Name Change: Lawyer for change of first name, surname, etc.
Basically, anyone who has lived in Switzerland for ten years and has a permanent residence permit C can apply for ordinary naturalization. The process is quicker for people who are married to a Swiss national. In these cases, so-called “simplified naturalization” is possible. People of the “third generation” can also apply for simplified naturalization.
Permanent residence permit holders (C permit). The Swiss federal law stipulates that a person must have lived in Switzerland for at least 10 years, 3 of which must have been during the last 5 years before submitting the application.
The period that someone has lived in Switzerland between the ages of 8 and 18 counts double. However, an application for naturalization cannot be submitted earlier than after 6 years of effective residence in Switzerland.
Depending on the canton, you may also be required to have lived in the municipality or canton where you wish to be naturalized for at least 2 to 5 years before submitting your application for naturalization.
The Swiss Citizenship Act also stipulates that citizenship is only granted to people who
are successfully integrated
are familiar with Swiss living conditions
do not endanger the internal and external security of Switzerland.
Further information on ordinary naturalization can be found on the website of the State Secretariat for Migration. The requirements for obtaining cantonal and communal citizenship vary greatly depending on the canton or commune.
Admission to citizenship also requires that applicants have sufficient language skills and are able to communicate in their day-to-day lives.
That they participate in economic life or in the acquisition of education;
That they respect the values of the federal and cantonal constitutions;
That they are familiar with general living habits and important public institutions in the commune, canton and federal government;
That they participate in social and cultural life;
That they maintain contacts with Swiss nationals;
That they have no entries in the criminal record or ongoing proceedings;
That they currently have no unpaid debt collection or loss certificates;
That they have not received any social assistance in the last three years, unless the assistance received has been fully reimbursed.
Difficult personal circumstances are taken into account in the naturalization procedure with regard to proof of language skills and participation in economic life or the acquisition of education.
Change of first name, surname, maiden name, double names, married name of spouse after divorce, change of surname on marriage
