Naturalisation in the canton of Neuchâtel
The canton of Neuchâtel tests your knowledge orally: 16 questions. Naturalisation costs CHF 600 to 1’500.
By Kai SchniderUpdated:
The naturalisation test in Neuchâtel
NeuchâtelNE
16questions in the test
Oral test in an interview with the canton (COSM): 16 questions, passed with at least 10 correct answers.
Source: ne.ch, checked on 11 November 2026
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Fact sheet
- Capital
- Neuchâtel
- Language
- French
- Population
- 179’518
- Abbreviation
- NE
Requirements
- Residence in Switzerland
- At least 10 years
- Residence in the canton of Neuchâtel
- 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
- Oral exam
Source: LDCN art. 14, RLDCN art. 8, ne.ch, checked on 12 November 2026
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Cost of naturalisation in Neuchâtel
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 Neuchâtel usually takes 8 to 18 months.
French-speaking. 2 years of residence in the canton are required, the law sets no municipal residence period. Low fees.
The process in Neuchâtel: 5 steps
Ordinary naturalisation in Neuchâtel 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.
Submit the application
The application goes to your municipality or the canton. You hand in the documents, pay the fees and prove your identity.
Naturalisation test
An oral exam on geography, history, politics and society. The details are shown above.
Interview and decision
Municipality, canton and Confederation decide one after the other. From application to decision usually takes 8 to 18 months.
Documents you need
Depending on your case, the municipality asks for more documents. These are almost always required in Neuchâtel:
- 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 Neuchâtel
In Neuchâtel you are tested orally, with 16 questions. It helps to know the reason behind each answer: that is why every question here comes with an explanation. The canton publishes its question catalogue for free on ne.ch. Use it as well. Here you practise with an explanation and a key point for every question, a list of your mistakes and a simulation.
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 Neuchâtel
How many questions does the naturalisation test have in the canton of Neuchâtel?
The canton of Neuchâtel tests your knowledge orally: 16 questions. Source: ne.ch, checked on 11 November 2026.
Is it true that Neuchâtel only requires 1 year of municipal residence?
No. Neuchâtel law sets no municipal residence period for foreign nationals. You need 2 years of residence in the canton, one of the shortest periods in Switzerland. In total you need 10 years of residence in Switzerland.
How much does naturalisation cost in Neuchâtel?
With total costs of CHF 600 to CHF 1’500, Neuchâtel is one of the cheapest cantons in Switzerland. The short residence period of 2 years in the canton and the low fees make it particularly attractive.
In which language is the test taken in Neuchâtel?
Neuchâtel is a French-speaking canton. The naturalisation test and the entire process are conducted in French. You need at least spoken level B1 French.
Naturalisation in other cantons
Neighbouring cantons
- BE
Written multiple-choice test: 48 questions in 90 minutes, passed with at least 60%.
- JU
Assessment in the naturalisation interview using a questionnaire on Switzerland and the Jura.
- VD
Written multiple-choice test in the municipality of residence: 48 questions in 60 minutes, passed with at least 70%.