Canton of Zurich

Naturalisation in the canton of Zurich

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

By Kai Schnider · Updated: 10.07.2026

Fact sheet

Capital
Zurich

Language
German

Population
1'620'020

Abbreviation
ZH

Requirements

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Residence in Switzerland At least 10 years

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Residence in canton Zurich At least 2 years

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Residence in the municipality At least 2 years

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Language level At least B1 spoken in German

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Residence permit Settlement permit C required

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Naturalisation test At least 60% correct answers

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Cost of naturalisation in Zurich

Federal fee CHF 100

Cantonal fee CHF 500 – 1000

Municipal fee CHF 500 – 2500

Estimated total cost CHF 1'100 – 3'600

Use the detailed cost calculator →

Duration and specifics

Estimated process duration: 12–24 months

Specifics:
The most populous canton in Switzerland. Many municipalities have their own naturalisation commissions with a personal interview.

Official authorities website

The process in Zurich: 5 steps

Ordinary naturalisation in Zurich 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 2 in canton Zurich and 2 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 Zurich:

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 Zurich?

In canton Zurich 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 Zurich

Total costs range from CHF 1'100 to CHF 3'600. The federal fee is CHF 100, the cantonal fee CHF 500–1'000 and the communal fee CHF 500–2'500. The exact costs depend on your municipality.

You need at least 10 years of residence in Switzerland, including 2 years in the Canton of Zurich and 2 years in your municipality. Years between the ages of 8 and 18 count double.

Yes, many municipalities in the Canton of Zurich have their own naturalisation commissions that conduct a personal interview. This assesses your integration, language skills and knowledge of Switzerland.

You need at least level B1 spoken and A2 written German. This is proven via a recognised language certificate (e.g. fide, Goethe, telc) or the cantonal German test (KDE).

The process usually takes 12 to 24 months. The duration depends on the municipality, the completeness of your documents and the current workload of the authorities.

Naturalisation in other cantons

Requirements and costs differ. Here are the largest cantons compared:

Bern CHF 900–2'900 Vaud CHF 700–1'900 Aargau CHF 1'100–3'800 St. Gallen CHF 1'000–3'100 Geneva CHF 900–2'600

Show all 26 cantons →