Naturalisation in the canton of Bern
The canton of Bern tests your knowledge with a written test: 48 questions in 90 minutes. Naturalisation costs CHF 900 to 2’900.
By Kai SchniderUpdated:
The naturalisation test in Bern
BernBE
48questions in the test
Written multiple-choice test: 48 questions in 90 minutes, passed with at least 60%.
Source: einbuergerung.sid.be.ch, checked on 1 September 2026
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Fact sheet
- Capital
- Bern
- Language
- German, French
- Population
- 1’063’960
- Abbreviation
- BE
Requirements
- Residence in Switzerland
- At least 10 years
- Residence in the canton of Bern
- At least 2 years
- Residence in the municipality
- At least 2 years
- Language level
- At least B1 spoken, A2 written, in German, French
- Residence permit
- C permit (settlement permit)
- Naturalisation test
- At least 60% correct answers
Source: KBüG Art. 11, 12, KBüV Art. 12, be.ch, checked on 12 November 2026
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Cost of naturalisation in Bern
CHF 900 to 2’900 total cost, depending on the municipality
| Authority | CHF |
|---|---|
| Confederation | 100 |
| Canton | 500 to 800 |
| Municipality | 300 to 2’000 |
| Total | 900 to 2’900 |
Fees as set by the canton and municipalities, as a guide. Your municipality issues the exact bill.
Duration and specifics
The process in Bern usually takes 12 to 24 months.
Bilingual canton (German/French). In the Bernese Jura, French-language procedures apply. The city of Bern has a relatively quick procedure.
The process in Bern: 5 steps
Ordinary naturalisation in Bern 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.
Naturalisation test
A written test on geography, history, politics and society. Format and pass mark are shown above.
Interview and decision
Municipality, canton and Confederation decide one after the other. From application to decision usually takes 12 to 24 months.
Documents you need
Depending on your case, the municipality asks for more documents. These are almost always required in Bern:
- 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 Bern
In Bern you take a test with 48 questions in 90 minutes. Here you practise knowledge about Switzerland, with an explanation and a key point for every question and a simulation of 48 questions in a row.
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 Bern
How many questions does the naturalisation test have in the canton of Bern?
The canton of Bern tests your knowledge with a written test: 48 questions in 90 minutes. Source: einbuergerung.sid.be.ch, checked on 1 September 2026.
Can I take the naturalisation test in Bern in French?
Yes, the Canton of Bern is bilingual (German and French). In the Bernese Jura and in Biel/Bienne, you can go through the process in French. In the German-speaking municipalities, the test is taken in German.
How much does naturalisation cost in the Canton of Bern?
Total costs range from CHF 900 to CHF 2’900. This includes the federal fee (CHF 100), the cantonal fee (CHF 500 to 800) and the municipal fee (CHF 300 to 2’000).
How long does naturalisation take in the city of Bern?
The city of Bern has a relatively swift process compared with other large cities. Expect 12 to 24 months. The city offers a well-organised process with clear steps.
What requirements apply for naturalisation in the Canton of Bern?
You need 10 years of residence in Switzerland, 2 years in the Canton of Bern, 2 years in the municipality, a C permit, spoken language level B1, and no outstanding debt-enforcement proceedings or criminal record.
Naturalisation in other cantons
Neighbouring cantons
- AG
Written test from age 16: 45 questions in 40 minutes, passed with at least 34 correct answers.
- FR
No written test. Knowledge is assessed in interviews, first at the cantonal office.
- JU
Assessment in the naturalisation interview using a questionnaire on Switzerland and the Jura.
- LU
No cantonal test. The municipality checks basic knowledge, in the city of Lucerne during the naturalisation interview.
- NE
Oral test in an interview with the canton (COSM): 16 questions, passed with at least 10 correct answers.
- OW
Written exam at BWZ Obwalden before the application, six blocks of questions, expected to take 90 minutes.
- SO
From age 18, a compulsory course of 20 lessons with a written final exam, passed with a grade of 4.0 or higher.
- UR
Civics test at bwz uri, twice a year, in standard German. In justified cases, the test is oral.
- VD
Written multiple-choice test in the municipality of residence: 48 questions in 60 minutes, passed with at least 70%.
- VS
No uniform test. The municipality assesses in a hearing and may add a written test.