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Canton of Bern

Naturalisation in the canton of Bern

All the information on requirements, costs, duration and specifics of naturalisation in Bern.

By · Updated:

Fact sheet

Capital
Bern
Language
German, French
Population
1'063'960
Abbreviation
BE

Requirements

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

Cost of naturalisation in Bern

B
Federal fee CHF 100
K
Cantonal fee CHF 500 – 800
G
Municipal fee CHF 300 – 2000
Estimated total cost CHF 900 – 2'900
Use the detailed cost calculator →

Duration and specifics

Estimated process duration: 12–24 months
Specifics:
Bilingual canton (German/French). In the Bernese Jura, French-language procedures apply. The city of Bern has a relatively quick procedure.

Official authorities website

The process in Bern: 5 steps

Ordinary naturalisation in Bern 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 Bern 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 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 Bern:

  • 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 Bern?

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

Practise now → Cantons quiz

Frequently asked questions about naturalisation in Bern

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.

Total costs range from CHF 900 to CHF 2'900. This includes the federal fee (CHF 100), the cantonal fee (CHF 500–800) and the communal fee (CHF 300–2'000).

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.

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

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

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

Show all 26 cantons →