Applying for citizenship in Switzerland has always required a lot of paperwork – both literally and figuratively. But from August 1st, the government is digitalising these processes for a quicker outcome.
There is a lot of paper trail involved in the Swiss naturalisation process, with the federal government and cantonal migration authorities mostly communicating by post when it comes to naturalisation applications.
From August 1st, however, “communication between the responsible cantonal authorities and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) can take place digitally instead of by mail,” the government said in a press release.
“After reviewing naturalisation applications, cantons will now be able to forward them to SEM via the Central Migration Information System, (ZEMIS), using a new interface,” the government explained. “In turn, the SEM will also be able to communicate its decision to grant or refuse federal naturalisation authorisation to the cantonal authorities through the same channel.”
How will applicants for naturalisation benefit from the new system?
First, let’s look at what will not change.
The criteria and conditions for ordinary naturalisation will remain the same – you will still have to fulfil all the federal and cantonal requirements related to the permit (C), length of residency, language proficiency, and integration.
You will also have to provide the same documents which are already obligatory for the citizenship application – including extracts from the criminal and debt collection registers, proof of language proficiency from a certified school, and reference letters, in addition to all the other paperwork required by the federal government and your canton of residence.
READ MORE: What is the reference letter you might need for Swiss citizenship?
Shorter processing time
The real change will occur in the length of time it takes to process your application.
In concrete terms, this reform will end the time-consuming back-and-forth correspondence between SEM and cantonal immigration authorities because ZEMIS will process all personal and administrative data. much quicker than humans.
So the real advantage of this transition lies in better efficiency and a significant reduction in overall waiting times – currently up to 3 years on average for uncomplicated applications for ordinary naturalisation.
Under the new system, however, the process will go faster, though exact timelines could vary from canton to canton.
READ MORE: How to speed up your Swiss citizenship application
When will the new system be fully implemented?
The date has not been released as it will depend on the outcome of the pilot phase.
What is certain, however, is that once in effect nationally, the new electronic system will be mandatory for all cantons, rather than merely optional.
READ MORE: New app helps applicants prepare for Swiss citizenship exam
