Swiss Confederation
Swiss Confederation settlement & citizenship
Switzerland separates settlement from citizenship. Third-country B permit holders usually build toward a C permit, and ordinary naturalisation requires a C permit plus federal, cantonal, and communal residence/integration checks.
Last reviewed 27 June 2026.
Stages — from visa to passport
- 1
B Permit
Usually 1 year, renewable
- Who qualifies
- Third-country workers approved by the canton and SEM under labour-market-test and quota rules.
- Key gate
- Maintain employment, canton approval, and annual renewals.
- 2
Settlement Permit C
Indefinite settlement permit while resident
- Who qualifies
- Long-term residents, with timing depending on nationality, integration, and canton.
- Key gate
- Hold qualifying residence and meet integration/language expectations before naturalisation.
- 3
Swiss citizenship by ordinary naturalisation
Federal minimum: 10 years residence, including 3 of the last 5 years
- Who qualifies
- C permit holders meeting federal, cantonal, and communal naturalisation rules.
- Key gate
- C permit, 10 years residence, successful integration, familiarity with Swiss life, and no security/public-order concern.
Physical presence
Federal ordinary naturalisation requires at least 10 years residence, including 3 of the 5 years before application; canton/commune rules add local residence requirements.
Language level
Sufficient language skills in a national language; exact proof varies by canton and commune.
Test / oath
Cantons/communes can require interviews and written or oral naturalisation tests.
Dual citizenship
Switzerland recognises dual nationality; origin-country law still matters.
Typical full timeline
B Permit -> C permit after a nationality/integration-dependent period -> ordinary naturalisation after at least 10 years total residence.
Primary source
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get Swiss citizenship by ordinary naturalisation after first arriving in Switzerland?
B Permit -> C permit after a nationality/integration-dependent period -> ordinary naturalisation after at least 10 years total residence.
How many days a year must I physically be in Switzerland to qualify?
Federal ordinary naturalisation requires at least 10 years residence, including 3 of the 5 years before application; canton/commune rules add local residence requirements.
What language level do I need for Swiss citizenship by ordinary naturalisation?
Sufficient language skills in a national language; exact proof varies by canton and commune.
Does Switzerland allow dual citizenship?
Switzerland recognises dual nationality; origin-country law still matters.