my husband and I have lived in Switzerland for 18 years. Would we be eligible to apply for Swiss citizenship?
if so, what is the next step?
Other - Switzerland - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
It depends on what your current nationality is ! It also depend on the "Canton" you have been living in As a general rule 12 years is the bench mark. Without the canton and current nationality I cannot give you a definite answer but simply refer you to this link http://www.bfm.admin.ch/bfm/en/home/themen/buergerrecht/einbuergerung/ordentliche_einbuergerung.html
2 :
Yes, you are. Consider the rules stipulated by the federal naturalization office: People who have been resident in Switzerland for twelve years – the years spent in this country between the completed 10th and 20th years are counted double for this purpose – may apply for naturalisation. Our office examines whether applicants are integrated in the Swiss way of life, are familiar with Swiss customs and traditions, comply with the Swiss rule of law, and do not endanger Switzerland's internal or external security. In particular, this examination is based on cantonal and communal reports. If the requirements provided by federal law are satisfied, applicants are entitled to obtain a federal naturalisation permit from the Federal Office for Migration. Naturalisation proceeds in three stages. Thus the federal naturalisation permit only constitutes the Confederation's "green light" for the acquisition of Swiss nationality. However, the cantons and communities have their own, additional residence requirements which applicants have to satisfy. Swiss citizenship is only acquired by those applicants who, after obtaining the federal naturalisation permit, have also been naturalised by their communities and cantons. As a rule, there is no legally protected right to being naturalised by a community and a canton. ==> Consequently, the next step is to see your local administration office (Gemeindeverwaltung, administration communale, amministrazione comunale) and ask for the corresponding forms. As you'll turn in the forms, expect fees that can vary a lot from commune to commune.
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