Eligibility quiz
Are you married to a Swiss citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Swiss passport and ID
Swiss citizens can get a Swiss passport and identity card.
The passport can be used for international travel, and both documents must be renewed when they expire.
Live in Switzerland for life
Swiss citizens can live in and return to Switzerland without an immigration permit.
This right does not end if they live abroad, lose a job or let a passport expire.
Work in Switzerland
Swiss citizens can work in Switzerland without an immigration permit or permission to work.
Get help abroad
Swiss citizens can get advice and emergency help abroad from Swiss embassies, consulates and the FDFA Helpline.
Help is generally available when you cannot reasonably protect your interests yourself or through others.
A Swiss office abroad can also issue documents and help with official records and other administrative matters.
Vote and run for office
Swiss citizens aged 18 or over living in Switzerland can vote and take part in elections at national, cantonal and local levels.
They can sign or launch proposals for public votes and stand for election where the office’s rules allow.
Citizens abroad can vote nationally if registered with a Swiss office and on the voting list; some cantons also allow cantonal or local voting.
How to apply
Applying from inside SwitzerlandApplying from inside Switzerland
Request the application form
Email ch@sem.admin.ch to request the facilitated naturalisation form, and give your full postal address.
Find form request detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I request the Switzerland facilitated naturalisation form as the spouse of a Swiss citizen?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your application in Switzerland.
See required documentsFill in the form
Complete the form fully and truthfully, and sign the required declarations and checklist.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Switzerland facilitated naturalisation form as the spouse of a Swiss citizen?”
Pay the advance fee
When the State Secretariat for Migration asks you to pay, pay the CHF 900 advance fee. The fee is not refundable.
Find fee detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the Switzerland facilitated naturalisation advance fee as the spouse of a Swiss citizen?”
Mail your application package
Mail your signed form, supporting forms, documents and signed checklist to the State Secretariat for Migration, Quellenweg 6, 3003 Bern-Wabern.
Find the mailing addressSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where do I mail my Switzerland facilitated naturalisation application as the spouse of a Swiss citizen?”
Wait for the decision
The State Secretariat for Migration will decide after consulting your canton. Answer any questions and send any extra documents it asks for.
See how decisions workSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does the Switzerland facilitated naturalisation decision process work for the spouse of a Swiss citizen?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Family certificate
Get your Swiss spouse’s recent family certificate from the civil-status office of their place of origin. If you include a minor foreign child from an earlier relationship, get a recent registered-family-status certificate that names the child from the civil-status office of your place of residence.
Marriage records *
For a previous marriage, provide a copy of the marriage certificate and divorce judgment. If you converted a same-sex registered partnership into marriage, get recent proof of conversion from your Swiss spouse’s civil-status office of origin.
* Only if you had a previous marriage or converted a registered partnership into marriage.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationSpouse's citizenship records *
Provide a copy of your Swiss spouse’s cantonal naturalisation decision or proof of their Swiss citizenship. Your spouse can request proof of citizenship from the civil-status office of their place of origin.
* Only if your Swiss spouse became Swiss through ordinary naturalisation and the office asks for proof.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Registration when living abroad
Swiss citizens living abroad who are not registered with a Swiss local authority must register with the responsible Swiss office, generally within 90 days of leaving Switzerland.
Military service for men
Swiss men generally must do military or civilian service from age 18, often until age 30.
Men abroad are normally exempt in peacetime; special rules apply on permanent return, in border areas or when studying or training in Switzerland.
Those who do not serve, including men in civil protection, may owe 3% of taxable income, at least CHF 400 a year, with exceptions and reductions; service under another citizenship may bring an exemption.
Citizenship can be lost
Born abroad to a Swiss parent with another citizenship, you can lose citizenship at 25 if your birth was not reported and you never said you wanted to keep it; some failures can be corrected.
Some adoptions or a citizenship decision obtained by deception can end it, sometimes for children; serious harm to Switzerland can also lead to loss if you have another citizenship.
Living abroad, you can give it up if you have or are assured another citizenship.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
EXPATS IN SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭✨ Lifestyle, Networking & Travel Tips 🌍
English Facebook group for people living in Switzerland interested in Swiss local life
Join on Facebook🇨🇭Expats in Switzerland ⭑ Living, Moving & Advice ✨
English Facebook group for people living in Switzerland interested in Swiss visas
Join on FacebookAmecan -USA Canada Australia Europe Japan-Visitor & Student Visa Specialist
English Facebook group for people living in Switzerland interested in Swiss visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
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