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Canton of Basel-Country

Naturalisation in the canton of Basel-Country

All the information on requirements, costs, duration and specifics of naturalisation in Basel-Country.

By · Updated:

Fact sheet

Capital
Liestal
Language
German
Population
301'323
Abbreviation
BL

Requirements

✓
Residence in Switzerland At least 10 years
✓
Residence in canton Basel-Country At least 5 years
✓
Residence in the municipality At least 5 years
✓
Language level At least B1 spoken in German
✓
Residence permit Settlement permit C required
✓
Naturalisation test At least 60% correct answers
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Cost of naturalisation in Basel-Country

B
Federal fee CHF 100
K
Cantonal fee CHF 500 – 1000
G
Municipal fee CHF 400 – 2000
Estimated total cost CHF 1'000 – 3'100
Use the detailed cost calculator →

Duration and specifics

Estimated process duration: 12–24 months
Specifics:
5 years of residence in the canton are required; the required municipal residence duration varies by citizens' corporation (usually 5 years). Located in the greater Basel area.

Official authorities website

The process in Basel-Country: 5 steps

Ordinary naturalisation in Basel-Country follows a clear process. The canton checks integration, residence, language and knowledge.

  1. Check the requirements: At least 10 years of residence in Switzerland, of which 5 in canton Basel-Country and 5 in your municipality. Settlement permit C.
  2. Submit the application: Application with your municipality of residence. Submit documents, pay fees, prove your identity.
  3. Proof of language: At least level B1 spoken in a national language. Recognised certificates: fide, Goethe, telc, DELF/DALF.
  4. Naturalisation test: 48 questions on geography, history, politics and everyday life. At least 60% correct answers to pass.
  5. Naturalisation interview and decision: Personal interview with the municipality. Decision by municipality, canton and Confederation. Takes 12–24 months.

Documents you need

The municipality may ask for additional documents depending on your case. The following documents are practically always required in Basel-Country:

  • 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 Basel-Country?

In canton Basel-Country you need to answer 60% of the questions correctly. Practise now with over 300 questions!

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Frequently asked questions about naturalisation in Basel-Country

In the Canton of Basel-Landschaft you need 3 years of residence in the canton and 3 years in the municipality. That is one year more than in many other cantons.

Total costs range from CHF 1'000 to CHF 3'100. Communal fees (CHF 400–2'000) vary considerably depending on the place of residence.

Basel-Stadt is cheaper (CHF 700–1'300 vs. CHF 1'000–3'100) because there is no separate communal fee. However, Basel-Landschaft requires 3 years of residence in the canton instead of just 2.

Naturalisation in other cantons

Requirements and costs differ. Here are the largest cantons compared:

Zurich CHF 1'100–3'600 Bern CHF 900–2'900 Vaud CHF 700–1'900 Aargau CHF 1'100–3'800 St. Gallen CHF 1'000–3'100

Show all 26 cantons →