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Canton of Geneva

Naturalisation in the canton of Geneva

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

By · Updated:

Fact sheet

Capital
Geneva
Language
French
Population
531'102
Abbreviation
GE

Requirements

✓
Residence in Switzerland At least 10 years
✓
Residence in canton Geneva At least 2 years
✓
Residence in the municipality At least 0 years
✓
Language level At least B1 spoken in French
✓
Residence permit Settlement permit C required
✓
Naturalisation test At least 60% correct answers
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Cost of naturalisation in Geneva

B
Federal fee CHF 100
K
Cantonal fee CHF 500 – 1000
G
Municipal fee CHF 300 – 1500
Estimated total cost CHF 900 – 2'600
Use the detailed cost calculator →

Duration and specifics

Estimated process duration: 12–30 months
Specifics:
International canton with the highest proportion of foreign residents (~40%). French-speaking. Only 2 years of cantonal residence are required, with no separate municipal requirement. Many international applicants.

Official authorities website

The process in Geneva: 5 steps

Ordinary naturalisation in Geneva 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 Geneva and 0 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 12–30 months.

Documents you need

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

  • 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 Geneva?

In canton Geneva 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 Geneva

As an international canton with Switzerland's highest proportion of foreign residents (~40%), Geneva has extensive experience with naturalisations. The process is conducted in French and takes 12 to 30 months.

Total costs range from CHF 900 to CHF 2'600. The cantonal fee is CHF 500–1'000, the communal fee CHF 300–1'500.

Geneva has the highest proportion of foreign residents in Switzerland and, correspondingly, many naturalisation applications. This high demand can lead to longer waiting times, especially in the city of Geneva.

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 →