Swiss Citizenship - Ordinary Naturalisation
Long-term C-permit holders applying to become Swiss citizens through the standard process.
The Swiss Citizenship - Ordinary Naturalisation is a Swiss settlement & citizenship visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (Federal ~CHF 100 single / CHF 150 family, plus cantonal/communal fees (often CHF 500-2,000+)) and processing time (~1-3 years), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Swiss Citizenship - Ordinary Naturalisation is for
Long-term C-permit holders applying to become Swiss citizens through the standard process.
Confers Swiss citizenship and a Swiss passport.
Swiss Citizenship - Ordinary Naturalisation - eligibility criteria
- 10 years' residence in Switzerland (years aged 8-18 count double)
- Three of the last five years immediately before applying
- Hold a C settlement permit
- Successful integration and respect for Swiss values
- Language competence and meeting the cantonal/communal residence period (2-5 years)
Swiss Citizenship - Ordinary Naturalisation cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Swiss Citizenship - Ordinary Naturalisation (Switzerland) is Federal ~CHF 100 single / CHF 150 family, plus cantonal/communal fees (often CHF 500-2,000+), with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 years. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
| Type | Citizenship |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Apply at communal, cantonal and federal levels |
| Length of stay | Permanent (citizenship) |
| Work rights | Unrestricted as a citizen |
| Study rights | Unrestricted |
| Government fee | Federal ~CHF 100 single / CHF 150 family, plus cantonal/communal fees (often CHF 500-2,000+) |
| Processing time | ~1-3 years |
| Route to PR | Confers Swiss citizenship and a Swiss passport. |
Pathway & next steps
Confers Swiss citizenship and a Swiss passport.
Many applicants also compare Permit C · C Settlement Permit (Permanent Residence), Facilitated · Swiss Citizenship - Simplified Naturalisation, Early C · Early C Settlement Permit (Successful Integration). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Swiss route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Swiss Citizenship - Ordinary Naturalisation pitfalls we fix
Swiss Citizenship - Ordinary Naturalisation - frequently asked questions
How much does the Swiss Citizenship - Ordinary Naturalisation cost?
The Swiss Citizenship - Ordinary Naturalisation government fee is Federal ~CHF 100 single / CHF 150 family, plus cantonal/communal fees (often CHF 500-2,000+). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) before applying.
How long does the Swiss Citizenship - Ordinary Naturalisation take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 years. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Swiss Citizenship - Ordinary Naturalisation lead to permanent residence?
Confers Swiss citizenship and a Swiss passport.
Can I work on the Swiss Citizenship - Ordinary Naturalisation?
Work rights: Unrestricted as a citizen.
Who can apply for the Swiss Citizenship - Ordinary Naturalisation?
Long-term C-permit holders applying to become Swiss citizens through the standard process.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Switzerland government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) - official Switzerland immigration authority