Ordinary naturalisation: the complete guide to the conditions

Ordinary naturalisation is the main route to becoming Swiss when you have neither a Swiss parent nor a Swiss spouse. It rests on two sets of requirements: formal conditions (permit and length of stay) and substantive conditions (integration and knowledge of Switzerland). Here, step by step, is everything you need to put together a solid application in Geneva.

The calculation of the residence period contains several subtleties that often make the difference: years spent in Switzerland between the ages of 8 and 18 count double, stays under an F permit count only half, and stays under L, N or G permits do not count at all. The C permit must also remain valid throughout the entire procedure.

• A C permit valid throughout the procedure
• 10 years of residence in Switzerland in total
• Including 3 of the 5 years preceding the application
• Years between the ages of 8 and 18: counted double
• F permit: counted half — L, N and G permits: not counted

To obtain federal naturalisation authorisation, applicants must show that their integration in Switzerland is successful, that they are familiar with Swiss living conditions and that they do not endanger the country's internal or external security.

• Respect for public safety and public order
• Respect for the values of the Swiss Constitution
• Ability to communicate in daily life in a national language, orally and in writing
• Participation in economic life or completion of education
• Encouraging and supporting the integration of a spouse, registered partner or minor children

Applicants are considered familiar with Swiss living conditions in particular when they have a basic knowledge of the country's geographical, historical, political and social characteristics, take part in the social and cultural life of the Swiss population and maintain contacts with Swiss people.

Finally, no concrete evidence may suggest that the applicant takes part in, supports, encourages or recruits for terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime or prohibited intelligence activities.

The following documents are required to register your ordinary naturalisation application:

• A Swiss civil status register extract less than 6 months old
• A photocopy of the C permit whose control deadline has not expired (or of the FDFA legitimation card), plus any other required identity document
• 2 passport-format photographs
• A cantonal tax administration certificate less than 3 months old (adults)
• A certificate from the cantonal debt collection office — or the competent authority of places of residence over the past 5 years — less than 3 months old (adults)
• A certificate from the Hospice général less than 3 months old (adults)
• A certificate of oral and written knowledge of French meeting the "fide" assessment standards, level B1 oral and A2 written (CEFR)
• A pass certificate for the test validating knowledge of Swiss and Geneva history, geography and institutions
• For minor children: the consent of legal representatives and a copy of their identity document

A fee is charged when the ordinary naturalisation application is submitted. It amounts to:

• CHF 300 for minors aged 11 to 17
• CHF 850 for adults under 25
• CHF 1,250 for people over 25
• CHF 1,360 for couples where one member is under 25
• CHF 2,000 for couples over 25
• CHF 300 per child included in the procedure

This fee is payable when the application is submitted and remains the property of the State, regardless of the decision taken on the request. When federal authorisation is issued, an additional fee applies: CHF 50 for a minor, CHF 100 for an adult and CHF 150 for a couple.