Swiss citizenship by descent: who qualifies, the law, and what it takes

Q: Can you claim Swiss citizenship through a parent?

Likely. A child of a Swiss parent is Swiss from birth. Born abroad with another nationality, you keep it past 25 by being registered with a Swiss representation, or telling one in writing that you wish to keep it, before then. If someone in your family became a citizen of another country before the next person in your family was born: possible. If you were born before 2002: possible. If you were born between 2002 and 2005: possible. If the parent is your mother and you were born before 2002: possible.

Q: Can you claim Swiss citizenship through a grandparent?

Unlikely. Swiss citizenship passes only from a parent who held it at your birth, and a parent born abroad forfeited it at 25 unless the family registered them with a Swiss representation. The Act has no option for grandchildren; without a Swiss parent, the road to Switzerland is residence and ordinary naturalisation.

Q: Can you claim Swiss citizenship through a great-grandparent?

Unlikely. Swiss citizenship passes only from a parent who held it at your birth, and a parent born abroad forfeited it at 25 unless the family registered them with a Swiss representation. The Act has no option for grandchildren; without a Swiss parent, the road to Switzerland is residence and ordinary naturalisation.

Through a parentLIKELYCitizen by descent (Art. 1)Through a grandparentUNLIKELYNo grandparent option Through a great-grandparentUNLIKELYNo grandparent option

Ways to apply: Citizen by descent (Art. 1) · Retention at 25 (Art. 7) · Reinstatement (Arts. 26 and 27) · Facilitated naturalisation under transitional law (Art. 51)
Dual citizenship: Kept, however you apply

Each answer assumes none of your ancestors became a citizen of another country before their child was born. Below is what changes each answer.

On this page

01Who qualifies
02Dates that matter
03Through your mother
04Keeping your citizenship
05Ways to apply
06The documents
07What it takes
08Where the records live
09Law changes
10Other options
11Sources

Who qualifies, generation by generation

LIKELY

Can you claim Swiss citizenship through a parent?

Citizen by descent (Art. 1)

A child of a Swiss parent is Swiss from birth. Born abroad with another nationality, you keep it past 25 by being registered with a Swiss representation, or telling one in writing that you wish to keep it, before then.

What would settle itWhether your parents were married at your birth or paternity was established while you were a minor.

Swiss from birth is the child of married parents one of whom is Swiss, or of an unmarried Swiss mother; the child of an unmarried Swiss father becomes Swiss, as from birth, once the parent-child relationship is established while a minor. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 1
A child born abroad to a Swiss parent who also holds another nationality forfeits Swiss citizenship at 25 unless, by then, they have been reported to or have reported to a Swiss authority at home or abroad, or declared in writing that they wish to keep it; a parent’s or relative’s notice for the registers, matriculation or identity papers is enough, and the person’s own children forfeit with them. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 7
The State Secretariat for Migration confirms the forfeiture at 25 for those born abroad with another nationality, the notice or written declaration that prevents it, and reinstatement for those who lost it. State Secretariat for Migration: loss of Swiss citizenship (forfeiture at 25, reinstatement)
Dual nationality has been recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992, so keeping Swiss citizenship does not cost you your other one. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)

What changes the answer

POSSIBLE
If someone in your family became a citizen of another country before the next person in your family was born
Switzerland does not strip citizenship from a Swiss who takes another nationality, so your parent’s naturalization abroad did not by itself stop citizenship passing down. What matters is whether they were formally released, or forfeited it at 25 for want of registration.
POSSIBLE
If you were born before 2002Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)
Born before 2006 to a Swiss father, you were Swiss from birth if your parents were married; if not, the transitional law lets you apply for facilitated naturalisation with proven paternity and close ties to Switzerland, without living there.
POSSIBLE
If you were born between 2002 and 2005Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)
Born before 2006 to a Swiss father, you were Swiss from birth if your parents were married; if not, the transitional law lets you apply for facilitated naturalisation with proven paternity and close ties to Switzerland, without living there.
POSSIBLE
If the parent is your mother and you were born before 2002Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)
Born to a Swiss mother, you were Swiss from birth if she was unmarried, or married under the current rule. If the older law skipped you, the transitional provision lets a child of a Swiss mother married to a foreigner apply for facilitated naturalisation with close ties to Switzerland.
POSSIBLE
If the parent is your mother and you were born between 2002 and 2005Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)
Born to a Swiss mother, you were Swiss from birth if she was unmarried, or married under the current rule. If the older law skipped you, the transitional provision lets a child of a Swiss mother married to a foreigner apply for facilitated naturalisation with close ties to Switzerland.

UNLIKELY

Can you claim Swiss citizenship through a grandparent?

