How to get Swiss citizenship in 2025 — naturalisation, marriage & descent

Swiss citizenship in 2025 is a highly valued status, offering full political rights and EU mobility through bilateral agreements. Unlike residence permits, citizenship requires a deeper level of integration, language skills, and approval at federal, cantonal, and communal levels. This guide explains the main routes to citizenship, what documents you need, and what changed in 2025.

Key terms to understand

• Ordinary naturalisation — standard route requiring 10 years of residence in Switzerland.
• Facilitated naturalisation — simplified route for spouses of Swiss citizens and children of Swiss parents.
• State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) — federal authority overseeing citizenship cases.
• Cantonal and communal authorities — local levels that review integration and language compliance.
• Language requirement — A2 spoken and B1 written in an official Swiss language since 2018, reinforced in 2025.

Routes to Swiss citizenship

There are three main pathways to citizenship in Switzerland:

Step-by-step ordinary naturalisation in 2025

1. Hold at least 10 years of legal residence, with the last 3 years continuous.
2. Ensure you have a valid C settlement permit.
3. Demonstrate integration: language skills, employment, tax compliance, and community involvement.
4. Submit application to your communal and cantonal authorities.
5. Attend interviews and language assessments.
6. Receive decisions from commune, canton, and finally SEM at the federal level.

Step-by-step facilitated naturalisation (marriage)

1. Be married to a Swiss citizen for at least 3 years and reside in Switzerland for at least 5 years in total.
2. Submit application directly to SEM with proof of marriage and cohabitation.
3. Provide evidence of integration (language, financial stability, community ties).
4. Undergo background checks and potential interview.
5. Receive SEM approval and federal confirmation.

Citizenship by descent

Children of Swiss citizens automatically acquire citizenship at birth, even abroad. In 2025, digitalized civil registries simplified registration procedures for Swiss nationals living overseas. Adult children may need to “reclaim” citizenship if registration was not completed before age 22.

Documents checklist

• Valid passport and C settlement permit
• Birth and civil status certificates
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Language certificates (A2 spoken, B1 written)
• Employment records and tax declarations
• Police clearance from Switzerland and home country
• Proof of integration (letters from employers, community groups, or schools)

Costs and timelines

Costs vary by canton but usually range from CHF 500 to CHF 3,000 for ordinary naturalisation. Processing takes 2–3 years due to three levels of approval. Facilitated cases cost less (CHF 500–1,000) and are faster (1–2 years). Descent recognition is processed within months.

Integration and language requirements

Applicants must demonstrate integration into Swiss life. This includes fluency in one of the national languages (German, French, Italian, or Romansh), financial independence, respect for public order, and community participation. Language certificates at A2 spoken and B1 written are mandatory for most naturalisation cases.

What changed in 2025

• Stricter verification of language certificates — only SEM-recognized institutions accepted.
• Digital submission portals introduced for facilitated naturalisation applications.
• New emphasis on civic knowledge during interviews at the communal level.
• Clarification that time on student permits counts only half toward the 10-year requirement.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying before completing the full 10 years of residence.
• Submitting outdated or non-recognized language certificates.
• Failing to declare overseas income or tax obligations.
• Not preparing for communal interviews on civic knowledge.

FAQ about Swiss citizenship

• How many years do I need for Swiss citizenship? 10 years of residence with a valid C permit.
• Can I apply through marriage? Yes, facilitated naturalisation is possible after 3 years of marriage and 5 years of residence.
• Is dual citizenship allowed? Yes, Switzerland generally allows dual nationality.
• What language level is required? A2 spoken and B1 written in a Swiss language.
• Can children born abroad gain citizenship? Yes, if at least one parent is Swiss, but registration rules apply.

Expert opinion

“Swiss citizenship remains selective but structured. The ordinary route requires patience, while facilitated and descent routes offer faster access if conditions are met.” — VelesClub Int. Immigration Team

Next steps

Explore our platform and check the Residency & Citizenship hub for detailed guides. Visit our main page or go directly to the Residency & Citizenship hub.