So you want to know “How Hard Is It To Get Swiss Citizenship?”. Before we actually dive into the details of getting citizenship in Switzerland, we have to thank our lucky stars for the fact that we don’t live in the 16th century, when the dubious practice of freezing someone in a shallow grave for calling themselves Swiss was still commonplace. These days, the process of getting Swiss citizenship is slightly less stressful – and dare we say, slightly fun.
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The Basics
To get Swiss citizenship, you must have either married into a Swiss family or have lived in Switzerland for 12 years…or, if you’re a cow, you just need to stand still in one of the many lush pastures while absolutely refusing to utter a peep. That’s right, cows can get citizenship here in Switzerland- so just don’t tell the cows you hear in your head, or maybe the ones who follow you around in the street, because that would be weird.
Back to the topic at hand. For a human to secure their Swiss citizenship, they are required to also take a written and oral citizenship test, prove they have a basic knowledge of the Swiss culture and language, and also prove they are paying taxes in Switzerland. And of one other thing: they must also, and we can’t stress this one enough, show they are not a 15th century grave freezer.
The Perks of Citizenship
Once accepted as a Swiss citizen, don’t expect any surprise ceremonies complete with an official Swiss citizenship bracelet given out by the mayor of Zurich; the only perk is the freedom to vote in government elections and prevent other people, such as 15th century grave freezers, from voting.
No More Language Troubles
For expats living in Switzerland, speaking the language can be one of the biggest hurdles. However, once that shiny Swiss passport is secured, you can glide onto the train or into a restaurant and never again hear the loud and angry voice of a Swiss waiter asking you “Zo, vo hur spikk eu Zeetsch?”. Instead, they’ll ask you in a level-headed, more civil manner.
The Enviable Swiss Quality Tag
Having a Swiss passport does not just mean being accepted as a citizen; it also grants the bearer the right to live up their country’s reputation. At international gatherings, you may find yourself suddenly being taken seriously, automatically being associated with the enviable Swiss quality tag.
So now you know the basics of what it takes to become a citizen of Switzerland, and of the unique perks and recognition this can bring. It’s safe to say that getting the Swiss passport is no trifling task, but definitely a task worth undertaking if you are interested in taking advantage of the bounties it provides.
Now that you’re clued up on the whole process, it’s time to grab your cow (you did at least try, right?) and begin the 12-year process of becoming a legitimate Swiss. Then maybe one day, after all the hard work, you’ll be the proud owner of a dull Swiss passport that says, “Yes, I am one of those people.”
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