Are you considering becoming a citizen of the famous and seemingly impenetrable Swiss Confederation? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn the six steps to secure that sweet Swiss citizenship with plenty of funny remarks along the way.
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Step 1: Get to know Switzerland
The first step to acquire Swiss Citizenship is for you to get to know Switzerland. This is especially important because this is a country you’ll be living in and will represent, and it would be nice to know what you are getting yourself into! Spend valuable time learning about the Swiss countryside, its people, and its culture, and even learn some Swiss-German, so you can get around without a hitch.
Step 2: Prove Your Adherence to Swiss Values
Say goodbye to your freedom and say hello to all sorts of regulations! Switzerland is very traditional and values certain rights and obligations that you will have to abide by. If you are looking to acquire Swiss Citizenship, make sure you show your dedication to certain Swiss values and traditions - no matter how strange they may seem.
Step 3: Live in Switzerland for a Period of Time
You can’t just be a tourist and get citizenship. Live in Switzerland for at least 10 years in order to apply for a Swiss passport. Make sure to register with local authorities and apply for a residence permit.
Step 4: Take a Citizen Test
A test should also be taken to prove that you’ve familiarized yourself with Swiss customs and culture. Make sure you know your stuff! After you pass this test, you will be eligible to apply for Swiss Citizenship.
Step 5: Commit to Mastering the Language
The Swiss are proud of their native language, and require most citizens to converse in any one of the three Swiss languages - German, French, and Italian. Show your commitment to learning the language by enrolling in a local language course. Once you have learnt the language, new possibilities open up before you.
Step 6: Apply for Naturalization
The final step, after you have decided to live in Switzerland, taken the necessary tests, and committed to mastering the language is to apply for naturalization. You will be required to apply with the local authorities and provide them with the necessary paperwork.
Becoming a Swiss Citizen definitely takes some effort, but applying for Swiss Citizenship can actually be quite easy if you remember these 6 steps: get to know Switzerland, prove your adherence to Swiss values, live in Switzerland for a period of time, take a Citizen test, commit to mastering a language, and apply for naturalization. Who knows, you may soon find yourself saying things like “Ich bin ein Schweizer Bürger!”
Good luck!