No grandparent option

Swiss citizenship passes only from a parent who held it at your birth, and a parent born abroad forfeited it at 25 unless the family registered them with a Swiss representation. The Act has no option for grandchildren; without a Swiss parent, the road to Switzerland is residence and ordinary naturalisation.

What would settle itWhether your parent is still Swiss (registered with a Swiss representation before 25, or a current passport), or can be reinstated within ten years of losing it; then the parent rule applies to children born afterwards.

Citizenship by descent passes from a Swiss parent; the Act has no provision for grandparents. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 1
A child born abroad to a Swiss parent who also holds another nationality forfeits Swiss citizenship at 25 unless, by then, they have been reported to or have reported to a Swiss authority at home or abroad, or declared in writing that they wish to keep it; a parent’s or relative’s notice for the registers, matriculation or identity papers is enough, and the person’s own children forfeit with them. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 7
The facilitated option for the third generation serves foreigners’ grandchildren born and schooled in Switzerland, not the descendants of Swiss citizens abroad. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 24a
A person who has lost Swiss citizenship may apply for reinstatement within ten years; after that only after three years’ residence in Switzerland. Applicants abroad must be closely connected to Switzerland and respect public order and the constitution. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Arts. 26 and 27

UNLIKELY

Can you claim Swiss citizenship through a great-grandparent?

No grandparent option

Citizenship by descent passes from a Swiss parent; the Act has no provision for grandparents. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 1
A child born abroad to a Swiss parent who also holds another nationality forfeits Swiss citizenship at 25 unless, by then, they have been reported to or have reported to a Swiss authority at home or abroad, or declared in writing that they wish to keep it; a parent’s or relative’s notice for the registers, matriculation or identity papers is enough, and the person’s own children forfeit with them. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 7
The facilitated option for the third generation serves foreigners’ grandchildren born and schooled in Switzerland, not the descendants of Swiss citizens abroad. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 24a
A person who has lost Swiss citizenship may apply for reinstatement within ten years; after that only after three years’ residence in Switzerland. Applicants abroad must be closely connected to Switzerland and respect public order and the constitution. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Arts. 26 and 27

The dates that matter

1992
1 January 1992
Dual nationality has been recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992, so keeping Swiss citizenship does not cost you your other one. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)
1992
1 January 1992
Dual nationality has been recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992; a Swiss who acquires another nationality keeps Swiss citizenship unless released on request. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)
1992
1 January 1992
Switzerland has recognised dual nationality without restriction since 1 January 1992. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)
2006
1 January 2006
A foreign child born before 1 January 2006 to a Swiss father may apply for facilitated naturalisation if paternity is established and the child is closely connected to Switzerland; if the parents marry, the child becomes Swiss as from birth. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 51(2) and (3)

Claiming through your mother or grandmother

In Switzerland’s rule, the answer changes when the ancestor you descend through is a woman:

POSSIBLE
If the parent is your mother and you were born before 2002Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)
Born to a Swiss mother, you were Swiss from birth if she was unmarried, or married under the current rule. If the older law skipped you, the transitional provision lets a child of a Swiss mother married to a foreigner apply for facilitated naturalisation with close ties to Switzerland.
POSSIBLE
If the parent is your mother and you were born between 2002 and 2005Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)
Born to a Swiss mother, you were Swiss from birth if she was unmarried, or married under the current rule. If the older law skipped you, the transitional provision lets a child of a Swiss mother married to a foreigner apply for facilitated naturalisation with close ties to Switzerland.

In the law’s words

A foreign child of a Swiss mother married to a foreigner, where the mother held Swiss citizenship at or before the birth, may apply for facilitated naturalisation if closely connected to Switzerland. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 51(1)
Facilitated naturalisation requires the integration criteria, applied by analogy to applicants living abroad, and no threat to Switzerland’s security; the State Secretariat for Migration decides. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Arts. 20 and 25
A person who has lost Swiss citizenship may apply for reinstatement within ten years; after that only after three years’ residence in Switzerland. Applicants abroad must be closely connected to Switzerland and respect public order and the constitution. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Arts. 26 and 27
Swiss from birth is the child of married parents one of whom is Swiss, or of an unmarried Swiss mother; the child of an unmarried Swiss father becomes Swiss, as from birth, once the parent-child relationship is established while a minor. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 1
A foreign child born before 1 January 2006 to a Swiss father may apply for facilitated naturalisation if paternity is established and the child is closely connected to Switzerland; if the parents marry, the child becomes Swiss as from birth. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 51(2) and (3)

Dual citizenship with your home country

You keep your citizenship.

On every open route, the rule lets a citizen of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina or South Africa keep that citizenship.

