After ten years of residence in Switzerland, many people ask themselves about naturalisation. This article sets out the formal and substantive requirements of ordinary naturalisation under the Citizenship Act (BüG).
Formal requirements: ten years of residence
Under Art. 9 BüG, the federal government grants the naturalisation permit only if a total of ten years of residence in Switzerland is proven, of which three years must fall within the last five years before the application is filed. In addition, a valid settlement permit (C permit) is required when the application is filed.
The ten years need not be consecutive; what counts is lawful, actual residence. Cantons and municipalities usually also require a minimum period of residence in the current canton and municipality (in practice often two years).
Substantive requirements: integration criteria under Art. 12 BüG
Successful integration is assessed in particular on the basis of the following criteria:
- Respect for public security and order
- Respect for the values of the Federal Constitution
- Language skills in a national language (written at least reference level A2, oral B1)
- Participation in economic life or in acquiring education
- Promoting and supporting the integration of family members
Under Art. 12 para. 3 BüG, cantons may provide for additional integration criteria; the specific requirements therefore differ depending on your canton and municipality of residence.
The three-tier procedure
Ordinary naturalisation requires approval at three levels: the municipality of residence examines the local integration requirements and grants municipal citizenship, the canton grants cantonal citizenship, and the federal government grants the naturalisation permit. Naturalisation is ultimately ordered by the canton (Art. 14 BüG).
Common stumbling blocks in practice
- Interruptions of residence due to longer stays abroad, which can affect the calculation of the period
- Insufficiently documented language skills (a recognised language certificate is usually required)
- Open debt enforcement proceedings or tax debts, which may be viewed as a lack of integration
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