How can I acquire Swiss nationality from outside the country?

May I retain my original nationality if I gain Swiss citizenship?

Switzerland does allow multiple nationalities. However, it is possible that acquiring Swiss citizenship will mean losing your original nationality if the legislation in your country of origin stipulates the automatic loss of citizenship in the event that you voluntarily acquire the citizenship of another country. The authorities in your country of origin will provide the information you need.

How much does a naturalisation or reinstatement application cost?

The Swiss representation requires an advance payment to cover processing costs. This advance payment covers the costs of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and the cantonal authorities (CHF 600 per adult and CHF 350 per child not included in the application by one of the parents) as well as the representation fees for services rendered, for example advice, case file review, interview, processing civil status documents, clarification and research (CHF 75 per half-hour).

Then there are extra costs incurred, such as the review of civil status documents by third parties or Swiss civil status authorities. These fees are not repayable in the event of a negative decision by the SEM or a withdrawal of the application during the process. Payment by instalments is not allowed.

Where can I obtain the information and documentation I need to submit a naturalisation application?

You can find some very useful information, particularly on the conditions, processes and documents required, on the Swiss representation’s website under ‘Services’ then ‘Citizenship’.

On request, the Swiss representation can provide you with the necessary documentation to submit a naturalisation application so that you can prepare your file. On receipt of your file, the representation will organise a date with you for a personal interview, which will normally be held in one of Switzerland’s national languages.

How long does the process last?

The Swiss representation generally issues its investigation report to the SEM within 12 months of receiving the full application file.

The SEM normally makes a ruling on the simplified naturalisation or reinstatement application within 12 months of receipt of the file with the investigation report issued by the competent Swiss representation.

Any change of address or civil status (marriage, separation, divorce, birth, death, adoption, etc.) during this time must be communicated to the competent Swiss representation.

You can find more useful information here

How to become Swiss (SEM):
revue.link/nationality

FAQ – Swiss nationality (SEM):
revue.link/faqen

Law on Swiss nationality:
revue.link/en141

Ordinance on Swiss nationality (in German):
revue.link/buev

Questions? Go to the internet page of your representation or contact the representation if you can’t find the appropriate answers on the website:
revue.link/swissrep