Naturalisation in the canton of Schaffhausen
The canton of Schaffhausen has no cantonal test: the municipality tests in writing or in an interview. Naturalisation costs CHF 800 to 2’100.
By Kai SchniderUpdated:
Is there a naturalisation test in Schaffhausen?
SchaffhausenSH
No cantonal test. The municipality checks, in the city of Schaffhausen in an interview with the city council.
Source: stadt-schaffhausen.ch, rechtsbuch.sh.ch, checked on 11 November 2026
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Fact sheet
- Capital
- Schaffhausen
- Language
- German
- Population
- 88’667
- Abbreviation
- SH
Requirements
- Residence in Switzerland
- At least 10 years
- Residence in the canton of Schaffhausen
- At least 2 years
- Residence in the municipality
- At least 2 years
- Language level
- At least B1 spoken, A2 written, in German
- Residence permit
- C permit (settlement permit)
- Basic knowledge
- Depends on the municipality
Source: BüG SH Art. 7, BüV Art. 6, sh.ch, checked on 12 November 2026
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Cost of naturalisation in Schaffhausen
CHF 800 to 2’100 total cost, depending on the municipality
| Authority | CHF |
|---|---|
| Confederation | 100 |
| Canton | 400 to 800 |
| Municipality | 300 to 1’200 |
| Total | 800 to 2’100 |
Fees as set by the canton and municipalities, as a guide. Your municipality issues the exact bill.
Duration and specifics
The process in Schaffhausen usually takes 10 to 20 months.
The northernmost canton of Switzerland. A relatively straightforward procedure.
The process in Schaffhausen: 5 steps
Ordinary naturalisation in Schaffhausen 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. In your municipality at least 2 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 10 to 20 months.
Documents you need
Depending on your case, the municipality asks for more documents. These are almost always required in Schaffhausen:
- 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 Schaffhausen
In Schaffhausen 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 Schaffhausen
Do I have to take a naturalisation test in the canton of Schaffhausen?
The canton of Schaffhausen has no cantonal test: the municipality tests in writing or in an interview. Source: stadt-schaffhausen.ch, rechtsbuch.sh.ch, checked on 11 November 2026.
How does naturalisation work 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.
How much does naturalisation cost in Schaffhausen?
Total costs range from CHF 800 to CHF 2’100. The cantonal fee is CHF 400 to 800, the municipal fee CHF 300 to 1’200.
Naturalisation in other cantons
Neighbouring cantons
- TG
No cantonal test. The municipality checks with a test or in an interview, Frauenfeld with both.
- ZH
Written test on a tablet: 50 questions in 60 minutes, passed with at least 30 correct answers.