Swiss citizenship test and naturalisation, explained in English
Here you can read in English how naturalisation works, what your canton asks for and what it costs. You practise in German or French, the language of your test.
25 questions in German or French, no account needed.
Independent practice platform, not official.
- In English: all 26 cantons with test format and costs, the naturalisation check, the cost calculator, the cantons quiz and the glossary. The checkout is in English too.
- In German and French: the roughly 500 questions with explanations and key points, the simulation, the video course and the book.
How naturalisation works in Switzerland
- C permit and 10 years in Switzerland. You need a settlement permit C and at least 10 years of residence in Switzerland. Each canton asks for 2 to 5 of those years on its territory.
- Language. For naturalisation, at least B1 spoken and A2 written level is required. 5 cantons ask for level B2.
- Test or interview. 9 cantons check your knowledge of Switzerland with a written test; the others do so in an interview or an oral exam.
- Three levels decide. The Confederation, the canton and the municipality. Depending on the canton, you apply to the municipality or to the canton.
- Costs and duration. In total CHF 500 to 3’800, of which CHF 100 goes to the Confederation. The procedure takes 8 to 30 months.
How your canton tests you, with test format, costs and source, is explained on the pages for the 26 cantons.
Why the 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: ‘Nationalrat / Conseil national’ (National Council), ‘Gemeindeversammlung / assemblée communale’ (municipal assembly). Only Ticino tests in Italian.
Swiss citizenship test practice
The home page with the practice cards and the simulation.
All 26 cantons: test format, costs, duration.
Do you meet the requirements? Find out in 2 minutes.
Federal, cantonal and municipal fees, shown separately.
Language test: which level you need
Which level is required and how to prove it.
Procedure, requirements and interview, step by step.
Short answers on the test, prices and languages.
This is what a practice question looks like. They are available in German and French.
Try 25 questions for free, in German or French.
No account, right in the browser on your smartphone.