Switzerland has recognised dual nationality without restriction since 1 January 1992. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)
Dual nationality has been recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992, so keeping Swiss citizenship does not cost you your other one. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)
Dual nationality has been recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992; a Swiss who acquires another nationality keeps Swiss citizenship unless released on request. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)

Every way to apply, and the law behind it

Citizen by descent (Art. 1)

Open to you through a parent

LIKELY
Through a parent
POSSIBLE
Through a parent, if someone in your family became a citizen of another country before the next person in your family was born

The law

Swiss from birth is the child of married parents one of whom is Swiss, or of an unmarried Swiss mother; the child of an unmarried Swiss father becomes Swiss, as from birth, once the parent-child relationship is established while a minor. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 1
A child born abroad to a Swiss parent who also holds another nationality forfeits Swiss citizenship at 25 unless, by then, they have been reported to or have reported to a Swiss authority at home or abroad, or declared in writing that they wish to keep it; a parent’s or relative’s notice for the registers, matriculation or identity papers is enough, and the person’s own children forfeit with them. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 7
The State Secretariat for Migration confirms the forfeiture at 25 for those born abroad with another nationality, the notice or written declaration that prevents it, and reinstatement for those who lost it. State Secretariat for Migration: loss of Swiss citizenship (forfeiture at 25, reinstatement)
Dual nationality has been recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992, so keeping Swiss citizenship does not cost you your other one. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)
Dual nationality has been recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992; a Swiss who acquires another nationality keeps Swiss citizenship unless released on request. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)
Release from Swiss citizenship is granted only on the citizen’s own request and only if they hold or are assured another nationality. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 37

What would settle an unsure case

Whether your parents were married at your birth or paternity was established while you were a minor.
Whether your parent was ever released from Swiss citizenship (Entlassung), or forfeited it at 25 as a dual national born abroad; the commune of origin’s register would show it.

Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)

Open to you through a parent

POSSIBLE
Through a parent, if you were born before 2002
POSSIBLE
Through a parent, if the parent is your mother and you were born before 2002

The law

Swiss from birth is the child of married parents one of whom is Swiss, or of an unmarried Swiss mother; the child of an unmarried Swiss father becomes Swiss, as from birth, once the parent-child relationship is established while a minor. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 1
A foreign child born before 1 January 2006 to a Swiss father may apply for facilitated naturalisation if paternity is established and the child is closely connected to Switzerland; if the parents marry, the child becomes Swiss as from birth. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 51(2) and (3)
Facilitated naturalisation requires the integration criteria, applied by analogy to applicants living abroad, and no threat to Switzerland’s security; the State Secretariat for Migration decides. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Arts. 20 and 25
A child born abroad to a Swiss parent who also holds another nationality forfeits Swiss citizenship at 25 unless, by then, they have been reported to or have reported to a Swiss authority at home or abroad, or declared in writing that they wish to keep it; a parent’s or relative’s notice for the registers, matriculation or identity papers is enough, and the person’s own children forfeit with them. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 7
A person who has lost Swiss citizenship may apply for reinstatement within ten years; after that only after three years’ residence in Switzerland. Applicants abroad must be closely connected to Switzerland and respect public order and the constitution. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Arts. 26 and 27
A foreign child of a Swiss mother married to a foreigner, where the mother held Swiss citizenship at or before the birth, may apply for facilitated naturalisation if closely connected to Switzerland. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 51(1)

What would settle an unsure case

Whether your parents were married at your birth (then Art. 1 and the 25-year rule decide) or not (then Art. 51 facilitated naturalisation, on close ties).
Whether you were registered as Swiss at birth in your mother’s commune of origin (then the 25-year rule decides) or not (then Art. 51 facilitated naturalisation, on close ties).

No grandparent option

Closed: no one qualifies this way today

UNLIKELY
Through a grandparent
Swiss citizenship passes only from a parent who held it at your birth, and a parent born abroad forfeited it at 25 unless the family registered them with a Swiss representation. The Act has no option for grandchildren; without a Swiss parent, the road to Switzerland is residence and ordinary naturalisation.

The law

Citizenship by descent passes from a Swiss parent; the Act has no provision for grandparents. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 1
A child born abroad to a Swiss parent who also holds another nationality forfeits Swiss citizenship at 25 unless, by then, they have been reported to or have reported to a Swiss authority at home or abroad, or declared in writing that they wish to keep it; a parent’s or relative’s notice for the registers, matriculation or identity papers is enough, and the person’s own children forfeit with them. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 7
The facilitated option for the third generation serves foreigners’ grandchildren born and schooled in Switzerland, not the descendants of Swiss citizens abroad. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 24a
A person who has lost Swiss citizenship may apply for reinstatement within ten years; after that only after three years’ residence in Switzerland. Applicants abroad must be closely connected to Switzerland and respect public order and the constitution. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Arts. 26 and 27

What would settle an unsure case

Whether your parent is still Swiss (registered with a Swiss representation before 25, or a current passport), or can be reinstated within ten years of losing it; then the parent rule applies to children born afterwards.

