Length of residence is the first condition the authorities check — and the leading cause of premature applications. It is assessed at two levels: federal law and Geneva cantonal law.
Residence conditions under federal law
Applicants must hold a permanent residence permit (C permit) and prove ten years of residence in Switzerland in total, including three of the five years preceding the application.
- Years spent in Switzerland between the ages of 8 and 18 count double
- Stays under an F permit count only half
- Stays under L, N and G permits do not count
Residence conditions under Geneva law
In addition to federal provisions, each canton sets the period during which a person must have lived on its territory. This varies from 2 to 5 years depending on the canton. In Geneva, the procedure is governed by the Geneva Citizenship Act (LDCG).
- Meet the formal conditions set by federal legislation
- Have actually lived in the canton for at least 2 years, including the 12 months preceding the application
The residence condition is met when, first, the applicant is validly registered in the cantonal register of inhabitants as settled in the canton of Geneva and, second, when there is no indication that they have moved their main residence abroad. They must actually reside in Switzerland and hold a valid permanent residence permit throughout the procedure.
Have your count checked before you apply
Double counting, years under an L or F permit, moves between cantons: our eligibility review reconstructs your history and confirms whether the residence condition is met.
Check my eligibility