Numerous people worldwide like to immigrate to Switzerland. Many foreigners who are interested in working or establishing a business here are drawn by the lifestyle and benefits of residing in one of the most picturesque countries in Europe. These individuals can become Swiss citizens if they reside here long enough.
A Swiss passport can be obtained in a number of methods, but certain requirements must be fulfilled. Additionally, citizenship by descent is an option in Switzerland, albeit it is not guaranteed to anyone with Swiss parents or other forebears.
The following explains the most important requirements for obtaining Swiss citizenship through descent as explained by our immigration experts in Switzerland. Regardless of how you choose to move to our nation, we strongly advise you to make advantage of our services.
How does one become a citizen of Switzerland?
Switzerland offers a number of methods for obtaining citizenship, just like other nations. These are the following:
One of the easiest ways to become a Swiss citizen is through birth or descent; naturalization is another option, but the requirements are very strict; adoption is another option for those who were adopted by Swiss citizens; marriage to Swiss citizens is another option for foreigners seeking citizenship; and finally, Switzerland also grants citizenship to refugees meeting certain requirements.
Additionally, there are other instances and exclusions, such as people who qualify for special provisions to become citizens of Switzerland. We at our Swiss immigration law practice can offer guidance on obtaining citizenship or residency.
If you wish to relocate to Switzerland and have family here, you can consider a family reunion. It is important to remember that new rules have recently been implemented. These demand that you be proficient in one of the official languages used here, so be sure to fulfill this prerequisite first.
Our attorneys can guide you through the procedures required for a successful relocation if you have made the decision to relocate and are applying for a residence permit in Switzerland. When it’s time to pick up your documents from the immigration authorities, we will provide you advice on what paperwork to prepare and complete first.
Cantonal administrations are in charge of issuing Swiss B permits. This implies that you have to decide which canton you wish to reside in before putting together and submitting your application. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us; you can rely on our immigration lawyers throughout the full relocation process in the area of your choosing.
People who are eligible for Swiss citizenship by descent
In contrast to other nations, Switzerland does not automatically award citizenship to an individual born here to parents from outside the country. Put otherwise, the following individuals are the only ones who qualify for Swiss citizenship by descent:
children of married parents, provided that at least one of the parents is a Swiss citizen; children of single mothers who are Swiss citizens; children of single fathers who are Swiss citizens and who confess their paternity before the children turn 22; foreign children under the age of 22 who have lived in Switzerland, if not with their parents, but were not included in the naturalization application.
For those who have lost their Swiss citizenship and can demonstrate their ties to the nation, Switzerland also offers citizenship via renaturalization.
Our lawyers can clarify the specific requirements needed to obtain citizenship by descent in Switzerland.
How to apply for Swiss citizenship based on birth
To take advantage of the streamlined process, you can use our services to find out if you meet the requirements before beginning the citizenship application process.
Since every canton has different policies, you can count on our full support to get Swiss citizenship through descent as soon as possible. The paperwork that needs to be submitted to the cantonal authorities is as follows:
your passport; evidence of your relationship to Switzerland; confirmation that the application cost was paid;
Because the application process can take up to a year, we advise hiring specialized immigration services in this case.
You have to reside in Switzerland for a set amount of time in order to be eligible for a C permit. There are additional standards to meet in addition to your nationality, which mostly determines the duration. Please get in touch with us if you require any assistance or specific services for immigrating here.
How much time does it take to become a citizen of Switzerland?
In general, if someone immigrated to Switzerland with a residency visa, they can become a citizen in ten years. Those who marry or have at least one Swiss parent can become citizens on the fast route.
Even if you are overseas, applying for citizenship by descent from Switzerland falls under the fast-track citizenship application category. Our attorneys can provide you with case updates in this situation.
Foreign-born Swiss nationals
The Swiss Federal Statistics Office estimates that 38% of those who were legally allowed to live here in 2019 (with permanent residency permits) were of foreign heritage. based on the information below:
In 2019, Switzerland had 7,214 people with permanent resident permits; of these, 2,722 people, or 37.7% of the total, had a history of migration; 2,202 people, or 30.5% of the total, were first-generation migrants, and 520 were second-generation migrants.
Please do not hesitate to contact our attorneys for individualized immigration services if you have any questions about how to apply for citizenship by descent in Switzerland or if you would like more information.