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Canton of Vaud

Naturalisation in the canton of Vaud

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

By · Updated:

Fact sheet

Capital
Lausanne
Language
French
Population
855'106
Abbreviation
VD

Requirements

✓
Residence in Switzerland At least 10 years
✓
Residence in canton Vaud At least 2 years
✓
Residence in the municipality At least 1 years
✓
Language level At least B1 spoken in French
✓
Residence permit Settlement permit C required
✓
Naturalisation test At least 60% correct answers
Take your personal check →

Cost of naturalisation in Vaud

B
Federal fee CHF 100
K
Cantonal fee CHF 400 – 800
G
Municipal fee CHF 200 – 1000
Estimated total cost CHF 700 – 1'900
Use the detailed cost calculator →

Duration and specifics

Estimated process duration: 12–24 months
Specifics:
French-speaking canton. Procedure and test in French. Only 2 years of cantonal residence are required (one of the shortest periods). Municipal residence requirements vary by municipality.

Official authorities website

The process in Vaud: 5 steps

Ordinary naturalisation in Vaud 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 Vaud and 1 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 12–24 months.

Documents you need

The municipality may ask for additional documents depending on your case. The following documents are practically always required in Vaud:

  • 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 Vaud?

In canton Vaud 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 Vaud

Yes, Vaud is a French-speaking canton. You need at least B1 spoken and A2 written French. The entire process is conducted in French.

Total costs range from CHF 700 to CHF 1'900. Vaud is thus one of the more affordable cantons in French-speaking Switzerland.

The naturalisation process takes 12 to 24 months. You need 3 years of residence in the canton and 2 years in the municipality.

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 Aargau CHF 1'100–3'800 St. Gallen CHF 1'000–3'100 Geneva CHF 900–2'600

Show all 26 cantons →