Naturalisation in the canton of Lucerne
The canton of Lucerne has no cantonal test: the municipality tests in writing or in an interview. Naturalisation costs CHF 1’200 to 3’300.
By Kai SchniderUpdated:
Is there a naturalisation test in Lucerne?
LucerneLU
No cantonal test. The municipality checks basic knowledge, in the city of Lucerne during the naturalisation interview.
Source: lu.ch, stadtluzern.ch, checked on 11 November 2026
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Fact sheet
- Capital
- Lucerne
- Language
- German
- Population
- 437’944
- Abbreviation
- LU
Requirements
- Residence in Switzerland
- At least 10 years
- Residence in the canton of Lucerne
- At least 3 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
- Depends on the municipality
Source: KBüG § 17, § 22, lu.ch, checked on 12 November 2026
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Cost of naturalisation in Lucerne
CHF 1’200 to 3’300 total cost, depending on the municipality
| Authority | CHF |
|---|---|
| Confederation | 100 |
| Canton | 600 to 1’200 |
| Municipality | 500 to 2’000 |
| Total | 1’200 to 3’300 |
Fees as set by the canton and municipalities, as a guide. Your municipality issues the exact bill.
Duration and specifics
The process in Lucerne usually takes 12 to 30 months.
3 years of residence in the canton and the municipality are required. No cantonal test: the municipality checks basic knowledge, in the city of Lucerne during the naturalisation interview.
The process in Lucerne: 5 steps
Ordinary naturalisation in Lucerne follows a set process. Integration, residence, language and knowledge are checked.
Check the requirements
At least 10 years of residence in Switzerland, of which 3 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.
Submit the application
The application goes to your municipality or the canton. You hand in the documents, pay the fees and prove your identity.
Show basic knowledge
The municipality checks basic knowledge, in writing or in an interview.
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 Lucerne:
- 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 Lucerne
In Lucerne there is no cantonal test. Ask your municipality early whether it tests in writing or in an interview. You can practise the basic knowledge here: roughly 500 questions on geography, history, politics and culture.
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 Lucerne
Do I have to take a naturalisation test in the canton of Lucerne?
The canton of Lucerne has no cantonal test: the municipality tests in writing or in an interview. Source: lu.ch, stadtluzern.ch, checked on 11 November 2026.
Is it true that Lucerne requires 70% in the naturalisation test?
No. The Canton of Lucerne has no cantonal naturalisation test and sets no pass mark. The municipality of residence checks basic knowledge, in the city of Lucerne during the naturalisation interview with the naturalisation commission.
How long do I need to live in the Canton of Lucerne?
In the Canton of Lucerne you need 3 years of residence in the canton and 3 years in the municipality. That is one year more than in many other cantons. In total you need 10 years of residence in Switzerland.
How much does naturalisation cost in the Canton of Lucerne?
Total costs range from CHF 1’200 to CHF 3’300. The cantonal fee (CHF 600 to 1’200) is relatively high, plus the municipal fee (CHF 500 to 2’000) and the federal fee (CHF 100).
Naturalisation in the Canton of Lucerne: how do I prepare for the knowledge check?
Basic knowledge of the geography, history, politics and society of the Confederation, the canton and the municipality is checked; in the city of Lucerne, this happens in the naturalisation interview. Ask your municipality how it assesses it. The roughly 500 questions on this site, in German and French, cover the four areas, each with an explanation.
Naturalisation in other cantons
Neighbouring cantons
- AG
Written test from age 16: 45 questions in 40 minutes, passed with at least 34 correct answers.
- BE
Written multiple-choice test: 48 questions in 90 minutes, passed with at least 60%.
- NW
No written test. The municipality of residence checks knowledge in the naturalisation interview.
- OW
Written exam at BWZ Obwalden before the application, six blocks of questions, expected to take 90 minutes.
- SZ
Depending on the municipality, assessment in the interview or a written exam at BBZ Pfäffikon or Goldau.
- ZG
No written test. Civics interview with the canton, followed by an interview with the citizens’ council (Bürgerrat).