The documents, as the rule lists them

Citizen by descent (Art. 1)

Through a parent

Your parent’s Swiss passport or certificate of citizenship
Your birth certificate
Your parents’ marriage certificate, or the record establishing paternity

Through a parent, if someone in your family became a citizen of another country before the next person in your family was born

Your parent’s Swiss passport, certificate of citizenship or entry in the register of their commune of origin (Heimatort)
Your birth certificate

Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)

Through a parent, if you were born before 2002

Your parent’s certificate of citizenship or entry in the register of their commune of origin
Your birth certificate
Your parents’ marriage certificate, or the record establishing paternity
Evidence of ties to Switzerland: visits, family, language, contact with the Swiss representation

Through a parent, if the parent is your mother and you were born before 2002

Your parent’s certificate of citizenship or entry in the register of their commune of origin
Your birth certificate
Your parents’ marriage certificate
Evidence of ties to Switzerland: visits, family, language, contact with the Swiss representation

Most countries also want proof that your ancestor didn’t become a citizen somewhere else before their child was born: the naturalization record with its date, or a letter saying there isn’t one.

What it takes: time, cost, the hard part, who decides

Citizen by descent (Art. 1)

Time: 4–8 weeks for a first Swiss passport once citizenship is confirmed; longer if the Art. 7 registration or reinstatement question needs the commune’s or SEM’s decision first.
Cost: About $200–500: certified copies, apostilles and the passport fee.
The hard part: If you were born abroad and are past 25 with another nationality, showing you registered with a Swiss authority or representation before then; if not, reinstatement is open for ten years without moving, and after that only with three years’ Swiss residence.
Who decides: The Swiss consulate for your address, or the commune of origin’s civil registry for the Heimatschein.
The first record: Your parent’s Swiss certificate of citizenship (Heimatschein) or civil-register extract, from The civil registry office (Zivilstandsamt) of the parent’s commune of origin (Heimatort). Write to the Zivilstandsamt of the commune of origin (found on the family’s old papers or a Swiss passport) with the name and date of birth; the Federal Office of Justice’s civil-status page lists each canton’s registry offices. bj.admin.ch

How it’s filed

Where: The Swiss embassy or consulate for your address, or the commune of origin’s civil registry directly office list
How: In person; no appearance needed
Form: Registration with a Swiss representation / reinstatement after loss at 25
Fee: No fee
Decision: 1–9 months

What goes in the file (4)

Your parent’s Swiss certificate of citizenship (Heimatschein) or register extract
Your own birth certificate
Your parents’ marriage certificate, or the record establishing paternity
Any prior registration with a Swiss representation, if you are past 25 and hold another nationality

What goes wrong (3)

Registering a birth with a Swiss representation, which keeps citizenship past 25, is free (U.S. missions’ birth page; ZStGV Annex 3).
Reinstatement after losing it at 25 is an SEM application: CHF 600 for the SEM plus at least CHF 450 for the representation’s work, charged at the U.S. missions as $750 and $564, $1,314 in all. Minor children on the application pay nothing; the fee is not refunded on refusal.
The representation reports to the SEM within about 12 months and the SEM usually decides within 12 months of that report.

source ↗

Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)

Time: 4–8 weeks if you were already Swiss from birth (married parents, or an unmarried Swiss mother); 1–2 years for the Art. 51 facilitated naturalisation application to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) if not.
Cost: About $300–700: certified copies, translations, and, for Art. 51, SEM’s facilitated-naturalisation fee.
The hard part: Showing 'close ties’ to Switzerland for the Art. 51 option: visits, family contact, some knowledge of a national language, or registration with a Swiss representation abroad.
Who decides: The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), through the Swiss consulate for your address.
The first record: Your parent’s Swiss certificate of citizenship (Heimatschein) or civil-register extract, from The civil registry office (Zivilstandsamt) of the parent’s commune of origin (Heimatort). Write to the Zivilstandsamt of the commune of origin (found on the family’s old papers or a Swiss passport) with the name and date of birth; the Federal Office of Justice’s civil-status page lists each canton’s registry offices. bj.admin.ch

How it’s filed

Where: The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), through the Swiss embassy or consulate for your address office list
How: In person; no appearance needed
Form: Facilitated naturalisation (erleichterte Einbürgerung) under Art. 51
Fee: About $1,314
Decision: 6–24 months

What goes in the file (4)

Your parent’s Swiss certificate of citizenship or register extract
The record establishing paternity, if your parents were not married
Your own birth certificate
Evidence of close ties to Switzerland: visits, family, language, contact with a Swiss representation

What goes wrong (2)

Paid in advance when filing: CHF 600 for the SEM plus at least CHF 450 (three hours) for the representation, charged at the U.S. missions as $750 and $564. Minor children on a parent’s application pay nothing; the fee is not refunded on refusal.
The representation interviews you in a Swiss national language on your ties (at least three stays of five days or more in Switzerland in the last six years), reports to the SEM within about 12 months, and the SEM usually decides within 12 months of that report.

source ↗

Fees are each office’s published fee, converted to U.S. dollars.

