Swiss Citizenship for Indians

The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) issues citizenship status to eligible applicants. However, the individual cantons or the communes are accountable for their specific procedures.

Switzerland citizenship can be acquired through various pathways. Here are the most common pathways an Indian citizen can utilise to apply for Swiss citizenship.

Swiss Citizenship by Descent

Swiss Citizenship by Naturalisation

Swiss Citizenship by Marriage

Switzerland Residency by Investment

The application and the citizenship requirements for Switzerland vary for the different methods.

Swiss Citizenship by Descent

Swiss citizenship by descent is one of the most straightforward methods if you have at least one Swiss parent.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for Swiss citizenship by birth or descent, you should have at least one Swiss parent. In addition, you need to provide evidence that you have spent qualitative time in Switzerland by having a basic knowledge of the country, speaking the local language, etc.

Application Process

To complete the process, check for the relevant forms and provide the necessary details, declarations, and questionnaires.

You can get the details of how you can get the application forms at the official website of the respective canton or commune. Click here to get more information about the cantons.

Pass the language test and meet the Swiss military service obligations to comply with the application process.

The application fee for adults is CHF 600. And the application fee for children under 18 is free. However, if the application is based on a parent who is a Swiss father and not married to the mother, the fee will be CHF 350.

Swiss Citizenship By Naturalisation

Swiss citizenship by naturalisation is one of the common methods for obtaining citizenship as an Indian citizen. Acquiring dual citizenship in Switzerland is possible. However, it is not permitted in India.

There are two different naturalisation processes. The ordinary naturalisation and a simplified naturalisation process for applicants already being a part of the Swiss family.

Naturalisation in Switzerland is a 3-step process and is as follows:

Apply for a Switzerland visa based on your requirements, such as education, work, family, etc.

Apply and get the appropriate residence permit. For example, a B Permit is for initial or temporary residence for up to one year that can be renewed based on the requirements.

Obtain the permanent residence permit, also called the C permit.

Apply for Swiss citizenship by naturalisation.

Eligibility Criteria

Have a C permit.

Have a registered partnership with a Swiss citizen.

Lived in Switzerland for at least 10 years.

Spent 183 days every year of the 10 years in Switzerland and at least 3 years out of the 5 years immediately preceding the application process. The requirements can vary between the cantons.

Have no criminal records.

Respect public order, public security, and Swiss values and adhere to Swiss culture and traditions.

Have basic knowledge of Swiss history, customs, and politics.

Show ability to involve and integrate with Swiss society.

Prove positive contribution to Swiss society.

Have proficiency in one of Switzerland’s official languages.

Some cantons might conduct oral or written naturalisation tests.

Application Process

The application form is specific for the individual cantons. Therefore, seek the application form for citizenship based on your local canton. Click here to get more information about the cantons.

The completed application form has to be approved at the different levels, such as the cantonal, municipal, and federal levels.

There can be an interview process to assess your contributions to Swiss society.

The applicable charges are based on the individual canton. However, on average, it can range between CHF 500 - CHF 1000 per person for a commune and up to CHF 2000 for a canton.

Swiss Citizenship By Marriage

Obtaining Switzerland citizenship by marriage is yet another common pathway for Indian spouses of Swiss citizens.

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet the following eligibility conditions to be able to apply for Swiss citizenship by marriage.

Should be married to a Swiss citizen for at least 3 years.

Lived in Switzerland for at least 5 years, which should include the 1 year immediately preceding the application process.

If you are the spouse of a Swiss citizen living in India, you need to be married for 6 years.

Show knowledge of the Swiss national language. It should be well established, written at the A2 level and spoken at the B1 level.

Should comply with Swiss law and prove no threat to internal and external security.

Involve and get integrated into Swiss life and show familiarity or practise Swiss customs.

Not received any social welfare benefits within the past 3 years.

Application Process

Check with the local canton authorities for the application form and the required documents. Click here to get more information about the cantons.

The cost for the application for citizenship by marriage is CHF 900.

Swiss Citizenship By Investment

Obtaining Switzerland citizenship by investment is not a direct process. It involves first acquiring the Switzerland Residency based on the Switzerland Golden Visa Program.

Eligibility Criteria

The age should be between 18 and 55 years.

There should be no criminal records.

There should be a valid reason for applying for the Switzerland Residency.

Should be good at health and financially stable.

Invest a minimum of CHF 5 million in a real estate project or CHF 1 million in a Swiss company.

The investment must create employment opportunities and add value to the Swiss economy.

Application Process

Choose a suitable investment option.

Provide the necessary documents and seek approval from the Swiss authorities.

You might have to provide proof of identity, proof of financial stability, health insurance, and a certificate of good conduct.

Upon approval from the Swiss Government, apply for the D Visa.

Relocate to Switzerland after receiving the D Visa, and make your investment with the respective Swiss canton authorities and pay the applicable taxes.

You will receive a temporary residence permit. It can be renewed until you receive permanent resident status after 10 years.

Apply for Swiss citizenship.

Obtaining Swiss citizenship is a long process. You might have to travel and reside there for a longer term to establish your interest and involvement with Swiss culture.

While you embark on your dream journey, it is always important to secure it against possible risks to be in a better financial position to lead your ambitions.

A travel insurance policy can provide financial security against unexpected medical emergencies, baggage losses, flight cancellations, etc. For instance, flight cancellation insurance can especially be helpful when you are travelling with your family and hold the risk of cancelling it at any time due to a possible health emergency.

Travelling insurance plan options are available online. You can purchase it by comparing the features, inclusions and exclusions to suit your needs best.

Swiss citizenship is a prestigious status given to aspiring and eligible applicants to enjoy the right to live, work, and access the facilities of a high standard of living in Switzerland. There are different pathways to apply for Switzerland nationality, and the process to apply differs between the individual cantons or communes. It is important to understand the eligibility criteria and the respective process to have a smooth application process to seek Switzerland citizenship.