After 30 years in Switzerland, James N. from the UK pursued facilitated naturalization. From language tests to police interviews, this detailed diary reveals the full process — costs, surprises, and lessons learned. A real-life look at becoming Swiss.
Originally published by www.expatservices.ch
James N., originally from the United Kingdom, has lived in Switzerland for 30 years. His career has spanned both radio and banking. In 2023, James was encouraged to apply for Swiss citizenship via the facilitated naturalization process, as he is married to a Swiss citizen and has lived in the country long enough to qualify.
James (last name withheld) meticulously documented his journey to becoming Swiss. He has kindly allowed us to share his diary as an example of what other expats in Switzerland might expect during the naturalization process:
James receives a letter from the Bern City Council, signed by the mayor and the head of the chancellery. They note the length of his residency in Switzerland, his C-permit, and invite him to apply for Swiss citizenship, allowing him full participation in the democratic process. Being married to a Swiss citizen, he qualifies for the facilitated process.
James emails the SEM (State Secretariat for Migration) in Bern requesting the application form. He quickly learns what the “facilitated” process entails. SEM asks for numerous documents, including:
Undeterred, James gets to work.
To obtain a language certificate, James takes a standardized test assessing written and spoken German. He completes it easily, impressing the examiner. The only downside? The CHF 250 fee. Weeks later, he receives the result – a 94% pass.
James spends weeks collecting documents from various state offices – anyone familiar with Swiss bureaucracy knows the effort involved. After much back and forth, he gathers everything. The total cost for paperwork and postage is CHF 111.40. He mails the complete package to SEM.
A letter arrives. SEM confirms receipt of his application and informs him that a bill will follow. The formal process—lasting up to 18 months—begins only once the payment is made.
The invoice arrives: CHF 900, dated September 19 (to James’ frustration). Payment is due within 30 days; otherwise, the application is silently withdrawn. He pays promptly via e-banking. The fee is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.
James hears nothing for weeks. Only after his follow-up does SEM confirm via a brief email that his payment has been received and his file is under review. The lack of communication is frustrating, but there’s nothing to do now but wait.
After months of silence, James finally receives a call. It’s Mr. G. from the Bern Cantonal Police, inviting him to an interview related to his application. Preparation is not required. They schedule it for the following week.
James arrives at the police station in a dark suit. Mr. G., a young officer, leads him into a sparsely furnished interview room. The officer explains that he’ll assess how well James is integrated into Swiss society by asking questions from a prepared list.
James must name three types of Swiss cheese, three brands of Swiss chocolate, three German-speaking and three French-speaking cantons. He’s also asked to name the current President of the Swiss Confederation (he names all seven Federal Councillors just to be sure), and to explain the difference between a referendum and a popular initiative. Some questions cause both of them to chuckle – like “Is Switzerland a member of the EU?”
The light-hearted interview wraps up after 40 minutes. Mr. G. notes James’ punctuality and remarks that the application is now in its final stages.
James receives a letter from SEM stating that the federal authorities have approved his citizenship request. A 30-day waiting period follows, during which local and cantonal authorities may raise objections. If none are raised, SEM will write again within three months. James’ legal place of origin will be Sempach, Canton of Lucerne—his wife’s birthplace.
Multiple letters arrive within days. SEM confirms the approval is now legally binding. The civil registry office in Sempach sends updated family records. The Bern police department informs James that he may now apply for a Swiss passport and/or ID card.
James visits the passport office to have his photo and fingerprints taken—yet another cost of CHF 158. A few days later, he collects his Swiss passport and ID by mail. He writes to the Bern mayor and chancellery to thank them for their initial encouragement.
After over a year of bureaucracy and a total cost of CHF 1,419.40, James is now a Swiss citizen—fully able to participate in the country’s democratic life.
If you’re an expat considering Swiss citizenship, please note that this diary is just one example. The process can vary depending on your personal situation. For the most up-to-date information, visit the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)or explore more resources at www.expatservices.ch.
