Naturalization in Switzerland

How to become Swiss ?

Coach and naturalization expert Yasmina Benk, answers your questions about naturalization in Switzerland and prepares you for the Swiss naturalization exam.

There are two types of naturalization:

What are the conditions to be met ? The steps to be taken?

1. Facilitated naturalization

It is possible if your spouse or one of your parents is a Swiss citizen. In this case, the Confederation will take the decision, but the canton is consulted and has a right of appeal just like your commune of residence.
The main conditions for facilitated naturalization are as follows:

• Integration in the country
• Respect for the legal order of the country
• No threat to internal or external security
• Additional conditions according to the article of law

2. Ordinary naturalization

It takes place in three stages (federal, cantonal and communal); first there is the federal naturalisation authorisation; then the applicant must comply with the own conditions for granting the canton and the commune of his residence.
The procedures vary greatly from one canton to another. It is important to check with the competent cantonal authority.

The main conditions for ordinary naturalization are as follows :

• 10 years of residence
• Integration in the country
• Be accustomed to the uses
• Respect for the legal order of the country
• No threat to internal or external security

Becoming Swiss is not only about obtaining a “red” passport, it is also about a deep feeling of being well integrated, a feeling of belonging to the country and a sincere desire to participate in the country’s political and social life.
If you have lived and worked in Switzerland for more than 10 years and feel well integrated, you certainly consider yourself a full citizen.
In this case, naturalization will not only give you access to political and civil rights, but you will also be able to express your membership and participation in the Swiss community. You will be granted the right to vote and stand for election.
It is obvious that naturalization requires a long-term personal investment because the procedures can take time, but it also allows you to prepare yourself properly for the required examinations and interviews.

Indeed, obtaining Swiss naturalization requires “skills” that are not only linked to a sense of belonging to the country.

A number of important conditions are required :

• Proficiency in the language (French)
• Participation in economic, social and cultural life
• Excellent understanding of Swiss institutions and the rights and duties of citizens
• Respect for laws and customs, adherence to the democratic system
• Excellent knowledge of Swiss geography, history and politics

All this being said, the granting of Swiss nationality also takes into account the candidate’s attitude towards cantonal and communal leaders, his personality, his motivation, his personal presentation, his statements, his involvement in society and his real integration.
The authorities may suspend the file if they consider that one of the conditions is not met.
It is therefore an examination that is prepared technically by acquiring knowledge but also psychologically by a state of mind and an attitude that has an impact on the decision of the elected representatives of your canton and commune.

Feel free to contact me for a free evaluation of your needs.
Whether to increase your level of French before the exam and/or review the themes of history, geography and citizenship that are useful to become Swiss.
► Your questions at info@benk.ch