Naturalisation in the canton of Solothurn
The canton of Solothurn tests your knowledge with a written test. Naturalisation costs CHF 800 to 2’400.
By Kai SchniderUpdated:
The naturalisation test in Solothurn
SolothurnSO
From age 18, a compulsory course of 20 lessons with a written final exam, passed with a grade of 4.0 or higher.
- Time
- 90 minutes
Source: so.ch, checked on 11 November 2026
Swiss naturalisation test: format, topics and how to really prepareNaturalisation test: a case study from Bern
Fact sheet
- Capital
- Solothurn
- Language
- German
- Population
- 289’792
- Abbreviation
- SO
Requirements
- Residence in Switzerland
- At least 10 years
- Residence in the canton of Solothurn
- At least 4 years
- Residence in the municipality
- At least 2 years
- Language level
- At least B2 spoken, A2 written, in German
- Residence permit
- C permit (settlement permit)
- Basic knowledge
- Written test
Source: BüG SO § 14, § 18, BGS 112.12 § 5, so.ch, checked on 12 November 2026
Take the personal checkLanguage test for Swiss naturalisation: B1, A2 or higherNaturalising children in Switzerland: what parents need to know
Cost of naturalisation in Solothurn
CHF 800 to 2’400 total cost, depending on the municipality
| Authority | CHF |
|---|---|
| Confederation | 100 |
| Canton | 400 to 800 |
| Municipality | 300 to 1’500 |
| Total | 800 to 2’400 |
Fees as set by the canton and municipalities, as a guide. Your municipality issues the exact bill.
Duration and specifics
The process in Solothurn usually takes 12 to 24 months.
Known for the Baroque city of Solothurn. 4 years of residence in the canton and 2 years in the municipality are required. Compulsory from age 18: a new citizens’ course of 20 lessons (at least 12 hours) with a written final exam.
The process in Solothurn: 5 steps
Ordinary naturalisation in Solothurn follows a set process. Integration, residence, language and knowledge are checked.
Check the requirements
At least 10 years of residence in Switzerland, of which 4 years in the canton. In your municipality at least 2 years. Plus the C permit.
Proof of language
At least level B2 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
A written test on geography, history, politics and society. Format and pass mark are shown above.
Interview and decision
Municipality, canton and Confederation decide one after the other. From application to decision usually takes 12 to 24 months.
Documents you need
Depending on your case, the municipality asks for more documents. These are almost always required in Solothurn:
- 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 B2 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 Solothurn
In Solothurn there is a written test. The canton has not published how many questions it has. Here you practise knowledge about Switzerland, with an explanation and a key point for every question.
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 Solothurn
How does the naturalisation test work in the canton of Solothurn?
The canton of Solothurn tests your knowledge with a written test. Source: so.ch, checked on 11 November 2026.
How much does naturalisation cost in the Canton of Solothurn?
Total costs amount to CHF 800 to 2’400. Solothurn is thus in the mid-range of Swiss cantons. The cantonal fee is CHF 400 to 800, the municipal fee CHF 300 to 1’500.
How long does naturalisation take in the Canton of Solothurn?
The process takes 12 to 24 months. You need at least 4 years of residence in the canton, 2 of them immediately before the application, 2 years in the municipality, as well as a total of 10 years in Switzerland.
What language level is required in Solothurn?
You need language level B2 spoken and A2 written German. For speaking, that is stricter than the federal minimum of B1. Solothurn is a purely German-speaking canton.
Naturalisation in other cantons
Neighbouring cantons
- AG
Written test from age 16: 45 questions in 40 minutes, passed with at least 34 correct answers.
- BE
Written multiple-choice test: 48 questions in 90 minutes, passed with at least 60%.
- BL
No cantonal test. The citizens’ council (Bürgerrat) of the municipality checks basic knowledge, for example in the interview.
- JU
Assessment in the naturalisation interview using a questionnaire on Switzerland and the Jura.