Naturalisation in the canton of St. Gallen
The canton of St. Gallen has no cantonal test: the municipality tests in writing or in an interview. Naturalisation costs CHF 1’000 to 3’100.
By Kai SchniderUpdated:
Is there a naturalisation test in St. Gallen?
St. GallenSG
No cantonal test. Naturalisation interview in the municipality, some municipalities also hold a test.
Source: sg.ch, hallo.sg.ch, gesetzessammlung.sg.ch, checked on 11 November 2026
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Fact sheet
- Capital
- St. Gallen
- Language
- German
- Population
- 540’036
- Abbreviation
- SG
Requirements
- Residence in Switzerland
- At least 10 years
- Residence in the canton of St. Gallen
- At least 5 years
- Residence in the municipality
- At least 5 years
- Language level
- At least B1 spoken, B1 written, in German
- Residence permit
- C permit (settlement permit)
- Basic knowledge
- Depends on the municipality
Source: BRG Art. 9, 10, BRV Art. 2, sg.ch, checked on 12 November 2026
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Cost of naturalisation in St. Gallen
CHF 1’000 to 3’100 total cost, depending on the municipality
| Authority | CHF |
|---|---|
| Confederation | 100 |
| Canton | 500 to 1’000 |
| Municipality | 400 to 2’000 |
| Total | 1’000 to 3’100 |
Fees as set by the canton and municipalities, as a guide. Your municipality issues the exact bill.
Duration and specifics
The process in St. Gallen usually takes 12 to 24 months.
Large canton in eastern Switzerland. UNESCO World Heritage abbey library. 5 years of uninterrupted residence in the canton and the political municipality are required. Standard procedure with a personal interview.
The process in St. Gallen: 5 steps
Ordinary naturalisation in St. Gallen follows a set process. Integration, residence, language and knowledge are checked.
Check the requirements
At least 10 years of residence in Switzerland, of which 5 years in the canton. In your municipality at least 5 years. Plus the C permit.
Proof of language
At least level B1 spoken and B1 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 12 to 24 months.
Documents you need
Depending on your case, the municipality asks for more documents. These are almost always required in St. Gallen:
- 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, B1 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 St. Gallen
In St. Gallen 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 St. Gallen
Do I have to take a naturalisation test in the canton of St. Gallen?
The canton of St. Gallen has no cantonal test: the municipality tests in writing or in an interview. Source: sg.ch, hallo.sg.ch, gesetzessammlung.sg.ch, checked on 11 November 2026.
How much does naturalisation cost in the Canton of St. Gallen?
Total costs range from CHF 1’000 to CHF 3’100. The cantonal fee is CHF 500 to 1’000, the municipal fee CHF 400 to 2’000.
Is there a personal interview for naturalisation in St. Gallen?
Yes, in the Canton of St. Gallen a personal interview is part of the standard process. It assesses your integration and knowledge of Switzerland.
How long does naturalisation take in the Canton of St. Gallen?
The process takes 12 to 24 months. You must have lived in the canton and in the political municipality without interruption for the last 5 years. If you have been married to or in a registered partnership with a Swiss citizen for at least 3 years, 3 years in the canton and 2 in the municipality are enough.
Naturalisation in other cantons
Neighbouring cantons
- AI
No written test. Hearing before the Law and Security Committee of the cantonal parliament.
- AR
Civics test at the cantonal Office of Internal Affairs (Amt für Inneres), before the application. Format and scope are not published.
- GL
Oral exam at KBS Glarus before the application, followed by an interview with the municipality.
- GR
No cantonal test. The citizens’ community (Bürgergemeinde) always holds an interview and may add a written test.
- SZ
Depending on the municipality, assessment in the interview or a written exam at BBZ Pfäffikon or Goldau.
- 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.