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Canton of Schaffhausen

Naturalisation in the canton of Schaffhausen

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

By · Updated:

Fact sheet

Capital
Schaffhausen
Language
German
Population
88'667
Abbreviation
SH

Requirements

✓
Residence in Switzerland At least 10 years
✓
Residence in canton Schaffhausen At least 2 years
✓
Residence in the municipality At least 2 years
✓
Language level At least B1 spoken in German
✓
Residence permit Settlement permit C required
✓
Naturalisation test At least 60% correct answers
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Cost of naturalisation in Schaffhausen

B
Federal fee CHF 100
K
Cantonal fee CHF 400 – 800
G
Municipal fee CHF 300 – 1200
Estimated total cost CHF 800 – 2'100
Use the detailed cost calculator →

Duration and specifics

Estimated process duration: 10–20 months
Specifics:
The northernmost canton of Switzerland. A relatively straightforward procedure.

Official authorities website

The process in Schaffhausen: 5 steps

Ordinary naturalisation in Schaffhausen 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 Schaffhausen and 2 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 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 Schaffhausen:

  • 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 Schaffhausen?

In canton Schaffhausen 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 Schaffhausen

As Switzerland's northernmost canton, Schaffhausen has a relatively straightforward process. You need 2 years of residence in the canton. The process takes 10 to 20 months.

Total costs range from CHF 800 to CHF 2'100. The cantonal fee is CHF 400–800, the communal fee CHF 300–1'200.

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 →