Naturalisation in the canton of Ticino
The canton of Ticino tests your knowledge with a written test: 44 questions in 75 minutes. Naturalisation costs CHF 900 to 3’100.
By Kai SchniderUpdated:
The naturalisation test in Ticino
TicinoTI
44questions in the test
Electronic test at IFC Camorino: 44 questions in 4 areas, 6 of 11 correct in each area.
- Time
- 75 minutes
Source: ti.ch, ifc.ti.ch, checked on 11 November 2026
The test is in Italian.
In Ticino you take the test in Italian. The practice questions on this site are only in German and French. The information on Ticino, the cost calculator and the naturalisation check are free, in six languages.
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Fact sheet
- Capital
- Bellinzona
- Language
- Italian
- Population
- 358’903
- Abbreviation
- TI
Requirements
- Residence in Switzerland
- At least 10 years
- Residence in the canton of Ticino
- At least 5 years
- Residence in the municipality
- At least 3 years
- Language level
- At least B1 spoken, A2 written, in Italian
- Residence permit
- C permit (settlement permit)
- Basic knowledge
- Written test
Source: RLCCit art. 3, ti.ch, checked on 12 November 2026
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Cost of naturalisation in Ticino
CHF 900 to 3’100 total cost, depending on the municipality
| Authority | CHF |
|---|---|
| Confederation | 100 |
| Canton | 500 to 1’000 |
| Municipality | 300 to 2’000 |
| Total | 900 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 Ticino usually takes 12 to 24 months.
Italian-speaking canton. Proof of Italian, B1 spoken and A2 written. Compulsory course and electronic knowledge test in Italian. Procedure conducted in Italian. At least 5 years of residence in the canton and 3 years in the municipality, including the 2 years before the application.
The process in Ticino: 5 steps
Ordinary naturalisation in Ticino 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 3 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.
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 Ticino:
- 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 Ticino
The practice questions on this site are only in German and French, while in Ticino the test is in Italian. What helps you here: calculate the costs for your municipality and use the check to see whether you meet the requirements.
Canton information, the check and the cost calculator are free.
Frequently asked questions about naturalisation in Ticino
How many questions does the naturalisation test have in the canton of Ticino?
The canton of Ticino tests your knowledge with a written test: 44 questions in 75 minutes. Source: ti.ch, ifc.ti.ch, checked on 11 November 2026.
Do I need to speak Italian for naturalisation in Ticino?
Yes, Ticino is the only purely Italian-speaking canton. You need at least language level B1 spoken and A2 written Italian. The entire process is conducted in Italian.
How long do I need to live in Ticino?
In Ticino you need at least 5 years of residence in the canton and at least 3 years in the municipality, including the 2 years before the application. A total of 10 years in Switzerland is required.
How much does naturalisation cost in Ticino?
Total costs range from CHF 900 to CHF 3’100. Municipal fees (CHF 300 to 2’000) vary considerably depending on the municipality.
Naturalisation in other cantons
Neighbouring cantons
- GR
No cantonal test. The citizens’ community (Bürgergemeinde) always holds an interview and may add a written test.
- UR
Civics test at bwz uri, twice a year, in standard German. In justified cases, the test is oral.
- VS
No uniform test. The municipality assesses in a hearing and may add a written test.