Swiss citizenship

A child obtains Swiss citizenship automatically regardless of place of birth in the following cases:

1. Parents were married at the time of birth and one of them is Swiss national;
2. Parents were unmarried at the time of birth and one of them is Swiss national;
3. Parents got married after the birth of a child and the father is a Swiss national.

Spouse of Swiss nationals has the right to obtain citizenship under a simplified procedure.

Requirements:

1. Reside lawfully in Switzerland for the minimum period of 5 years on the basis of temporary or permanent residence permit;
2. Stay continuously for at least 1 year in the territory of Switzerland before application for contracting marriage;
3. Cohabit and run a joint household for at least 3 years.

In case of lawful residence in Switzerland for the minimum period of 12 years (on the basis of temporary or permanent residence permit) without violation of immigration legislation and under condition of successful integration into society an alien is eligible to apply for Swiss citizenship.

An alien, who has proven the threat to his life and health in homeland, has the right for refugee status and further citizenship acquiring in Switzerland.

The 5-year period residence on the basis of refugee status is a ground for applying the citizenship.

Refugees who aspire for citizenship are exempted from language test and interview.

Aliens who have made invaluable contributions to the development of Switzerland in such areas as sport, science, art, etc., have the right for Swiss citizenship. Each application is considered individually.

1. National passport (original and copy);
2. Document confirming lawful residence in Switzerland (temporary or permanent residence permit);
3. Certificate of criminal record from alien’s country of origin;
4. Certificate of income with confirmation of its lawfulness;
5. Tax certificate;
6. Certificate of health from Swiss medical facility;
7. Certificate from Swiss police department concerning the absence of offence in Swiss territory;
8. Document confirming successful integration in Swiss society (hobby groups, sections and other special-interest clubs).

It is required to be interviewed with cantonal authorities upon submission of documents.  During interview an alien will be asked questions concerning Swiss features of life, history and culture with intention to check the level of integration in Swiss society.  An alien is interviewed in the language of canton, which implies the check of language proficiency.

The decision on the citizenship acquisition is taken both on federal and local levels. If at the federal level the application has been approved, along with the negative decision at the local level, the foreigner will not receive the citizenship of Switzerland.

An alien cannot appeal the negative decisions in the court, but he can repeatedly apply for citizenship later.

Swiss government recognizes dual citizenship. For this reason it is not necessary to renounce the citizenship of homeland.