It is one of the most widespread fears: does becoming Swiss mean giving up your original nationality? In Switzerland, the answer is no — and has been for more than thirty years.
Since 1992, Switzerland has granted dual citizenship to Swiss emigrants and naturalisation applicants, making it a forerunner of what is now a global trend.
How many Swiss people hold dual nationality?
Today, one in four Swiss citizens — both in the country and abroad — holds at least one additional nationality. The figure is probably higher still, as available data only covers people over 15. Among Swiss citizens living abroad, the share of dual nationals reaches around 75%.
How do Swiss people become dual nationals?
- Increasingly by birth: the group of Swiss dual nationals is growing faster than that of single nationals or foreign nationals
- Through marriage: more than one in three marriages is between a Swiss citizen and a foreign national
- Through transmission: Swiss citizens pass their nationality to their children, even when born abroad, with no time limit
What are the advantages of dual nationality?
Being able to keep your original nationality makes naturalisation easier, and naturalisation supports integration. By accepting dual citizenship, a major obstacle to the naturalisation of immigrants in Switzerland has been removed. Naturalisation also has measured positive effects: stronger identification with the country of residence and better economic and socio-cultural integration.
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