Canton of Valais
Naturalisation in the canton of Valais
All the information on requirements, costs, duration and specifics of naturalisation in Valais.
Fact sheet
Capital
Sion
Sion
Language
German, French
German, French
Population
371'288
371'288
Abbreviation
VS
VS
Requirements
Residence in Switzerland
At least 10 years
Residence in canton Valais
At least 5 years
Residence in the municipality
At least 3 years
Language level
At least B1 spoken in German, French
Residence permit
Settlement permit C required
Naturalisation test
At least 60% correct answers
Cost of naturalisation in Valais
Federal fee
CHF 100
Cantonal fee
CHF 400 – 800
Municipal fee
CHF 200 – 1200
Estimated total cost
CHF 700 – 2'100
Use the detailed cost calculator →
Duration and specifics
Estimated process duration:
12–24 months
Specifics:
Bilingual canton (German/French). Upper Valais is German-speaking, Lower Valais is French-speaking. The test is conducted in the language of the place of residence. 5 years of residence in the canton and 3 years in the municipality are required.
Bilingual canton (German/French). Upper Valais is German-speaking, Lower Valais is French-speaking. The test is conducted in the language of the place of residence. 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 clear process. The canton checks integration, residence, language and knowledge.
- Check the requirements: At least 10 years of residence in Switzerland, of which 5 in canton Valais and 3 in your municipality. Settlement permit C.
- Submit the application: Application with your municipality of residence. Submit documents, pay fees, prove your identity.
- Proof of language: At least level B1 spoken in a national language. Recognised certificates: fide, Goethe, telc, DELF/DALF.
- Naturalisation test: 48 questions on geography, history, politics and everyday life. At least 60% correct answers to pass.
- 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 Valais:
- 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 Valais?
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Frequently asked questions about naturalisation in Valais
Naturalisation in other cantons
Requirements and costs differ. Here are the largest cantons compared: