Naturalisation in the canton of Zug
The canton of Zug has no written test: knowledge is checked in an interview. Naturalisation costs CHF 1’100 to 3’100.
By Kai SchniderUpdated:
Is there a naturalisation test in Zug?
ZugZG
No written test. Civics interview with the canton, followed by an interview with the citizens’ council (Bürgerrat).
Source: zg.ch, checked on 11 November 2026
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Fact sheet
- Capital
- Zug
- Language
- German
- Population
- 133’739
- Abbreviation
- ZG
Requirements
- Residence in Switzerland
- At least 10 years
- Residence in the canton of Zug
- At least 5 years
- Residence in the municipality
- At least 3 years
- Language level
- At least B2 spoken, B1 written, in German
- Residence permit
- C permit (settlement permit)
- Basic knowledge
- In an interview
Source: BüG ZG § 5, § 10, zg.ch, checked on 12 November 2026
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Cost of naturalisation in Zug
CHF 1’100 to 3’100 total cost, depending on the municipality
| Authority | CHF |
|---|---|
| Confederation | 100 |
| Canton | 500 to 1’000 |
| Municipality | 500 to 2’000 |
| Total | 1’100 to 3’100 |
Fees as set by the canton and municipalities, as a guide. Your municipality issues the exact bill.
Duration and specifics
The process in Zug usually takes 12 to 20 months.
Economically strong canton with a high proportion of foreign residents. 5 years of residence in the canton and 3 years in the municipality are required. Since 1 January 2025, B2 spoken German is required instead of B1, stricter than the federal standard.
The process in Zug: 5 steps
Ordinary naturalisation in Zug 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 B2 spoken and B1 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
There is no written test. Knowledge is checked in an interview.
Interview and decision
Municipality, canton and Confederation decide one after the other. From application to decision usually takes 12 to 20 months.
Documents you need
Depending on your case, the municipality asks for more documents. These are almost always required in Zug:
- 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 B2 spoken, B1 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 Zug
In Zug there is no written test. You answer in an interview, in your own words. It helps to know the reason behind each answer: that is why every question here comes with an explanation.
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 Zug
Do I have to take a naturalisation test in the canton of Zug?
The canton of Zug has no written test: knowledge is checked in an interview. Source: zg.ch, checked on 11 November 2026.
How does naturalisation work in the Canton of Zug?
As an economically strong canton with a high proportion of foreign residents, Zug has a relatively efficient process. You need at least 5 years of residence in the canton, including the last 3 years without interruption in the municipality. The process takes 12 to 20 months.
How much does naturalisation cost in the Canton of Zug?
Total costs range from CHF 1’100 to CHF 3’100. Municipal fees (CHF 500 to 2’000) vary depending on the municipality. The cantonal fee is CHF 500 to 1’000.
What requirements apply for naturalisation in Zug?
You need 10 years of residence in Switzerland, including at least 5 years in the Canton of Zug and the last 3 years without interruption in the municipality, a C permit and German at level B2 spoken and B1 written. There is no written test: if you did not attend school in Switzerland, you demonstrate your civic knowledge in an interview with the canton. The citizens’ council (Bürgerrat) also holds an interview.
Naturalisation in other cantons
Neighbouring cantons
- AG
Written test from age 16: 45 questions in 40 minutes, passed with at least 34 correct answers.
- LU
No cantonal test. The municipality checks basic knowledge, in the city of Lucerne during the naturalisation interview.
- SZ
Depending on the municipality, assessment in the interview or a written exam at BBZ Pfäffikon or Goldau.
- ZH
Written test on a tablet: 50 questions in 60 minutes, passed with at least 30 correct answers.