Where each record lives, and how to ask for it

birth
The civil registry office (Zivilstandsamt) of the place of birth, or of the commune of origin (Heimatort) for a Swiss-born ancestor
The commune of origin is named on a Swiss passport, identity card, or the family’s old papers; the Federal Office of Justice’s civil-status page lists each canton’s registry offices.
Ask
By post, in German, French or Italian, depending on the canton · request page ↗
Fee
30 CHF (about $36)
Takes
2–9 weeks
Good to know (1)
- CHF 30 per certificate and CHF 40 for a family certificate (Familienausweis), set nationally by the civil-status fee ordinance (ZStGV). Ordered through a Swiss representation instead, delivery takes at least 30 working days and the representation adds its own fee.
source ↗
citizenship
The civil registry office (Zivilstandsamt) of the parent’s commune of origin (Heimatort)
The commune of origin is named on a Swiss passport, identity card, or the family’s old papers.
Ask
By post, in German, French or Italian, depending on the canton · request page ↗
Fee
30 CHF (about $36)
Takes
2–9 weeks
Good to know (1)
- CHF 30 per certificate and CHF 40 for a family certificate (Familienausweis), set nationally by the civil-status fee ordinance (ZStGV). Ordered through a Swiss representation instead, delivery takes at least 30 working days and the representation adds its own fee.
source ↗

Translations

Into: German, French or Italian
Who may translate: Any certified translator
About: $25–$50 a page

Registering a birth: the U.S. missions take the original U.S. birth certificate as issued by the state vital-records office, showing the city of birth and both parents’ names; notarized copies are refused. For a naturalisation or reinstatement application, every document not in German, French or Italian needs a certified translation into one of them.

source ↗

The passport

Where: Apply online, then give biometrics in person at the Swiss embassy or consulate where you are registered (or a cantonal passport office in Switzerland). The Swiss birth registration must be done first: the passport data come from the civil register.
Fee: About $187
Time: 2–6 weeks

$187 for an adult passport at the U.S. missions (CHF 149, postage from Switzerland included); $209 with an identity card. The statutory delivery time abroad is 30 days after biometrics.

source ↗

Recent and pending changes

We know of no pending bill or recent court ruling for Switzerland.

We re-read the official pages behind this guide every day. When one changes, a person checks the rule before we update anything here.

If descent doesn’t reach you

2 residence programs lead to Switzerland without an ancestor, each with its own law and road to citizenship.

Every source on this page

3 laws and official pages behind the answers, then the offices and pages behind the records and filing.

LawSwiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018 · Art. 1; Art. 7; Art. 37; Art. 51(2) and (3); Arts. 20 and 25; Arts. 26 and 27; Art. 51(1); Art. 24a
LawState Secretariat for Migration: loss of Swiss citizenship (forfeiture at 25, reinstatement)
LawState Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)
RecordsThe civil registry office (Zivilstandsamt) of the parent’s commune of origin (Heimatort): Your parent’s Swiss certificate of citizenship (Heimatschein) or civil-register extract
RecordsHow to file: Citizen by descent (Art. 1)
RecordsHow to file: Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)
RecordsFacilitated naturalisation (erleichterte Einbürgerung) under Art. 51
RecordsBirth records: The civil registry office
RecordsTranslations into German, French or Italian

Not legal advice. Every answer comes from the country’s own laws and is tested against real cases. Where the law isn’t clear, we say “possible” rather than guess.

Through a parentLIKELYCitizen by descent (Art. 1)Through a grandparentUNLIKELYNo grandparent option Through a great-grandparentUNLIKELYNo grandparent option

Ways to apply: Citizen by descent (Art. 1) · Retention at 25 (Art. 7) · Reinstatement (Arts. 26 and 27) · Facilitated naturalisation under transitional law (Art. 51)
Dual citizenship: Kept, however you apply

Each answer assumes none of your ancestors became a citizen of another country before their child was born. Below is what changes each answer.

On this page

01Who qualifies
02Dates that matter
03Through your mother
04Keeping your citizenship
05Ways to apply
06The documents
07What it takes
08Where the records live
09Law changes
10Other options
11Sources

Who qualifies, generation by generation

LIKELY

Can you claim Swiss citizenship through a parent?

Citizen by descent (Art. 1)

What would settle itWhether your parents were married at your birth or paternity was established while you were a minor.

