The process of ordinary naturalization (Ordentliche Einbürgerung) in Switzerland can be roughly divided into five stages. In this article, you can see in what context the question „Why become Swiss“ is asked and how your answers change throughout the naturalization process.
Please note: the process is regulated differently in each canton and municipality. There is no nationwide standard. However, the typical process consists of the five phases described here.
Stage 1: Decision Phase
If you have already lived in Switzerland for several years and want to stay here in the future, at some point the question arises whether you want to or should become a naturalized citizen.
At this stage, you address the question „Why become Swiss?“ to yourself. In order to answer the question for yourself, you usually go through a lot of other questions and clarify what naturalization specifically means.
The first question often is: What are the advantages and disadvantages of naturalization for me (and my family)? This leads to more specific questions, such as:
- What consequences does naturalization have on the areas of life career and profession, finances, pension provision, educational opportunities, political participation, etc.?
- How will naturalization affect my rights and responsibilities in Switzerland?
- What cultural or societal benefits will I gain by becoming a Swiss citizen?
- Can I have two or more citizenships or will I have to give up my original citizenship?
- Will my life change in a positive way? In what way?
- Will I feel more integrated and accepted within my local community?
- How might my children’s future opportunities be impacted by becoming Swiss citizens?
- What are the legal requirements and the specific criteria I need to meet for naturalization?
- How does becoming a Swiss citizen contribute to my personal security and risk reduction, especially in terms of legal protection and residency stability?
- How will becoming a Swiss citizen impact my freedom and security for long-term travel or extended stays abroad?
- Am I prepared to go through the naturalization process, and what challenges might I face?
- What level of language proficiency is required, and how will I ensure I meet it?
Who do you talk to at this stage?
With friends, colleagues, family members – and probably your future references. Some of you may also consult a lawyer at this stage.
Once you have completed this phase with a positive decision, you can begin the second phase. To do this, you must meet the requirements for naturalization. One important requirement that often remains open until the very end is language certification. The Fide exam is often an obvious solution to fulfill this requirement.
If you don’t already have a certificate, my Fast Track service can help you get prepared efficiently for the language exam.
Stage 2: Application Submission
What do you have to do?
You submit the required documents.
Pay attention to the time sequence within which you apply for documents. The date of issue of some documents may not be more than a few weeks in a few cases.
You must provide written information about your motives in an application form at this stage.
Who do you talk to at this stage?
With representatives of the authorities. Often, communication in this phase is in written form or on the phone.
Stage 3 (or, depending on the canton, Stage 4): Cantonal interview
This interview checks whether you meet the formal requirements for naturalization.
What do you have to do?
- Give answers to personal questions
- Answer questions about your family
- Answer questions about your motives
- Give and confirm information about your current situation
- Sometimes you will also have to answer questions about Switzerland in this interview
Who do you talk to at this stage?
Usually with only one representative of the cantonal authorities. This interview is conducted by telephone or on site, depending on the canton.
Stage 4: Municipal Interview (Einbürgerungsgespräch)
Here’s what you should expect and prepare for:
- Answer personal questions about yourself.
- Discuss your motives for seeking naturalization.
- Provide information about your current situation.
- Respond to questions about Switzerland’s geography, history, politics, and society.
- Demonstrate that you are well-integrated into the community.
Who are you speaking to?
A committee that may consist of up to 12 or more members. You must attend the interview in person, and it will be conducted in one of the official languages of your canton.
For a detailed explanation of the interview setup and what to expect, watch my YouTube video covering the naturalization interview process.
Stage 5: Final Decision and Citizenship Granting
Once you finish the final interview, you’ll be informed if you’ve passed, and from there, your paperwork will be sent to Bern for the final verification process.
All that’s left is to wait, as this stage may take several months, often eight or more.
However, now is the perfect time to celebrate your progress – you’ve successfully navigated the interview process, a significant milestone on your path to Swiss citizenship!
If you want to be fully prepared for the next stages, check out my Fast Track language certification and interview preparation services.