Notes from the Federal Palace Some countries grant citizenship through being born in the country, known as birthright citizenship (‘ius soli’), such as the United States, Canada, Australia and some South American countries. Switzerland grants citizenship on the basis of the parents’ nationality (‘ius sanguinis’), regardless of the place of birth. The Federal Act on Swiss Citizenship, which came into force on 1 January 2018, and its accompanying ordinance have been adapted to meet the needs of a changing society. In order to submit a naturalisation application from abroad, applicants must meet certain conditions, including having close ties to Switzerland. Submitting an application to a Swiss representation abroad is the first step in the naturalisation process. Below are some examples that may help you in applying for citizenship. I am married to a Swiss person. When and subject to what conditions may I obtain Swiss citizenship? Provided you have lived for six years in a stable marital relationship with your Swiss spouse and have maintained close ties to Switzerland, you may submit a naturalisation application to the Swiss representation under Article 21 para. 2 of the Federal Act on Swiss Citizenship. Your Swiss spouse must have had Swiss nationality when you got married or have subsequently acquired citizenship through reinstatement or simplified naturalisation based on descent from a Swiss parent. If the marriage was before 1 July 2022, the duration of a prior registered partnership may count towards the duration of the marriage. If you were married after 1 How can I acquire Swiss nationality from outside the country? Foreign nationals with close family ties to Switzerland may submit an application for naturalisation to their Swiss representation abroad under current Swiss citizenship law and subject to certain conditions. July 2022, the duration of the partnership registered prior to that date does not count towards the duration of the marriage (unless the registered partnership was converted to marriage). My Swiss father never married my mother. He acknowledged paternity when I was born in 2005. Am I entitled to Swiss nationality? Children born to a Swiss father before 31 December 2005 and whose parents were not married are not entitled to Swiss citizenship, even if their father acknowledged paternity. If your father already had Swiss nationality when you were born and acknowledged paternity before you acquired the age of majority, you may submit a naturalisation application under Article 51 para. 2 of the Federal Act on Swiss Citizenship (provided you maintain close ties to Switzerland). My mother lost her Swiss nationality after she married my father, who is a foreign national. Am I still entitled to Swiss nationality? Provided you maintain close ties to Switzerland, you may submit a naturalisation application under Article 51 para. 1 of the Federal Act on Swiss Citizenship. The Swiss passport: for many Swiss who live abroad, it is more than just a document. It is part of their identity and a link to Switzerland. Photo: Keystone “Three-quarters of Swiss people living abroad have one or more other nationalities.” 26
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