Swiss perspectives in 10 languages

How to become Swiss

If you have a connection to Switzerland through your family or your partner and want to make it official by becoming Swiss yourself – this is how you can go about it.

The Swiss passport can seem difficult to get. In this ‘Switzerland Explained’ video we describe how to kickstart the application process if you’re living abroad and how to find out if you’re eligible for a fast-track application procedure.

There are three ways of becoming Swiss: by birth (having a Swiss parent), marrying a Swiss or living in Switzerland for at least ten years. Being born in Switzerland doesn’t mean you automatically get a Swiss passport.

The process can cost hundreds and even thousands of francs and takes up to around two years. You’re excluded if you’re on welfare or have a criminal record. In 2018, 42,500 people acquired Swiss citizenship – so it is doable with the right information. This video should help point you in the right direction.

Most Read
Swiss Abroad

Most Discussed

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR