Eligibility quiz
Was at least one of your grandparents born in Switzerland?
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 by mailApplying by mail
Request the application form
Email the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) at ch@sem.admin.ch to request the third-generation simplified naturalisation form. Include why you are requesting it, your full name, address, postcode and place of residence; SEM will post the form to you.
Find form request detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I request the Switzerland third-generation simplified naturalisation application form from SEM?”
Get the document checklist
Get SEM’s document checklist and its information and model certificates for third-generation simplified naturalisation. You will need to sign and return the checklist with your application.
Get the checklistFill in the form
Complete, date and sign the application form and declarations. Sign the document checklist too.
Find form guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete the Switzerland third-generation simplified naturalisation application form and declarations?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the documents SEM asks for.
See required documentsMail your application package
Attach your passport photograph to the first page of the form, then mail the completed form, signed checklist and required documents to SEM at the address on the form or checklist. Send your application no later than your 25th birthday.
Get the mailing addressSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where do I mail my Switzerland third-generation simplified naturalisation application to SEM?”
Pay the fee
Pay the fee when SEM tells you to, using its payment instructions. The fee is paid in advance and is not refunded if your application is refused.
Find fee payment detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the SEM fee for Switzerland third-generation simplified naturalisation?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for SEM’s decision, and provide any further documents or attend an interview if asked. Tell SEM if your address, family status or other relevant details change while you wait.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens while SEM decides a Switzerland third-generation simplified naturalisation application?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Include copies of both your parents’ birth certificates. If you are using your grandparent’s birth in Switzerland as proof of their connection to Switzerland, include a copy of their birth certificate too.
Parent's school records
Include school certificates showing that your qualifying parent completed at least five years of compulsory schooling in Switzerland. You can instead get certificates from the school authorities.
Parent's residence records
Include a copy of your qualifying parent’s C permit. Get original residence certificates showing they lived in Switzerland for at least 10 years.
Grandparent's residence record *
Get confirmation from a Swiss authority that your grandparent acquired a right to live in Switzerland. If you cannot establish a residence title, provide records that make it plausible, such as population or migration records from the commune or canton where your grandparent lived.
* Only if you use your grandparent’s residence rather than their Swiss birth.
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 Facebookr/AnchorLessEurope
English Reddit group for people living in Europe interested in visas
Join on RedditConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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