Naturalisation in the canton of Valais
The canton of Valais has no cantonal test: the municipality tests in writing or in an interview. Naturalisation costs CHF 700 to 2’100.
By Kai SchniderUpdated:
Is there a naturalisation test in Valais?
ValaisVS
No uniform test. The municipality assesses in a hearing and may add a written test.
Source: vs.ch, checked on 11 November 2026
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Fact sheet
- Capital
- Sion
- Language
- German, French
- Population
- 371’288
- Abbreviation
- VS
Requirements
- Residence in Switzerland
- At least 10 years
- Residence in the canton of Valais
- At least 5 years
- Residence in the municipality
- At least 3 years
- Language level
- At least B1 spoken, A2 written, in German, French
- Residence permit
- C permit (settlement permit)
- Basic knowledge
- Depends on the municipality
Source: SGS 141.1 Art. 3, vs.ch, checked on 12 November 2026
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Cost of naturalisation in Valais
CHF 700 to 2’100 total cost, depending on the municipality
| Authority | CHF |
|---|---|
| Confederation | 100 |
| Canton | 400 to 800 |
| Municipality | 200 to 1’200 |
| Total | 700 to 2’100 |
Fees as set by the canton and municipalities, as a guide. Your municipality issues the exact bill.
Duration and specifics
The process in Valais usually takes 12 to 24 months.
Bilingual canton (German/French). Upper Valais is German-speaking, Lower Valais is French-speaking. No uniform cantonal test: the municipality assesses knowledge in a hearing and may add a written test. 5 years of residence in the canton and 3 years in the municipality are required.
The process in Valais: 5 steps
Ordinary naturalisation in Valais 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.
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 Valais:
- 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 Valais
In Valais 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 Valais
Do I have to take a naturalisation test in the canton of Valais?
The canton of Valais has no cantonal test: the municipality tests in writing or in an interview. Source: vs.ch, checked on 11 November 2026.
In which language does naturalisation take place in Valais?
Valais is bilingual: in Upper Valais (e.g. Brig, Visp) German is spoken, in Lower Valais (e.g. Sion, Martigny) French. There is no uniform cantonal test: your municipality of residence assesses your knowledge in a hearing and may add a written test.
How long do I need to live in Valais?
You need 5 years of residence in the canton and 3 years in the municipality where you submit the application. A total of 10 years of residence in Switzerland is required.
How much does naturalisation cost in Valais?
Total costs range from CHF 700 to CHF 2’100. Valais is thus one of the more affordable cantons.
Naturalisation in other cantons
Neighbouring cantons
- BE
Written multiple-choice test: 48 questions in 90 minutes, passed with at least 60%.
- TI
Electronic test at IFC Camorino: 44 questions in 4 areas, 6 of 11 correct in each area.
- UR
Civics test at bwz uri, twice a year, in standard German. In justified cases, the test is oral.
- VD
Written multiple-choice test in the municipality of residence: 48 questions in 60 minutes, passed with at least 70%.