Swiss from birth is the child of married parents one of whom is Swiss, or of an unmarried Swiss mother; the child of an unmarried Swiss father becomes Swiss, as from birth, once the parent-child relationship is established while a minor. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 1
A child born abroad to a Swiss parent who also holds another nationality forfeits Swiss citizenship at 25 unless, by then, they have been reported to or have reported to a Swiss authority at home or abroad, or declared in writing that they wish to keep it; a parent’s or relative’s notice for the registers, matriculation or identity papers is enough, and the person’s own children forfeit with them. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 7
The State Secretariat for Migration confirms the forfeiture at 25 for those born abroad with another nationality, the notice or written declaration that prevents it, and reinstatement for those who lost it. State Secretariat for Migration: loss of Swiss citizenship (forfeiture at 25, reinstatement)
Dual nationality has been recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992, so keeping Swiss citizenship does not cost you your other one. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)

What changes the answer

POSSIBLE
If someone in your family became a citizen of another country before the next person in your family was born
Switzerland does not strip citizenship from a Swiss who takes another nationality, so your parent’s naturalization abroad did not by itself stop citizenship passing down. What matters is whether they were formally released, or forfeited it at 25 for want of registration.
POSSIBLE
If you were born before 2002Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)
Born before 2006 to a Swiss father, you were Swiss from birth if your parents were married; if not, the transitional law lets you apply for facilitated naturalisation with proven paternity and close ties to Switzerland, without living there.
POSSIBLE
If you were born between 2002 and 2005Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)
Born before 2006 to a Swiss father, you were Swiss from birth if your parents were married; if not, the transitional law lets you apply for facilitated naturalisation with proven paternity and close ties to Switzerland, without living there.
POSSIBLE
If the parent is your mother and you were born before 2002Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)
Born to a Swiss mother, you were Swiss from birth if she was unmarried, or married under the current rule. If the older law skipped you, the transitional provision lets a child of a Swiss mother married to a foreigner apply for facilitated naturalisation with close ties to Switzerland.
POSSIBLE
If the parent is your mother and you were born between 2002 and 2005Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)
Born to a Swiss mother, you were Swiss from birth if she was unmarried, or married under the current rule. If the older law skipped you, the transitional provision lets a child of a Swiss mother married to a foreigner apply for facilitated naturalisation with close ties to Switzerland.

UNLIKELY

Can you claim Swiss citizenship through a grandparent?

No grandparent option

Citizenship by descent passes from a Swiss parent; the Act has no provision for grandparents. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 1
A child born abroad to a Swiss parent who also holds another nationality forfeits Swiss citizenship at 25 unless, by then, they have been reported to or have reported to a Swiss authority at home or abroad, or declared in writing that they wish to keep it; a parent’s or relative’s notice for the registers, matriculation or identity papers is enough, and the person’s own children forfeit with them. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 7
The facilitated option for the third generation serves foreigners’ grandchildren born and schooled in Switzerland, not the descendants of Swiss citizens abroad. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 24a
A person who has lost Swiss citizenship may apply for reinstatement within ten years; after that only after three years’ residence in Switzerland. Applicants abroad must be closely connected to Switzerland and respect public order and the constitution. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Arts. 26 and 27

UNLIKELY

Can you claim Swiss citizenship through a great-grandparent?

No grandparent option

Citizenship by descent passes from a Swiss parent; the Act has no provision for grandparents. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 1
A child born abroad to a Swiss parent who also holds another nationality forfeits Swiss citizenship at 25 unless, by then, they have been reported to or have reported to a Swiss authority at home or abroad, or declared in writing that they wish to keep it; a parent’s or relative’s notice for the registers, matriculation or identity papers is enough, and the person’s own children forfeit with them. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 7
The facilitated option for the third generation serves foreigners’ grandchildren born and schooled in Switzerland, not the descendants of Swiss citizens abroad. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 24a
A person who has lost Swiss citizenship may apply for reinstatement within ten years; after that only after three years’ residence in Switzerland. Applicants abroad must be closely connected to Switzerland and respect public order and the constitution. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Arts. 26 and 27

The dates that matter

1992
1 January 1992
Dual nationality has been recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992, so keeping Swiss citizenship does not cost you your other one. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)
1992
1 January 1992
Dual nationality has been recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992; a Swiss who acquires another nationality keeps Swiss citizenship unless released on request. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)
1992
1 January 1992
Switzerland has recognised dual nationality without restriction since 1 January 1992. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)
2006
1 January 2006
A foreign child born before 1 January 2006 to a Swiss father may apply for facilitated naturalisation if paternity is established and the child is closely connected to Switzerland; if the parents marry, the child becomes Swiss as from birth. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 51(2) and (3)

Claiming through your mother or grandmother

In Switzerland’s rule, the answer changes when the ancestor you descend through is a woman:

POSSIBLE
If the parent is your mother and you were born before 2002Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)
Born to a Swiss mother, you were Swiss from birth if she was unmarried, or married under the current rule. If the older law skipped you, the transitional provision lets a child of a Swiss mother married to a foreigner apply for facilitated naturalisation with close ties to Switzerland.
POSSIBLE
If the parent is your mother and you were born between 2002 and 2005Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)
Born to a Swiss mother, you were Swiss from birth if she was unmarried, or married under the current rule. If the older law skipped you, the transitional provision lets a child of a Swiss mother married to a foreigner apply for facilitated naturalisation with close ties to Switzerland.

