In most cases, foreigners seeking to be naturalised must have lived in Switzerland for at least 10 years — and sometimes longer. But what happens if you move from one canton to another during this time?
For most people, becoming a Swiss citizen through ordinary naturalisation is not an easy process.
Not only do candidates have to fulfil a long list of requirements on the federal level, but each canton has its own criteria as well.
And since every canton has the right to decide who can obtain citizenship on their territory — and under what conditions — your fate lies with your local authorities.
This means that besides meeting the general requirements set out by the federal government (that is, the State Secretariat for Migration – SEM), you will also have to comply with the specific rules in your canton of residence.
For most foreigners who have C permits, it is a matter of counting down the years until they are eligible to apply for a Swiss passport.
READ ALSO: When can I start counting my residency in Switzerland towards citizenship?
But what happens if you move from one canton to another?
This will probably complicate your quest for citizenship by delaying the wait period.
You need to have lived in the same canton for a certain period of time, ranging from two to five years, within the general 10-year residency requirement.
As an example, this requirement is two years in Geneva and Vaud, Zurich, Basel-City; three years in Lucerne; and five years in Zug in Ticino.
So depending on where you move, your wait may be longer than you have bargained for — for instance, if you move from a two-year canton like Zurich to a five-year-one like Zug, your wait will more than double.
And not only will you have to re-start your countdown toward citizenship, but you will also have to comply with that canton’s other naturalisation rules as well — like language proficiency for example — which may be different from your former place of residence.
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Are there any exemptions from this time rule?
If you apply for the naturalisation under the simplified fast-track system (rather than the ordinary path that most foreigners apply under), which is reserved for those married to Swiss citizens and foreign nationals born in Switzerland — then the requirements about relocating may be more flexible.
There may also be exceptions if you have to move to another canton for imperative reasons such as medical treatment or company transfer, but you should find this out ahead of time by contacing authorities in the canton to which you are relocating.
Time your move carefully
If you are planning to apply for citizenship, it is in your best interest to stay put where you are — if that is at all possible.
Also, you should not move if you have already started the naturalisation procedure, as this process is not transferable from canton to canton.
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Can you move elsewhere within Switzerland after you obtain your Swiss citizenship?
Yes, you can do so freely.
Not only that, but you can move out of the country as well if this is what you want to do.
READ ALSO: Can I get Swiss citizenship and then move abroad?
