Naturalisation in the canton of Zurich
The canton of Zurich tests your knowledge with a written test: 50 questions in 60 minutes. Naturalisation costs CHF 1’100 to 3’600.
By Kai SchniderUpdated:
The naturalisation test in Zurich
ZurichZH
50questions in the test
Written test on a tablet: 50 questions in 60 minutes, passed with at least 30 correct answers.
- Question catalogue
- 350 questions
Source: zh.ch, checked on 1 September 2026
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Fact sheet
- Capital
- Zurich
- Language
- German
- Population
- 1’620’020
- Abbreviation
- ZH
Requirements
- Residence in Switzerland
- At least 10 years
- Residence in the canton of Zurich
- At least 2 years
- Residence in the municipality
- At least 2 years
- Language level
- At least B1 spoken, A2 written, in German
- Residence permit
- C permit (settlement permit)
- Naturalisation test
- At least 60% correct answers
Source: KBüG § 5, § 8, zh.ch, checked on 12 November 2026
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Cost of naturalisation in Zurich
CHF 1’100 to 3’600 total cost, depending on the municipality
| Authority | CHF |
|---|---|
| Confederation | 100 |
| Canton | 500 to 1’000 |
| Municipality | 500 to 2’500 |
| Total | 1’100 to 3’600 |
Fees as set by the canton and municipalities, as a guide. Your municipality issues the exact bill.
Duration and specifics
The process in Zurich usually takes 12 to 24 months.
The most populous canton in Switzerland. Many municipalities have their own naturalisation commissions with a personal interview.
The process in Zurich: 5 steps
Ordinary naturalisation in Zurich 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. In your municipality at least 2 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.
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 Zurich:
- 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 Zurich
In Zurich you take a test with 50 questions in 60 minutes. The canton publishes its question catalogue for free on zh.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 Zurich
How many questions does the naturalisation test have in the canton of Zurich?
The canton of Zurich tests your knowledge with a written test: 50 questions in 60 minutes. Source: zh.ch, checked on 1 September 2026.
How much does naturalisation cost in the Canton of Zurich?
Total costs range from CHF 1’100 to CHF 3’600. The federal fee is CHF 100, the cantonal fee CHF 500 to 1’000 and the municipal fee CHF 500 to 2’500. The exact costs depend on your municipality.
How long do I need to live in the Canton of Zurich to be eligible for naturalisation?
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.
Is there a naturalisation interview in the Canton of Zurich?
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.
What language level do I need for naturalisation in Zurich?
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).
How long does the naturalisation process take in the Canton of Zurich?
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
Neighbouring cantons
- AG
Written test from age 16: 45 questions in 40 minutes, passed with at least 34 correct answers.
- SG
No cantonal test. Naturalisation interview in the municipality, some municipalities also hold a test.
- SH
No cantonal test. The municipality checks, in the city of Schaffhausen in an interview with the city council.
- SZ
Depending on the municipality, assessment in the interview or a written exam at BBZ Pfäffikon or Goldau.
- TG
No cantonal test. The municipality checks with a test or in an interview, Frauenfeld with both.
- ZG
No written test. Civics interview with the canton, followed by an interview with the citizens’ council (Bürgerrat).