Canton of Appenzell Outer Rhodes
Naturalisation in the canton of Appenzell Outer Rhodes
All the information on requirements, costs, duration and specifics of naturalisation in Appenzell Outer Rhodes.
Fact sheet
Capital
Herisau
Herisau
Language
German
German
Population
56'705
56'705
Abbreviation
AR
AR
Requirements
Residence in Switzerland
At least 10 years
Residence in canton Appenzell Outer Rhodes
At least 3 years
Residence in the municipality
At least 3 years
Language level
At least B1 spoken in German
Residence permit
Settlement permit C required
Naturalisation test
At least 60% correct answers
Cost of naturalisation in Appenzell Outer Rhodes
Federal fee
CHF 100
Cantonal fee
CHF 300 – 700
Municipal fee
CHF 200 – 1000
Estimated total cost
CHF 600 – 1'800
Use the detailed cost calculator →
Duration and specifics
Estimated process duration:
10–20 months
Specifics:
Small canton in eastern Switzerland. 3 years of uninterrupted residence in the same municipality are required. Low fees.
Small canton in eastern Switzerland. 3 years of uninterrupted residence in the same municipality are required. Low fees.
The process in Appenzell Outer Rhodes: 5 steps
Ordinary naturalisation in Appenzell Outer Rhodes follows a clear process. The canton checks integration, residence, language and knowledge.
- Check the requirements: At least 10 years of residence in Switzerland, of which 3 in canton Appenzell Outer Rhodes and 3 in your municipality. Settlement permit C.
- Submit the application: Application with your municipality of residence. Submit documents, pay fees, prove your identity.
- Proof of language: At least level B1 spoken in a national language. Recognised certificates: fide, Goethe, telc, DELF/DALF.
- Naturalisation test: 48 questions on geography, history, politics and everyday life. At least 60% correct answers to pass.
- Naturalisation interview and decision: Personal interview with the municipality. Decision by municipality, canton and Confederation. Takes 10–20 months.
Documents you need
The municipality may ask for additional documents depending on your case. The following documents are practically always required in Appenzell Outer Rhodes:
- Permit C for foreign nationals (settlement permit)
- Valid passport or ID card
- Birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable
- Recent Swiss criminal record extract
- Debt collection register extract for the last 5 years
- Confirmation from OASI (AHV/AVS) and tax authorities (no open debts)
- Language certificate (at least B1 spoken)
- Proof of years of residence (residence confirmations)
Tip:
Ask your municipality for the current checklist before submitting. Requirements change from time to time.
Ready for the naturalisation test in Appenzell Outer Rhodes?
In canton Appenzell Outer Rhodes you need to answer 60% of the questions correctly. Practise now with over 300 questions!
Frequently asked questions about naturalisation in Appenzell Outer Rhodes
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