What procedures are required to change European citizenship?

Generally speaking, foreigners who have lived in Switzerland for 12 years can apply for naturalization as usual; spouses or children of Swiss citizens can apply for naturalization according to simplified procedures. These are the two most basic procedures to follow to obtain Swiss citizenship. In order to help readers better understand this information, swissinfo.ch has specially compiled the relevant information as follows. We also hope that experienced readers will actively comment on this, introduce their personal experiences or add relevant content. There are two basic naturalization procedures in Switzerland, one is called the regular or standard naturalization procedure (Ordentliche Einbürgerung) and the other is called the simplified naturalization procedure (Erleichterte Einbürgerung). The entire application process may last from one to one and a half years, or longer in individual cases. Regular naturalization procedure: Foreigners who have lived in Switzerland for 12 years can apply for naturalization; and if they live in Switzerland between the ages of 12 and 20, their years of residence will be counted double.

Those who apply for Swiss citizenship through the regular naturalization process must pass strict review at three levels: federal, state and residential area (township community).

In the process of applying for naturalization, the Federation first conducts a national-level verification of the applicant to review whether he or she may have violated the law or threaten Swiss national security.

The review of whether the applicant meets the conditions for naturalization is actually carried out by the governments of the states and places of residence. The specific review content includes the number of years of residence in Switzerland, integration status, whether you are familiar with Swiss customs, and whether you have fulfilled your obligations to Swiss society, such as paying taxes. (For specific information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on Citizenship Law issued by the Swiss Federal Immigration Office on December 20, 2005)

The federation will make decisions mainly based on information issued by state and township community governments. Only after the applicant meets the requirements of federal law can the Federal Immigration Service issue a federal naturalization permit.

After the federal government agrees, states and township and community governments may also propose different additional conditions including length of residence, naturalization qualifications, etc. Applicants can become Swiss citizens only if the federal government, the cantons and the local community government agree. Requests for naturalization by states and communities are generally not protected by law.

Naturalization application forms can be obtained at the naturalization offices in each state. You can also first consult with the relevant departments in your place of residence. Simplified naturalization procedures Under specific regulations, especially foreign spouses or children of Swiss citizens (if one parent is a foreigner), they can apply for simplified naturalization procedures. At this time, the decision is mainly made by the federal government, and the states and rural communities have informed and Right to object. Applicants must adapt to life in Switzerland, abide by Swiss laws and not pose a threat to Swiss national security.

The foreign spouse of a Swiss citizen can apply for Swiss citizenship after living in Switzerland for five years and three years after getting married, but he must live in Switzerland one year before applying for naturalization. If a Swiss spouse lives in another country but still has strong ties to Switzerland, he or she can apply for a Swiss passport after 6 years of marriage.

If residing in Switzerland, applicants can obtain an application form from the Naturalization Office of the Federal Office for Migration, Address:

Bundesamt für Migration, Sektion Einbürgerungen,

3003 Bern-Wabern

Email: einbuergerung@bfm.admin.ch

If you live outside Switzerland, application forms are available at various embassies and consulates.