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Canton of Basel-City

Naturalisation in the canton of Basel-City

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

By · Updated:

Fact sheet

Capital
Basel
Language
German
Population
201'384
Abbreviation
BS

Requirements

✓
Residence in Switzerland At least 10 years
✓
Residence in canton Basel-City At least 2 years
✓
Residence in the municipality At least 2 years
✓
Language level At least B1 spoken in German
✓
Residence permit Settlement permit C required
✓
Naturalisation test At least 60% correct answers
Take your personal check →

Cost of naturalisation in Basel-City

B
Federal fee CHF 100
K
Cantonal fee CHF 600 – 1200
Estimated total cost CHF 700 – 1'300
Use the detailed cost calculator →

Duration and specifics

Estimated process duration: 10–18 months
Specifics:
City-canton — no separate municipal fee. Relatively affordable procedure despite the urban setting. High proportion of foreign residents (~37%).

Official authorities website

The process in Basel-City: 5 steps

Ordinary naturalisation in Basel-City 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 2 in canton Basel-City and 2 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 10–18 months.

Documents you need

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

  • 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-City?

In canton Basel-City 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-City

Basel-Stadt is a city canton. Since the canton and the city are practically identical, there is no separate communal fee. As a result, total costs of CHF 700 to CHF 1'300 are comparatively low.

At around 37%, Basel-Stadt 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.

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

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 →