Of the foreign nationals who immigrated to Switzerland in 1998 and have remained in the country, a total of 6% obtained Swiss nationality after five years, 22% after ten years and 53% after twenty-three years.
There are huge variations in naturalization patterns depending on the country of origin: Migrants from non-EU/EFTA countries are far more likely to be naturalized than other nationals. After twenty-three years in Switzerland, 11% of Japanese, 19% of Portuguese, and 20% of Austrian nationals who had arrived in 1998 were naturalized. At the other extreme, more than 75% of people from the Ukraine (86%), Russia (82%), and Romania (79%) had obtained Swiss nationality. Of the main migrating communities – France (55%), Germany (53%) and Italy (41%) – between one third and half of the migrant still in Switzerland had become Swiss citizens.
Do migrants want to become naturalized?
How strong is the attachment to Switzerland and the country of origin?
Which federal and cantonal laws regulate migrants’ integration?
Where in Switzerland are migrants naturalized most often?
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Definitions
Ordinary naturalization: This applies to all foreign nationals who meet the conditions laid down by the federal authorities, as well as the cantonal and municipal conditions, which can vary widely from one canton or municipality to another. The application must be submitted to the cantonal or municipal authorities.
Facilitated naturalization: Facilitated naturalization is an option mainly for the spouses of Swiss citizens and the children of a Swiss citizen who do not yet hold Swiss citizenship, subject to certain legal conditions. This falls under the jurisdiction of the federal authorities.
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Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office, Central Register of Foreigners (1998–2007), CEMIS Register (2008–2010), STATPOP statistics (2010–2022)
Note on the methodology: The graphs show the number of foreigners who have obtained Swiss nationality by naturalization as a proportion of all those who immigrated to Switzerland in 1998 (holding a B, C, or L permit) and who are still in the country. Both types of naturalization (ordinary and facilitated) are included. Due to the methodology used, it is not possible to distinguish between the different nationalities of the former Yugoslavia and they have therefore been grouped together.
Terms of use: The Migration-Mobility Indicators are made available free of charge for non-commercial use. We ask the users to acknowledge the source.
Suggested citation: nccr – on the move, Migration-Mobility Indicators. Neuchâtel: nccr – on the move, 2023.
For more information about the data sets used, please click here.
Last update: 4 October 2023