Naturalisation in the canton of Vaud
The canton of Vaud tests your knowledge with a written test: 48 questions in 60 minutes. Naturalisation costs CHF 700 to 1’900.
By Kai SchniderUpdated:
The naturalisation test in Vaud
VaudVD
48questions in the test
Written multiple-choice test in the municipality of residence: 48 questions in 60 minutes, passed with at least 70%.
- Question catalogue
- 160 questions
Source: vd.ch, checked on 11 November 2026
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Fact sheet
- Capital
- Lausanne
- Language
- French
- Population
- 855’106
- Abbreviation
- VD
Requirements
- Residence in Switzerland
- At least 10 years
- Residence in the canton of Vaud
- At least 2 years
- Residence in the municipality
- Depends on the municipality, up to 1 year
- Language level
- At least B1 spoken, A2 written, in French
- Residence permit
- C permit (settlement permit)
- Naturalisation test
- At least 70% correct answers
Source: LDCV art. 12, 13, vd.ch, checked on 12 November 2026
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Cost of naturalisation in Vaud
CHF 700 to 1’900 total cost, depending on the municipality
| Authority | CHF |
|---|---|
| Confederation | 100 |
| Canton | 400 to 800 |
| Municipality | 200 to 1’000 |
| Total | 700 to 1’900 |
Fees as set by the canton and municipalities, as a guide. Your municipality issues the exact bill.
Duration and specifics
The process in Vaud usually takes 12 to 24 months.
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.
The process in Vaud: 5 steps
Ordinary naturalisation in Vaud 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. Each municipality sets its own period, at most 1 year. 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 Vaud:
- 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 Vaud
In Vaud you take a test with 48 questions in 60 minutes. The canton publishes its question catalogue for free on vd.ch. Use it as well. Here you practise with an explanation and a key point for every question, a list of your mistakes and a simulation.
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 Vaud
How many questions does the naturalisation test have in the canton of Vaud?
The canton of Vaud tests your knowledge with a written test: 48 questions in 60 minutes. Source: vd.ch, checked on 11 November 2026.
Do I need to speak French for naturalisation in the Canton of 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.
How much does naturalisation cost in the Canton of Vaud?
Total costs range from CHF 700 to CHF 1’900. Vaud is thus one of the more affordable cantons in French-speaking Switzerland.
How long does the process take in the Canton of Vaud?
The naturalisation process takes 12 to 24 months. You need 2 full years of residence in the canton, including the year before the application. Some municipalities also require 1 year in the municipality under their regulations.
Naturalisation in other cantons
Neighbouring cantons
- BE
Written multiple-choice test: 48 questions in 90 minutes, passed with at least 60%.
- FR
No written test. Knowledge is assessed in interviews, first at the cantonal office.
- GE
Written test at the cantonal Service naturalisations. You need the confirmation before you apply.
- NE
Oral test in an interview with the canton (COSM): 16 questions, passed with at least 10 correct answers.
- VS
No uniform test. The municipality assesses in a hearing and may add a written test.