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Swiss citizenship

How can I become or stay a Swiss citizen?

These and similar issues are regulated on a national level by the Federal Act on the Acquisition and Loss of Swiss Citizenship (Swiss Citizenship Act (SCA).

Swiss from birth

Under the Swiss Citizenship Act (SCA), children acquire Swiss nationality from birth if their parents have Swiss citizenship.

This also applies to children of unmarried Swiss women. The principle further applies to children with a Swiss father who has not been married to their mother, if the father has acknowledged paternity.

However, the birth of the child must be reported to the responsible Swiss representation. This is important as a child born abroad to a Swiss parent who is a citizen of another country loses Swiss citizenship on reaching the age of 25, unless a Swiss authority abroad or in Switzerland has been notified of his or her birth, or he or she has declared in writing that he or she wishes to remain a Swiss citizen.

Swiss by simplified naturalisation

Until 1 January 2006, a child born with foreign nationality whose Swiss father was not married to the mother did not automatically become Swiss – even if the father acknowledged paternity.

However, a child born to a Swiss father before 1 January 2006 can submit an application for simplified naturalisation. This is on condition that the child has been recognised by the father and has close ties with Switzerland.

Reinstatement of citizenship

Anyone who has lost Swiss citizenship can apply for re-naturalisation even if they are residing abroad, provided they have close ties with Switzerland.

An application for the reinstatement of Swiss citizenship has to be filed within ten years from the date of the loss of citizenship. Persons who have been living in Switzerland for more than three years can file an application beyond this period.

Swiss by marriage

Foreign nationals married to Swiss citizens living abroad can apply for simplified naturalisation after having lived together for at least six years and on condition they have close ties with Switzerland.

If the married couple live in Switzerland, the foreign spouse (male or female) may apply for simplified naturalisation if the married couple have been living in Switzerland for five years and if they have been living together for at least three years.

Dual citizenship

Swiss legislation allows naturalised persons to have dual citizenship; it is therefore possible for them to retain citizenship of their country of origin.

In some countries, however, voluntary acquisition of Swiss citizenship may lead to the loss of one’s original citizenship if the legislation of the country of origin so provides. For more information, please contact your regional Swiss representation. It should be noted that only official information provided by the authorities of the country of origin can be considered binding.

In the event of enquiries concerning the acquisition of Swiss citizenship, the Swiss authorities are generally obliged to provide information to the foreign authorities.

Please also note the information for dual citizens on military service.

Naturalization criteria

What conditions must be met in order to be considered integrated and closely connected to Switzerland?

Successful integration

Applies to the following cases: simplified naturalisation, marriage

The prerequisite for a successful integration is Art. 12 para. 1 and para. 2 of the Swiss Citizenship Act (SCA).

The following requirements have to be met:

  • the applicant respects public safety and order;
  • the applicant respects the Federal Constitution;
  • candidates are able to understand and express themselves in a national language well enough to communicate adequately in most situations of everyday life, at home, at the workplace and in public places;
  • the applicant is an active participant in the economic life of the country or is in the process of acquiring an education; and
  • the applicant supports the integration of his/her family, spouse, registered partner or underaged children for whom he/she parental custody.

Appropriate account will be taken of the situation of applicants who on the grounds of disability, illness or difficult personal circumstances are unable to fulfil these integration requirements, or can fulfil them only in part. 

Close ties with Switzerland

Applies to the following cases: simplified naturalisation, marriage, Reinstatement of citizenship

The applicant is considered to have close ties with Switzerland when she/he:

Information sheets on these matters are available at Swiss embassies and consulates as well as at the Consular Directorate of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). 

For further information on Swiss citizenship and naturalisation, contact the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM):

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