revocation would render the person stateless.

  
  

For the vast majority of naturalised citizens acting in good faith, Swiss nationality remains permanent and stable once Swiss citizenship is granted.

Frequently Asked Questions on Swiss Citizenship

What are the key benefits of Swiss citizenship?

Swiss citizenship offers important advantages that go well beyond holding a Swiss residence permit, including a C permit. The main benefits are:

• A Swiss passport and stronger global mobility. Swiss citizens enjoy extensive visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel and benefit from Switzerland’s strong consular protection abroad.

• An unconditional right to live in Switzerland. Citizenship removes dependence on residence permits, meaning your right to remain is no longer tied to employment, income thresholds, integration tests, or renewal cycles.

• Full democratic and civic rights. Swiss citizens can vote in federal, cantonal, and communal elections and referenda and may stand for public office, reflecting Switzerland’s direct-democracy system.

• Security for future generations. Swiss citizenship is generally passed on to children by descent, giving family members a stable and long-term status in Switzerland.

• Access to regulated professions and public roles. Certain public sector positions and regulated professions are reserved for Swiss citizens or become significantly easier to access after naturalisation.

• Dual citizenship is permitted. Switzerland allows naturalised citizens to retain their existing nationality, although you should check whether your home country restricts dual nationality.

How long does it take to get Swiss citizenship?

Processing times vary, because applications are reviewed at communal, cantonal, and federal level. Ordinary naturalisation usually takes between one and two and a half years, depending on local procedures and the complexity of the case.

Do student years count toward the 10 years for ordinary naturalisation?

Yes, lawful residence counts, but calculating the “residence clock” can be complex if you have held different permit types (student permits, short-stay permits, time abroad). A proper review of your permit and residence history is advisable.

What language level do I need for Swiss naturalisation?

For ordinary naturalisation, the federal standard is generally B1 spoken and A2 written in the national language of your area, proven with a recognised certificate unless exempt.

Can I apply for Swiss citizenship without a C permit?

Not through the ordinary route. Ordinary naturalisation requires a C permit at the time of application. Some simplified routes (such as spouses of Swiss citizens) are available to individuals who do not hold a C permit, but integration requirements still apply.

How much does Swiss naturalisation cost?

Fees are charged at multiple levels (commune, canton, and Confederation). Total costs therefore vary widely but in most cantons/cases are approximately CHF 1000 - 3000.

Can I keep my current nationality if I become Swiss?

Swiss law allows dual citizenship. Whether you can keep your existing nationality depends on the rules of your country of origin.

Is Swiss citizenship faster through marriage?

Often yes. Simplified naturalisation for spouses usually has shorter residence thresholds and a more centralised federal procedure. But applicants must still prove genuine integration and a real marital relationship.

How Richmond Chambers Switzerland Can Help

Naturalisation is one of the most important legal steps a foreign national can take in Switzerland. Because the process is multi-layered and heavily evidence-based, professional guidance can avoid delay and reduce refusal risk.

Richmond Chambers Switzerland can assist you with:

• Eligibility and timeline assessments, including a detailed residence-clock review and route strategy (ordinary vs simplified).

  
  

• Document preparation and submission, ensuring your application meets communal, cantonal and federal standards and presents integration evidence coherently.

  
  

• Legal representations and supporting submissions, particularly where residence history is complex, or where there are potential issues such as past offences, debt records, or interruptions in permit status.

  
  

• Interview and civic-knowledge preparation, helping you approach communal or cantonal assessments with confidence.

  
  

• Refusals and reconsideration/appeal advice, where an application is delayed or rejected.

  
  

If you would like us to assess your prospects for Swiss citizenship, we can provide clear advice on your best route, likely timescales, and the evidence required for a successful outcome.

Contact Our Immigration Lawyers In Switzerland

For expert advice in relation to Swiss naturalisation, eligibility, and application strategy, contact Richmond Chambers Switzerland on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete an enquiry form. We offer clear, practical guidance from the outset, and can support you through every stage of the Swiss citizenship application process - from assessing your residence clock and integration evidence to preparing submissions and interview readiness so you can become a Swiss citizen with confidence.