Naturalisation in the canton of Geneva
The canton of Geneva tests your knowledge with a written test. Naturalisation costs CHF 900 to 2’600.
By Kai SchniderUpdated:
The naturalisation test in Geneva
GenevaGE
Written test at the cantonal Service naturalisations. You need the confirmation before you apply.
Source: ge.ch, silgeneve.ch, checked on 11 November 2026
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Fact sheet
- Capital
- Geneva
- Language
- French
- Population
- 531’102
- Abbreviation
- GE
Requirements
- Residence in Switzerland
- At least 10 years
- Residence in the canton of Geneva
- At least 2 years
- Residence in the municipality
- No minimum period
- Language level
- At least B1 spoken, A2 written, in French
- Residence permit
- C permit (settlement permit)
- Basic knowledge
- Written test
Source: LNat art. 17, ge.ch, checked on 12 November 2026
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Cost of naturalisation in Geneva
CHF 900 to 2’600 total cost, depending on the municipality
| Authority | CHF |
|---|---|
| Confederation | 100 |
| Canton | 500 to 1’000 |
| Municipality | 300 to 1’500 |
| Total | 900 to 2’600 |
Fees as set by the canton and municipalities, as a guide. Your municipality issues the exact bill.
Duration and specifics
The process in Geneva usually takes 12 to 30 months.
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.
The process in Geneva: 5 steps
Ordinary naturalisation in Geneva 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. There is no minimum period for the municipality. 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.
Naturalisation test
Before you apply: a written test on geography, history, politics and society. Format and pass mark are shown above.
Submit the application
The application goes to your municipality or the canton. You hand in the documents, pay the fees and prove your identity.
Interview and decision
Municipality, canton and Confederation decide one after the other. From application to decision usually takes 12 to 30 months.
Documents you need
Depending on your case, the municipality asks for more documents. These are almost always required in Geneva:
- 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 Geneva
In Geneva there is a written test. The canton has not published how many questions it has. Here you practise knowledge about Switzerland, with an explanation and a key point for every question.
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 Geneva
How does the naturalisation test work in the canton of Geneva?
The canton of Geneva tests your knowledge with a written test. Source: ge.ch, silgeneve.ch, checked on 11 November 2026.
How does naturalisation work in the Canton of 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.
How much does naturalisation cost in Geneva?
Total costs range from CHF 900 to CHF 2’600. The cantonal fee is CHF 500 to 1’000, the municipal fee CHF 300 to 1’500.
Why can naturalisation in Geneva take up to 30 months?
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
Neighbouring cantons
- VD
Written multiple-choice test in the municipality of residence: 48 questions in 60 minutes, passed with at least 70%.