Citizenship in Switzerland is available to a variety of people, including foreign residents who’ve resided in the nation for the appropriate amount of time. However, it’s not required for long-term residents, and many expatriates decide to apply for permanent status instead.
In many circumstances, obtaining EU citizenship is simpler, thus most individuals take that path. However, if you have family links or a strong interest in Switzerland, you may be able to get citizenship.
Citizenship in Switzerland Through Birth or Descent
Unlike in many other nations, a newborn born on Swiss territory doesn’t instantly acquire Swiss citizenship. Swiss citizenship is primarily obtained via blood links rather than by physical presence in Switzerland.
A child born abroad with another citizenship and at least one Swiss parent will lose their Swiss citizenship at the age of 25 unless they tell a Swiss official – either at home or abroad – that they want to keep their Swiss citizenship. In other words, dual citizens by birth need to opt into Swiss citizenship.
If you match the conditions for applying for Swiss citizenship by birth or ancestry, you’ll be eligible for the streamlined naturalization procedure. To verify your eligibility, you must submit an application form along with several statements and questions.
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Obtaining Swiss Citizenship By Naturalization
Those who aren’t qualified for easy naturalization may apply for Swiss citizenship via conventional naturalization after you’ve lived in Switzerland for 10 years. You must apply for citizenship by ordinary naturalization at three levels: confederation, canton, and commune. While federal standards are similar for all candidates, they vary greatly across different cantons and communes.
Citizenship Requirements
The following are the extra conditions for citizenship by normal naturalization in Switzerland at the federal level:
Understanding of a Swiss national language (German, French, Italian, or Romansh), spoken at B1 and written at A2 levels.
They’re looking for immigrants whose integration into Swiss society and knowledge of Swiss traditions and adherence to Swiss rule of law pose no threat to Switzerland’s internal or external security.
There has been no time spent on social assistance payments in the last three years unless you return the money received. You’ll next be required to attend a personal interview at your local canton or commune’s appropriate office, where you’ll be advised of the next actions to be done.
Obtaining Swiss Citizenship by Marriage
You can get naturalized as a citizen by being married for at least 10 years. You may apply for fast-track citizenship.
Registered partners don’t have the same privileges as spouses. If you’re not the spouse of a Swiss citizen, you can’t apply for easy naturalization. You have to be married. After ten years, those in a registered partnership must seek citizenship through standard naturalization.
In addition to the application form, you must confirm that you fulfill the language requirements. Typically, applications take 12-18 months to process. During the application procedure, you may relocate within Switzerland or even travel outside of Switzerland as long as your spouse keeps the Swiss embassy updated about your location.
