Naturalisation is the act by which a foreigner acquires Swiss nationality. It represents the culmination of an integration process and confers upon its holder all the civic rights of a Swiss citizen — notably the right to vote and to stand for election. Swiss law distinguishes between ordinary naturalisation (cantonal and municipal procedure), facilitated naturalisation (for spouses of Swiss nationals) and reinstatement. PBM Avocats accompanies you in all these procedures in Geneva and Lausanne.
Ordinary Naturalisation: Federal Conditions
Ordinary naturalisation is governed by the Federal Act on Swiss Nationality (SNA) of 20 June 2014, which entered into force on 1 January 2018. It requires the simultaneous approval of the Confederation, the canton and the municipality of domicile.
Residence Conditions (art. 9 SNA)
- 10 years of residence in Switzerland in total
- Years between 8 and 18 years of age count double (up to a maximum of 5 years)
- At least 2 years in the current canton of domicile before filing
- Legal and continuous residence (prolonged absences may interrupt the period)
| Condition | Federal requirement | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of residence in Switzerland | 10 years (of which 2 years in the canton) | Art. 9 SNA |
| National language | B1 oral / A2 written | Art. 12 para. 1 let. c SNA |
| Knowledge of Switzerland | Institutions, history, geography | Art. 12 para. 1 let. d SNA |
| Legal order | No serious convictions | Art. 12 para. 1 let. b SNA |
| Financial independence | No dependence on social assistance | Art. 12 para. 1 let. a SNA |
Cantonal and Municipal Conditions
Each canton and each municipality imposes its own additional conditions, which are added to the federal conditions. In practice, ordinary naturalisation is a three-stage procedure:
- Municipality: the municipality of origin or domicile examines the conditions of local integration and votes on the granting of municipal citizenship
- Canton: the canton verifies the legal conditions and grants cantonal citizenship
- Confederation: the FSMI (State Secretariat for Migration) grants federal naturalisation after verification of federal conditions
Geneva Specificities
In Geneva, ordinary naturalisation is managed by the Department of Security, Population and Health (DSPS) via the OCPM. The municipality of Geneva conducts an in-depth naturalisation interview. Local conditions generally include:
- Residence of at least 4 years in the canton (stricter than the federal minimum)
- No criminal convictions in the 5 years preceding the application
- No recourse to social assistance in the 3 years preceding the application
- Proof of integration in Genevan life
The Naturalisation Procedure: Practical Steps
| Step | Content | Indicative duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Assembly of the file | Forms, identity documents, curriculum vitae, language certificates, criminal record extract, financial supporting documents | 1 to 2 months |
| 2. Municipal / cantonal filing | Filing with the municipality or canton according to local procedures | On receipt of file |
| 3. Naturalisation interview | Assessment of integration, language, knowledge of Switzerland | During the procedure |
| 4. Municipal then cantonal decision | Vote or administrative decision | 3 to 12 months |
| 5. Federal approval | FSMI | A few weeks |
| Total estimated | Entire procedure | 1 to 3 years depending on canton |
Costs of Naturalisation
- Federal fee: CHF 100 per adult, CHF 50 per minor child
- Cantonal fee (Geneva): variable, generally CHF 500 to CHF 1,500
- Municipal fee: variable depending on municipality, CHF 100 to CHF 5,000+
- Translations and legalisations of foreign documents: CHF 200 to CHF 1,000
- Language tests: CHF 100 to CHF 300 depending on the accredited centre
PBM Avocats assists you in the preparation of your naturalisation file, prepares you for the interview and contests unjustified refusals before the appeal authorities. We also handle applications for facilitated naturalisation for spouses of Swiss nationals and questions relating to dual nationality in Switzerland.
Frequently Asked Questions on Swiss Naturalisation
How many years of residence are required to apply for ordinary naturalisation in Switzerland?
Since the revision of the Swiss Nationality Act (SNA) which entered into force on 1 January 2018, the residence requirement for ordinary naturalisation is 10 years in Switzerland (art. 9 SNA). Years spent in Switzerland between the ages of 8 and 18 count double (up to a maximum of 5 years). At least 2 years of residence in the current canton of domicile are also required, as well as a certain period in the municipality. Cantonal and municipal conditions vary: Geneva and Vaud have their own requirements in terms of local residence duration.
What are the integration conditions for naturalisation?
The SNA requires the applicant to integrate successfully according to the criteria of art. 12 SNA: familiarity with Swiss living conditions, respect for the legal order, no threat to Switzerland's internal or external security, a level of national language corresponding to at least B1 oral and A2 written (CEFR), knowledge of Swiss institutions and society, and participation in social life. Cantons may impose additional requirements, notably knowledge tests on local society.
What are the costs of naturalisation in Switzerland?
The costs vary considerably according to the canton and municipality. At the federal level, the fee is CHF 100 per adult and CHF 50 per child. Cantonal and municipal fees are added: in Geneva, cantonal and municipal fees can reach several thousand francs. In Lausanne, the costs are similar. Reductions are sometimes provided for persons with low incomes. Lawyer's fees for the preparation of the file are added to these institutional costs.
Can a person with a criminal conviction be naturalised as Swiss?
A criminal conviction does not automatically exclude naturalisation, but may constitute an obstacle depending on its severity and date. An unconditional or suspended custodial sentence for a serious crime or offence (drug trafficking, violence, serious fraud) is a frequent ground for refusal. Old convictions that have been expunged from the criminal record carry less weight. Each situation is examined on a case-by-case basis. PBM Avocats analyses your criminal history and advises you on the advisability and timing of a naturalisation application.
What is the naturalisation examination and what does it cover?
Most Swiss cantons require a naturalisation interview or test covering knowledge of Switzerland, its political system, institutions, history, geography and the rights and duties of citizens. In Geneva, a personalised interview is generally conducted. In Vaud and other cantons, a written questionnaire is sometimes used. Questions also cover local life (municipality, canton). Preparation guides are available. The interview also allows linguistic skills to be assessed.