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SwitzerlandCitizenship

Naturalisation by marriage in Switzerland in Switzerland

Facilitated naturalisation is a route to Swiss citizenship for the foreign spouse of a Swiss national. Unlike ordinary naturalisation, the decision is taken neither by the canton nor by the commune but by the federal State Secretariat for Migration, SEM.

Source: State Secretariat for Migration of Switzerland (SEM)

Who can apply

The spouse lives in Switzerland

  • At least 5 years of residence in Switzerland, including the year immediately before the application
  • At least 3 years of married life together at the time of the application
  • Command of a national language: spoken at level B1 or above, written at A2 or above
  • Participation in economic life or in education, with no social assistance over the last 3 years (or with it fully repaid)
  • Compliance with public order and security, respect for the values of the Federal Constitution

The spouse lives abroad

  • At least 6 years of married life together at the time of the application
  • Close ties with Switzerland: at least 3 visits of 5 days or more each over the last 6 years before the application
  • Oral command of a national language in everyday communication
  • Basic knowledge of Switzerland’s geography, history, politics and society, and maintaining contacts with Swiss people

What it costs

Application from a person resident in Switzerland900 CHF
Application from a person resident abroad600 CHF

Documents to gather

SEM publishes the full list in separate lists for applicants in Switzerland and applicants abroad.

  • Proof of residence in Switzerland for the required period (Wohnsitzzeugnisse)
  • A recognised language certificate from the SEM list, or proof that the applicant is a native speaker, attended compulsory school in a national language for at least 5 years, or completed upper secondary or higher education in it

How the process runs

The procedure differs for those who live in Switzerland and those who live abroad.

  1. 1

    Request the application form

    Those living in Switzerland obtain the form at their place of residence or from SEM; those living abroad obtain it from the Swiss representation (embassy or consulate).

  2. 2

    Gather the documents

    You need proof of residence for the required period and proof of language command — a recognised certificate or proof of schooling in a national language.

  3. 3

    File the application

    Those living in Switzerland file the application with SEM; those living abroad file it with the Swiss representation at their place of residence.

  4. 4

    Personal interview

    For applicants in Switzerland the personal interview checks basic knowledge of Switzerland’s geography, history, politics and society, participation in social and cultural life, and contacts with Swiss people.

  5. 5

    SEM decision

    The decision on facilitated naturalisation is taken by SEM.

Timelines and rights

Residence

For those living in Switzerland: five years of residence in the country, the last year immediately before the application, and three years of marriage. For those living abroad: six years of marriage and close ties with Switzerland — at least three trips of five days or more over six years.

What comes next: permanent residence and citizenship

Route to citizenship

Yes, this is a route to Swiss citizenship.

Frequently asked questions about Naturalisation by marriage in Switzerland

Who can apply for facilitated naturalisation by marriage?
The spouse of a Swiss national. Those living in Switzerland need at least 5 years of residence in the country (including the year immediately before the application) and at least 3 years of married life together. Those living abroad need at least 6 years of married life together and close ties with Switzerland.
How much does facilitated naturalisation cost?
For applicants resident in Switzerland — 900 Swiss francs; for those living abroad — 600 francs. The amount must be paid in full in advance, it is not refunded if the application is refused, and payment by instalments is not available. Swiss representations abroad charge their own fee in addition, based on the time actually spent.
What happens if the Swiss spouse dies before a decision is taken on the application?
An application for facilitated naturalisation cannot be made in that case. The only remaining option is ordinary naturalisation (ordentliche Einbürgerung).
Is facilitated naturalisation available to couples in a registered partnership?
No. Facilitated naturalisation is open only to officially married couples. Partners in a registered partnership can apply only for ordinary naturalisation.
What level of language is needed for facilitated naturalisation?
Oral skills at reference level B1 or above and written skills at A2 or above on the Common European Framework (Art. 6 BüV). They can be proven with a recognised language certificate from the SEM list or with a document showing schooling in a national language.
Where is the application filed and who takes the decision?
Those living in Switzerland file the application with the State Secretariat for Migration, SEM; those living abroad file it with the Swiss embassy or consulate at their place of residence. The decision on facilitated naturalisation is in all cases taken by SEM.
Can you move to another canton or abroad while the application is being examined?
Yes, freely changing your place of residence within Switzerland is not prohibited, nor is moving abroad. But this usually calls for additional checks and lengthens the examination of the application.

Other ways to move to Switzerland

Every route in one list — migration programmes: Switzerland.

The terms and the amounts are checked against official sources — the link sits under each section.Last checked on: 7 August 2026.