Swiss citizenship by marriage

Swiss citizenship by marriage follows specific regulations and requirements. Marrying a Swiss citizen does not automatically grant you Swiss citizenship. Instead, it may provide you with the opportunity to apply for Swiss citizenship through a simplified naturalization process.

How to obtain citizenship by marriage in Switzerland

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Residency Requirement. Before applying for Swiss citizenship through marriage, you must generally fulfill a residency requirement. This typically involves living in Switzerland for a certain period, usually several years, as a legal resident.
2. Length of Marriage. The duration of your marriage may affect your eligibility for Swiss citizenship. The standard requirement is being married for at least three years. However, the cantonal authorities have some discretion in assessing this requirement, and exceptions may be made in certain cases.
3. Integration and Language Proficiency. Swiss citizenship applications, including those through marriage, typically require proof of integration into Swiss society. This may include demonstrating knowledge of a local Swiss language (usually German, French, or Italian) at a basic level and showing familiarity with Swiss customs and way of life.
4. Good Character and No Criminal Record. Applicants are expected to have a clean criminal record and demonstrate good character. Any criminal convictions may affect your eligibility for Swiss citizenship.
5. Decision by Cantonal and Federal Authorities. The process of acquiring Swiss citizenship through marriage involves both cantonal and federal authorities. The cantonal authorities evaluate your application and make a recommendation, which is then reviewed and decided upon by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) at the federal level.

Application and Supporting Documents

When applying for Swiss citizenship by marriage, you will need to gather and submit various supporting documents along with your application. While the specific requirements can vary between cantons, here are some common documents that are typically required:

1. Marriage Certificate. This document should be issued by the relevant authority in the country where you got married.
2. Identification Documents. You should include copies of your valid passport or national identity card.
3. Residence Permit. If you are a foreign national residing in Switzerland, you will need to provide a copy of your valid residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung). This document verifies your legal status in Switzerland.
4. Proof of Residence. You may be required to submit evidence of your residence in Switzerland. This can include rental agreements, utility bills, or other documents that demonstrate your address and duration of residency.
5. Language Proficiency. This can be in the form of language certificates, such as the Goethe-Zertifikat or the Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF).
6. Integration Documentation. These can include proof of participation in language courses, employment records, evidence of community involvement, or certificates from integration programs.
7. Good Conduct Certificate. You will generally need to obtain a certificate of good conduct from the relevant authorities in your home country.
8. Photographs. Include recent passport-sized photographs that meet the specifications provided by the authorities.
9. Application Forms. Complete the official application forms for Swiss citizenship, which can be obtained from the cantonal migration office or relevant authorities.

Dual Nationality

Switzerland generally allows dual citizenship, so you may retain your original citizenship while acquiring Swiss citizenship.