Naturalisation in the canton of Glarus
The canton of Glarus tests your knowledge orally. Naturalisation costs CHF 600 to 1’500.
By Kai SchniderUpdated:
The naturalisation test in Glarus
GlarusGL
Oral exam at KBS Glarus before the application, followed by an interview with the municipality.
Source: kbsglarus.ch, gesetze.gl.ch, glarus-nord.ch, checked on 11 November 2026
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Fact sheet
- Capital
- Glarus
- Language
- German
- Population
- 42’371
- Abbreviation
- GL
Requirements
- Residence in Switzerland
- At least 10 years
- Residence in the canton of Glarus
- At least 5 years
- Residence in the municipality
- At least 3 years
- Language level
- At least B1 spoken, A2 written, in German
- Residence permit
- C permit (settlement permit)
- Basic knowledge
- Oral exam
Source: KBüG Art. 8, KBüV Art. 3, gl.ch, checked on 12 November 2026
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Cost of naturalisation in Glarus
CHF 600 to 1’500 total cost, depending on the municipality
| Authority | CHF |
|---|---|
| Confederation | 100 |
| Canton | 300 to 600 |
| Municipality | 200 to 800 |
| Total | 600 to 1’500 |
Fees as set by the canton and municipalities, as a guide. Your municipality issues the exact bill.
Duration and specifics
The process in Glarus usually takes 10 to 18 months.
Canton with a Landsgemeinde (open-air citizens’ assembly). 5 years of residence in the canton, of which the last 3 years uninterrupted in the naturalisation municipality. Low fees.
The process in Glarus: 5 steps
Ordinary naturalisation in Glarus follows a set process. Integration, residence, language and knowledge are checked.
Check the requirements
At least 10 years of residence in Switzerland, of which 5 years in the canton. In your municipality at least 3 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.
Naturalisation test
Before you apply: an oral exam on geography, history, politics and society. The details 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 10 to 18 months.
Documents you need
Depending on your case, the municipality asks for more documents. These are almost always required in Glarus:
- 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 Glarus
In Glarus you are tested orally. It helps to know the reason behind each answer: that is why every question here comes with an explanation.
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 Glarus
How does the naturalisation test work in the canton of Glarus?
The canton of Glarus tests your knowledge orally. Source: kbsglarus.ch, gesetze.gl.ch, glarus-nord.ch, checked on 11 November 2026.
Is naturalisation in Glarus particularly cheap?
Yes, with total costs of CHF 600 to CHF 1’500, Glarus is one of the cheapest cantons in Switzerland. As a Landsgemeinde canton, Glarus also has an uncomplicated process.
What is special about naturalisation in Glarus?
Glarus is one of the few Landsgemeinde cantons. The process is personal and uncomplicated, the fees are low, and the process duration of 10 to 18 months is relatively short.
Naturalisation in other cantons
Neighbouring cantons
- GR
No cantonal test. The citizens’ community (Bürgergemeinde) always holds an interview and may add a written test.
- SG
No cantonal test. Naturalisation interview in the municipality, some municipalities also hold a test.
- SZ
Depending on the municipality, assessment in the interview or a written exam at BBZ Pfäffikon or Goldau.
- UR
Civics test at bwz uri, twice a year, in standard German. In justified cases, the test is oral.