Naturalisation in the canton of Basel-City
The canton of Basel-City has no written test: knowledge is checked in an interview. Since 1 July 2026 the canton no longer charges a fee, but the municipality does.
By Kai SchniderUpdated:
Is there a naturalisation test in Basel-City?
Basel-CityBS
No written test. Interviews at the Migration Office and with the citizens’ community (Bürgergemeinde).
Source: bs.ch, gesetzessammlung.bs.ch, checked on 11 November 2026
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Fact sheet
- Capital
- Basel
- Language
- German
- Population
- 201’384
- Abbreviation
- BS
Requirements
- Residence in Switzerland
- At least 10 years
- Residence in the canton of Basel-City
- At least 2 years
- Residence in the municipality
- At least 2 years
- Language level
- At least B1 spoken, A2 written, in German
- Residence permit
- C permit (settlement permit)
- Basic knowledge
- In an interview
Source: BüRG § 3, § 8, bs.ch, checked on 12 November 2026
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Cost of naturalisation in Basel-City
No cantonal fee since 1 July 2026
Since 1 July 2026 the canton of Basel-City no longer charges a naturalisation fee. Only the federal fee of CHF 100 and the municipal fee remain. According to bs.ch, the municipal fee in the city of Basel is CHF 800 for individuals aged 25 and over.
Source: bs.ch, checked on 11 November 2026. Your municipality can tell you the exact fee.
Duration and specifics
The process in Basel-City usually takes 10 to 18 months.
City-canton. Since 1 July 2026 the canton no longer charges naturalisation fees, but the municipality does: in Basel CHF 800 for individuals aged 25 and over, in Riehen CHF 1’700, in Bettingen CHF 1’400. Up to age 25, only the federal fee is payable. High proportion of foreign residents (~37%).
The process in Basel-City: 5 steps
Ordinary naturalisation in Basel-City follows a set process. Integration, residence, language and knowledge are checked.
Check the requirements
At least 10 years of residence in Switzerland, of which 2 years in the canton. In your municipality at least 2 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.
Submit the application
The application goes to your municipality or the canton. You hand in the documents, pay the fees and prove your identity.
Show basic knowledge
There is no written test. Knowledge is checked in an interview.
Interview and decision
Municipality, canton and Confederation decide one after the other. From application to decision usually takes 10 to 18 months.
Documents you need
Depending on your case, the municipality asks for more documents. These are almost always required in Basel-City:
- 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 Basel-City
In Basel-City there is no written test. You answer in an interview, in your own words. It helps to know the reason behind each answer: that is why every question here comes with an explanation.
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 Basel-City
Do I have to take a naturalisation test in the canton of Basel-City?
The canton of Basel-City has no written test: knowledge is checked in an interview. Source: bs.ch, gesetzessammlung.bs.ch, checked on 11 November 2026.
Which fees apply in Basel-City?
Since 1 July 2026 the Canton of Basel-City no longer charges naturalisation fees. Only the federal fee (CHF 100 for individuals aged 18 and over) and the municipal fee remain: in Basel CHF 800 for individuals aged 25 and over (married couples and individuals with children CHF 950), in Riehen CHF 1’700 and in Bettingen CHF 1’400. Up to age 25, only the federal fee is payable.
How high is the proportion of foreign residents in Basel-City?
At around 37%, Basel-City has one of the highest proportions of foreign residents in Switzerland. Accordingly, the canton has extensive experience with naturalisation procedures and a well-organised system.
How long does naturalisation take in Basel-City?
The process takes 10 to 18 months, making it shorter than in many other cantons. You need 2 years of residence in the canton.
Naturalisation in other cantons
Neighbouring cantons
- BL
No cantonal test. The citizens’ council (Bürgerrat) of the municipality checks basic knowledge, for example in the interview.