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Canton of Nidwalden

Naturalisation in the canton of Nidwalden

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

By · Updated:

Fact sheet

Capital
Stans
Language
German
Population
45'345
Abbreviation
NW

Requirements

✓
Residence in Switzerland At least 10 years
✓
Residence in canton Nidwalden At least 5 years
✓
Residence in the municipality At least 5 years
✓
Language level At least B2 spoken in German
✓
Residence permit Settlement permit C required
✓
Naturalisation test At least 60% correct answers
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Cost of naturalisation in Nidwalden

B
Federal fee CHF 100
K
Cantonal fee CHF 300 – 700
G
Municipal fee CHF 300 – 1000
Estimated total cost CHF 700 – 1'800
Use the detailed cost calculator →

Duration and specifics

Estimated process duration: 10–20 months
Specifics:
Small canton in central Switzerland. 5 years of residence in the same municipality are required — one of the strictest requirements.

Official authorities website

The process in Nidwalden: 5 steps

Ordinary naturalisation in Nidwalden 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 5 in canton Nidwalden and 5 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 B2 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 10–20 months.

Documents you need

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

  • 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 Nidwalden?

In canton Nidwalden 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 Nidwalden

Total costs range from CHF 700 to CHF 1'800. Nidwalden is thus cheaper than most larger cantons. The cantonal fee is CHF 300–700, the communal fee CHF 300–1'000.

As a small canton in Central Switzerland, Nidwalden offers a manageable process. You need 2 years of residence in the canton and in the municipality. The process takes 10 to 20 months.

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 →