Dual nationality is an increasingly common phenomenon in the context of international mobility. Switzerland, long restrictive on this point, adopted since 1992 a liberal approach that has led it to fully recognise multiple nationalities. PBM Avocats informs you on the applicable rules and advises you on the practical implications of dual nationality in Geneva and Lausanne.
The Evolution of Swiss Law on Dual Nationality
For decades, Switzerland had adopted a strict position on exclusive nationality: anyone who acquired a foreign nationality automatically lost their Swiss nationality, and anyone who naturalised as Swiss was required to renounce their nationality of origin. This approach progressively changed:
- 1952: first exceptions for Swiss women marrying foreigners
- 1983: increased tolerance in certain cases
- 1992: full and complete recognition of dual nationality for all
- 2014 (NNA): confirmation and consolidation of the dual nationality principle
Today, art. 5 NNA explicitly recognises that acquisition of Swiss nationality does not automatically entail the loss of another nationality, and that acquisition of a foreign nationality does not entail the loss of Swiss nationality.
| Situation | Before 1992 | Since 1992 |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss person acquiring foreign nationality | Automatic loss of Swiss nationality | Retention of both nationalities |
| Foreigner naturalising in Switzerland | Renunciation of nationality of origin required | Retention of nationality of origin possible |
| Child of parents of different nationalities | Restrictive rules depending on parents' gender | Multiple nationalities possible from birth |
The Practical Implications of Dual Nationality
In Switzerland
In Switzerland, the Swiss authority treats the dual national exclusively as a Swiss national. They have all the rights and are subject to all the obligations of Swiss citizens:
- Right to vote and stand for election in all elections and referendums
- Swiss passport (in addition to the foreign passport)
- Swiss consular protection abroad (except in the other country of nationality)
- Military service obligations (if applicable depending on age and status)
- Subject to Swiss tax law on worldwide income
In the Other Country of Nationality
In the country of origin, the dual national is treated as a national of that country. This may involve:
- Possible military service in the country of origin
- Tax obligations in the country of origin (certain countries tax their nationals even abroad — the USA in particular)
- Civil rights (voting, eligibility) in the country of origin
- Consular protection of the country of origin in case of problems in a third country
The Special Case of American and French Citizens
Franco-Swiss Citizens
France fully authorises dual nationality. A French person who naturalises as Swiss retains their French nationality. A Swiss person who acquires French nationality retains their Swiss nationality. Franco-Swiss citizens must pay attention to the tax implications (double taxation treaty) and obligations related to French military service (defence and citizenship day).
American-Swiss Citizens
The United States permits dual nationality but has specific obligations: American citizens residing abroad must declare their worldwide income to the IRS (worldwide taxation of American citizens, regardless of place of residence). This tax obligation is an American specificity that concerns all American-Swiss citizens.
Countries That Do Not Accept Dual Nationality
| Situation | Examples of countries | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Countries not accepting dual nationality | Morocco (partially), China, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia | Possible loss of nationality of origin upon Swiss naturalisation |
| Countries accepting it without restriction | France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany (exceptions), Brazil | Dual nationality possible without additional formality |
| Countries accepting it with conditions | Turkey, Morocco, Colombia | Prior authorisation request sometimes required |
PBM Avocats advises you on the legal and fiscal implications of dual nationality in your specific situation. Our expertise in immigration law and nationality law guarantees you comprehensive advice in Geneva and Lausanne, taking into account both Swiss law and the rules applicable in your country of origin.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dual Nationality in Switzerland
Is dual nationality permitted in Switzerland?
Yes. Since 1 January 1992, Switzerland fully authorises dual nationality (or multiple nationality) for all persons naturalising or retaining a foreign nationality. A Swiss citizen who acquires a foreign nationality no longer automatically loses their Swiss nationality, and a foreigner who naturalises as Swiss is no longer required to renounce their nationality of origin. This legislative development reflects the reality of international mobility and the multiple ties of belonging of modern citizens.
Does Switzerland require renouncing one's nationality of origin upon naturalisation?
No. Switzerland has not required renunciation of the nationality of origin since 1992. Upon Swiss naturalisation (ordinary or facilitated), the applicant retains their foreign nationality in principle, if their country of origin permits it. Some countries themselves require renunciation of their nationality when another is acquired. Each person must verify the rules of their country of origin before naturalising in Switzerland to avoid inadvertently losing a nationality. PBM Avocats advises on the consequences in both countries.
What are the practical consequences of dual nationality in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, the holder of dual nationality is treated exclusively as a Swiss national by the Swiss authorities — even if they hold another nationality. They enjoy all the rights and are subject to all the obligations of Swiss citizens (voting, eligibility, Swiss passport). Internationally, countries recognise the nationality of their own nationals in priority: in France, a Franco-Swiss person will be treated as French by the French authorities. This can have implications regarding military service, international taxation and consular protection.
Does a child born in Switzerland to foreign parents automatically receive Swiss nationality?
No. Switzerland applies the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood) rather than jus soli (right of soil). A child born in Switzerland does not automatically receive Swiss nationality — they acquire the nationality of their parents. However, third-generation children born in Switzerland may benefit from facilitated naturalisation (art. 24a NNA). Furthermore, children born in Switzerland to foreign parents may be naturalised together with their parents in a joint procedure.
Can a naturalised Swiss citizen involuntarily lose their nationality of origin?
This depends on the law of the country of origin. Some states (such as certain countries in Africa or Asia) provide for automatic loss of their nationality when their national acquires a foreign nationality. Other states permit or tolerate it. It is imperative to verify the rules of the country of origin before beginning the Swiss naturalisation procedure to avoid involuntarily losing a nationality one wishes to retain. In the event of involuntary loss, some countries permit reintegration into the original nationality.