In the law’s words

A foreign child of a Swiss mother married to a foreigner, where the mother held Swiss citizenship at or before the birth, may apply for facilitated naturalisation if closely connected to Switzerland. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 51(1)
Facilitated naturalisation requires the integration criteria, applied by analogy to applicants living abroad, and no threat to Switzerland’s security; the State Secretariat for Migration decides. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Arts. 20 and 25
A person who has lost Swiss citizenship may apply for reinstatement within ten years; after that only after three years’ residence in Switzerland. Applicants abroad must be closely connected to Switzerland and respect public order and the constitution. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Arts. 26 and 27
Swiss from birth is the child of married parents one of whom is Swiss, or of an unmarried Swiss mother; the child of an unmarried Swiss father becomes Swiss, as from birth, once the parent-child relationship is established while a minor. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 1
A foreign child born before 1 January 2006 to a Swiss father may apply for facilitated naturalisation if paternity is established and the child is closely connected to Switzerland; if the parents marry, the child becomes Swiss as from birth. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 51(2) and (3)

Dual citizenship with your home country

You keep your citizenship.

On every open route, the rule lets a citizen of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina or South Africa keep that citizenship.

Switzerland has recognised dual nationality without restriction since 1 January 1992. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)
Dual nationality has been recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992, so keeping Swiss citizenship does not cost you your other one. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)
Dual nationality has been recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992; a Swiss who acquires another nationality keeps Swiss citizenship unless released on request. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)

Every way to apply, and the law behind it

Citizen by descent (Art. 1)

Open to you through a parent

LIKELY
Through a parent
POSSIBLE
Through a parent, if someone in your family became a citizen of another country before the next person in your family was born

The law

Swiss from birth is the child of married parents one of whom is Swiss, or of an unmarried Swiss mother; the child of an unmarried Swiss father becomes Swiss, as from birth, once the parent-child relationship is established while a minor. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 1
A child born abroad to a Swiss parent who also holds another nationality forfeits Swiss citizenship at 25 unless, by then, they have been reported to or have reported to a Swiss authority at home or abroad, or declared in writing that they wish to keep it; a parent’s or relative’s notice for the registers, matriculation or identity papers is enough, and the person’s own children forfeit with them. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 7
The State Secretariat for Migration confirms the forfeiture at 25 for those born abroad with another nationality, the notice or written declaration that prevents it, and reinstatement for those who lost it. State Secretariat for Migration: loss of Swiss citizenship (forfeiture at 25, reinstatement)
Dual nationality has been recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992, so keeping Swiss citizenship does not cost you your other one. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)
Dual nationality has been recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992; a Swiss who acquires another nationality keeps Swiss citizenship unless released on request. State Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)
Release from Swiss citizenship is granted only on the citizen’s own request and only if they hold or are assured another nationality. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 37

What would settle an unsure case

Whether your parents were married at your birth or paternity was established while you were a minor.
Whether your parent was ever released from Swiss citizenship (Entlassung), or forfeited it at 25 as a dual national born abroad; the commune of origin’s register would show it.

Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)

Open to you through a parent

POSSIBLE
Through a parent, if you were born before 2002
POSSIBLE
Through a parent, if the parent is your mother and you were born before 2002

The law

Swiss from birth is the child of married parents one of whom is Swiss, or of an unmarried Swiss mother; the child of an unmarried Swiss father becomes Swiss, as from birth, once the parent-child relationship is established while a minor. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 1
A foreign child born before 1 January 2006 to a Swiss father may apply for facilitated naturalisation if paternity is established and the child is closely connected to Switzerland; if the parents marry, the child becomes Swiss as from birth. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 51(2) and (3)
Facilitated naturalisation requires the integration criteria, applied by analogy to applicants living abroad, and no threat to Switzerland’s security; the State Secretariat for Migration decides. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Arts. 20 and 25
A child born abroad to a Swiss parent who also holds another nationality forfeits Swiss citizenship at 25 unless, by then, they have been reported to or have reported to a Swiss authority at home or abroad, or declared in writing that they wish to keep it; a parent’s or relative’s notice for the registers, matriculation or identity papers is enough, and the person’s own children forfeit with them. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 7
A person who has lost Swiss citizenship may apply for reinstatement within ten years; after that only after three years’ residence in Switzerland. Applicants abroad must be closely connected to Switzerland and respect public order and the constitution. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Arts. 26 and 27
A foreign child of a Swiss mother married to a foreigner, where the mother held Swiss citizenship at or before the birth, may apply for facilitated naturalisation if closely connected to Switzerland. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 51(1)

What would settle an unsure case

Whether your parents were married at your birth (then Art. 1 and the 25-year rule decide) or not (then Art. 51 facilitated naturalisation, on close ties).
Whether you were registered as Swiss at birth in your mother’s commune of origin (then the 25-year rule decides) or not (then Art. 51 facilitated naturalisation, on close ties).

