Am I eligible for Swiss naturalisation?

• Ordinary naturalisation is for anyone who has lived in Switzerland for 10 years and holds a C settlement permit.
• Facilitated naturalisation is mainly open to people married to a Swiss citizen, to children of a Swiss father or mother, and to third-generation foreigners born in Switzerland.
• There is also a facilitated naturalisation procedure for stateless children, as well as a reinstatement procedure.

The criteria of successful integration must be met for both ordinary and facilitated naturalisation. To compare both routes, read our article ordinary or facilitated naturalisation: what are the differences?

Successful integration means:

• respect for public security and order;
• respect for the values of the Swiss Constitution;
• the ability to communicate in everyday life in a national language, orally and in writing;
• participation in economic life or acquiring an education;
• encouraging and supporting the integration of the spouse, registered partner or minor children under one's parental authority.

While the general conditions that distinguish ordinary from facilitated naturalisation are fairly simple, each procedure is governed by its own legal provisions and strict conditions.

Requirements regarding length of residence, language skills, financial situation, cultural knowledge and criminal record largely depend on cantonal law and practice. A detailed analysis of your situation and your history in Switzerland is therefore essential to determine your eligibility.