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Canton of Neuchâtel

Naturalisation in the canton of Neuchâtel

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

By · Updated:

Fact sheet

Capital
Neuchâtel
Language
French
Population
179'518
Abbreviation
NE

Requirements

✓
Residence in Switzerland At least 10 years
✓
Residence in canton Neuchâtel At least 2 years
✓
Residence in the municipality At least 1 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 Neuchâtel

B
Federal fee CHF 100
K
Cantonal fee CHF 300 – 600
G
Municipal fee CHF 200 – 800
Estimated total cost CHF 600 – 1'500
Use the detailed cost calculator →

Duration and specifics

Estimated process duration: 8–18 months
Specifics:
French-speaking. Only 1 year of municipal residence is required — one of the shortest in Switzerland. Low fees.

Official authorities website

The process in Neuchâtel: 5 steps

Ordinary naturalisation in Neuchâtel 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 Neuchâtel and 1 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 8–18 months.

Documents you need

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

  • 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 Neuchâtel?

In canton Neuchâtel 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 Neuchâtel

Yes, the Canton of Neuchâtel only requires 1 year of residence in the municipality. This is one of the shortest periods in the whole of Switzerland. In the canton you need 2 years.

With total costs of CHF 600 to CHF 1'500, Neuchâtel is one of the cheapest cantons in Switzerland. The short municipal residence period and low fees make it particularly attractive.

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

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 →