Naturalisation in the canton of Aargau
The canton of Aargau tests your knowledge with a written test: 45 questions in 40 minutes. Naturalisation costs CHF 1’100 to 3’800.
By Kai SchniderUpdated:
The naturalisation test in Aargau
AargauAG
45questions in the test
Written test from age 16: 45 questions in 40 minutes, passed with at least 34 correct answers.
- Pass mark
- 76%
Source: ag.ch, gemeinden-ag.ch, checked on 1 September 2026
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Fact sheet
- Capital
- Aarau
- Language
- German
- Population
- 735’808
- Abbreviation
- AG
Requirements
- Residence in Switzerland
- At least 10 years
- Residence in the canton of Aargau
- At least 5 years
- Residence in the municipality
- At least 3 years
- Language level
- At least B1 spoken, A2 written, in German
- Residence permit
- C permit (settlement permit)
- Naturalisation test
- At least 76% correct answers
Source: KBüG § 4, Merkblatt DVI, ag.ch, checked on 12 November 2026
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Cost of naturalisation in Aargau
CHF 1’100 to 3’800 total cost, depending on the municipality
| Authority | CHF |
|---|---|
| Confederation | 100 |
| Canton | 500 to 1’200 |
| Municipality | 500 to 2’500 |
| Total | 1’100 to 3’800 |
Fees as set by the canton and municipalities, as a guide. Your municipality issues the exact bill.
Duration and specifics
The process in Aargau usually takes 12 to 30 months.
5 years of residence in the canton and 3 years in the municipality are required. Fourth-largest canton. Many municipalities require a personal interview.
The process in Aargau: 5 steps
Ordinary naturalisation in Aargau follows a set process. Integration, residence, language and knowledge are checked.
Check the requirements
At least 10 years of residence in Switzerland, of which 5 years in the canton. In your municipality at least 3 years. Plus the C permit.
Proof of language
At least level B1 spoken and A2 written in the official language. Recognised certificates include fide, Goethe, telc and DELF/DALF.
Naturalisation test
Before you apply: a written test on geography, history, politics and society. Format and pass mark are shown above.
Submit the application
The application goes to your municipality or the canton. You hand in the documents, pay the fees and prove your identity.
Interview and decision
Municipality, canton and Confederation decide one after the other. From application to decision usually takes 12 to 30 months.
Documents you need
Depending on your case, the municipality asks for more documents. These are almost always required in Aargau:
- C permit (settlement permit)
- Valid passport or ID card
- Birth certificate, and marriage certificate if married
- Recent extract from the Swiss criminal record (Strafregisterauszug)
- Extract from the debt collection register (Betreibungsregisterauszug) for the last 5 years
- Confirmation from OASI (AHV/AVS) and the tax office that you have no outstanding debts
- Language certificate (at least B1 spoken, A2 written)
- Proof of years of residence (residence confirmations)
Ask your municipality first.
Before you apply, get the current checklist. Requirements change from time to time.
Naturalisation documents: the complete checklist for your application
How to prepare in Aargau
In Aargau you take a test with 45 questions in 40 minutes. The canton publishes its question catalogue for free on ag.ch. Use it as well. Here you practise with an explanation and a key point for every question, a list of your mistakes and a simulation.
The practice questions are in German and French. You are tested in the official language of your canton, and in 25 of the 26 cantons that is German or French. Practising in that language means you know the words when you hear them in the test or the interview.
25 questions in German or French, no account needed.
This is what a practice question looks like. They are available in German and French.
Frequently asked questions about naturalisation in Aargau
How many questions does the naturalisation test have in the canton of Aargau?
The canton of Aargau tests your knowledge with a written test: 45 questions in 40 minutes. Source: ag.ch, gemeinden-ag.ch, checked on 1 September 2026.
Why does naturalisation in Aargau take longer than in other cantons?
In Aargau you need 5 years of residence in the canton and 3 years in the municipality. In addition, the process can take up to 30 months. Aargau is the fourth-largest canton, which leads to a higher workload for the authorities.
How much does naturalisation cost in the Canton of Aargau?
Total costs range from CHF 1’100 to CHF 3’800. Aargau is thus one of the more expensive cantons. Municipal fees (CHF 500 to 2’500) in particular can be high.
Is there a naturalisation interview in Aargau?
Yes, many municipalities in Aargau require a personal interview. This assesses your integration, language skills and basic knowledge of Switzerland and the canton.
Naturalisation in other cantons
Neighbouring cantons
- BE
Written multiple-choice test: 48 questions in 90 minutes, passed with at least 60%.
- BL
No cantonal test. The citizens’ council (Bürgerrat) of the municipality checks basic knowledge, for example in the interview.
- LU
No cantonal test. The municipality checks basic knowledge, in the city of Lucerne during the naturalisation interview.
- SO
From age 18, a compulsory course of 20 lessons with a written final exam, passed with a grade of 4.0 or higher.
- ZG
No written test. Civics interview with the canton, followed by an interview with the citizens’ council (Bürgerrat).
- ZH
Written test on a tablet: 50 questions in 60 minutes, passed with at least 30 correct answers.