Language and integration requirements for Swiss naturalisation

Language

Language requirements

Spoken language

Applicants must prove oral skills in a national language at least at CEFR level B1.
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Written language

Applicants must prove written skills in a national language at least at CEFR level A2.
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Exemptions from language proof

Language proof is deemed provided by mother tongue, five years of compulsory schooling, or completed upper secondary or tertiary education in a national language, or by a recognised certificate.
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Accepted certificates

SEM publishes a quarterly list of recognised language certificates; a certificate counts if it was on the list when the application was filed.
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Not accepted as proof

Course attendance certificates and online placement tests are not accepted as language proof.
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Integration

Integration criteria

Integration criteria

Successful integration is shown in particular by five criteria listed in the Act; cantons may add further integration criteria.
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Familiarity with Swiss life

Familiarity with Swiss living conditions means basic civic knowledge, participation in social and cultural life and contacts with Swiss people; the canton may require a knowledge test.
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Constitutional values

The values of the Federal Constitution include rule-of-law and democratic principles, fundamental rights, and the duties of military or civilian service and school attendance.
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Economic participation

Economic participation means covering living costs and maintenance by income, assets or entitled third-party benefits; participation in education means being in training.
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Social assistance

An applicant who received social assistance in the three years immediately before applying, or during the procedure, does not meet the economic participation criterion.
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Repaying social assistance

Receipt of social assistance in that period is not disqualifying if the assistance has been repaid in full.
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Personal circumstances

Deviation from the economic criterion is possible for the personal circumstances listed in Art. 9 BüV.
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Questions

Language and integration: common questions