Switzerland's State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) has detailed the conditions foreigners must satisfy to obtain Swiss citizenship under the ordinary naturalisation procedure. The requirements cover residence duration, integration standards, and a multi-stage approval process, along with federal fees that differ by age and family status.
Key Residence and Integration Conditions
Under federal law, applicants must have lived in Switzerland for at least six years. However, years spent in the country between the ages of 8 and 18 count double towards this threshold, potentially reducing the actual time needed. The SEM clarified that time on a B or C permit, a legitimation card from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, a Ci permit, or an F permit (with the latter counting at half) qualifies. Periods on an N permit (asylum procedure) or an L permit (short stay) are not counted.
Beyond federal rules, each canton sets its own minimum residence period of two to five years within the specific commune and canton. The cantonal authority assesses whether the applicant meets formal requirements, evaluates integration, and prepares a naturalisation report. Some cantons may impose additional integration conditions beyond federal law.
The Six Requirements for a Federal Naturalisation Licence
To receive a federal naturalisation licence from SEM, applicants must satisfy all of the following conditions:
- Be successfully integrated into Swiss society.
- Be familiar with the Swiss way of life.
- Not pose a threat to Switzerland's internal or external security.
- Meet the federal residence requirement of at least six years.
- Fulfil the cantonal and communal residence requirements.
- Complete the cantonal naturalisation procedure, resulting in the application and naturalisation report being forwarded to SEM.
Once SEM issues the federal licence, the relevant cantonal authority must deliver its naturalisation decision within one year. If this deadline passes, the licence becomes invalid. Even after the licence is granted, if new information emerges that would have changed the canton's recommendation, naturalisation can still be refused. When the cantonal decision becomes legally binding, the applicant simultaneously acquires communal, cantonal, and Swiss federal citizenship.
Naturalisation Fees at the Federal Level
SEM charges processing fees that depend on the applicant's age and whether the application is made jointly with a spouse:
- Adults aged 18 and above: CHF 100 (approximately N166,471).
- Spouses applying together: CHF 150 (approximately N249,716).
- Applicants under 18: CHF 50 (approximately N83,237).
These fees are paid at the federal level; additional cantonal and communal fees may apply. According to the Swiss government, the requirements ensure applicants are well integrated and familiar with Swiss life. In a related context, Switzerland has also published Schengen visa fees for Nigerians, which are subject to change based on exchange rates and other factors. This citizenship guide underscores Switzerland's structured approach to naturalisation, balancing federal standards with cantonal autonomy.
