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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
Language
German, French
Population
371'288
Abbreviation
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
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Cost of naturalisation in Valais

B
Federal fee CHF 100
K
Cantonal fee CHF 400 – 800
G
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.

Official authorities website

The process in Valais: 5 steps

Ordinary naturalisation in Valais 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 5 in canton Valais and 3 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 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?

In canton Valais you need to answer 60% of the questions correctly. Practise now with over 300 questions!

Frequently asked questions about naturalisation in Valais

Valais is bilingual: in Upper Valais (e.g. Brig, Visp) German is spoken, in Lower Valais (e.g. Sion, Martigny) French. The test is taken in the language of your place of residence.

You need 3 years of residence in the canton and 2 years in the municipality. A total of 10 years of residence in Switzerland is required.

Total costs range from CHF 700 to CHF 2'100. Valais is thus one of the more affordable cantons.

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 Vaud CHF 700–1'900 Aargau CHF 1'100–3'800 St. Gallen CHF 1'000–3'100

Show all 26 cantons →