No grandparent option

Closed: no one qualifies this way today

UNLIKELY
Through a grandparent
Swiss citizenship passes only from a parent who held it at your birth, and a parent born abroad forfeited it at 25 unless the family registered them with a Swiss representation. The Act has no option for grandchildren; without a Swiss parent, the road to Switzerland is residence and ordinary naturalisation.

The law

Citizenship by descent passes from a Swiss parent; the Act has no provision for grandparents. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 1
A child born abroad to a Swiss parent who also holds another nationality forfeits Swiss citizenship at 25 unless, by then, they have been reported to or have reported to a Swiss authority at home or abroad, or declared in writing that they wish to keep it; a parent’s or relative’s notice for the registers, matriculation or identity papers is enough, and the person’s own children forfeit with them. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 7
The facilitated option for the third generation serves foreigners’ grandchildren born and schooled in Switzerland, not the descendants of Swiss citizens abroad. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Art. 24a
A person who has lost Swiss citizenship may apply for reinstatement within ten years; after that only after three years’ residence in Switzerland. Applicants abroad must be closely connected to Switzerland and respect public order and the constitution. Swiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018, Arts. 26 and 27

What would settle an unsure case

Whether your parent is still Swiss (registered with a Swiss representation before 25, or a current passport), or can be reinstated within ten years of losing it; then the parent rule applies to children born afterwards.

The documents, as the rule lists them

Citizen by descent (Art. 1)

Through a parent

Your parent’s Swiss passport or certificate of citizenship
Your birth certificate
Your parents’ marriage certificate, or the record establishing paternity

Through a parent, if someone in your family became a citizen of another country before the next person in your family was born

Your parent’s Swiss passport, certificate of citizenship or entry in the register of their commune of origin (Heimatort)
Your birth certificate

Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)

Through a parent, if you were born before 2002

Your parent’s certificate of citizenship or entry in the register of their commune of origin
Your birth certificate
Your parents’ marriage certificate, or the record establishing paternity
Evidence of ties to Switzerland: visits, family, language, contact with the Swiss representation

Through a parent, if the parent is your mother and you were born before 2002

Your parent’s certificate of citizenship or entry in the register of their commune of origin
Your birth certificate
Your parents’ marriage certificate
Evidence of ties to Switzerland: visits, family, language, contact with the Swiss representation

Most countries also want proof that your ancestor didn’t become a citizen somewhere else before their child was born: the naturalization record with its date, or a letter saying there isn’t one.

What it takes: time, cost, the hard part, who decides

Citizen by descent (Art. 1)

Time: 4–8 weeks for a first Swiss passport once citizenship is confirmed; longer if the Art. 7 registration or reinstatement question needs the commune’s or SEM’s decision first.
Cost: About $200–500: certified copies, apostilles and the passport fee.
The hard part: If you were born abroad and are past 25 with another nationality, showing you registered with a Swiss authority or representation before then; if not, reinstatement is open for ten years without moving, and after that only with three years’ Swiss residence.
Who decides: The Swiss consulate for your address, or the commune of origin’s civil registry for the Heimatschein.
The first record: Your parent’s Swiss certificate of citizenship (Heimatschein) or civil-register extract, from The civil registry office (Zivilstandsamt) of the parent’s commune of origin (Heimatort). Write to the Zivilstandsamt of the commune of origin (found on the family’s old papers or a Swiss passport) with the name and date of birth; the Federal Office of Justice’s civil-status page lists each canton’s registry offices. bj.admin.ch

How it’s filed

Where: The Swiss embassy or consulate for your address, or the commune of origin’s civil registry directly office list
How: In person; no appearance needed
Form: Registration with a Swiss representation / reinstatement after loss at 25
Fee: No fee
Decision: 1–9 months

What goes in the file (4)

Your parent’s Swiss certificate of citizenship (Heimatschein) or register extract
Your own birth certificate
Your parents’ marriage certificate, or the record establishing paternity
Any prior registration with a Swiss representation, if you are past 25 and hold another nationality

What goes wrong (3)

Registering a birth with a Swiss representation, which keeps citizenship past 25, is free (U.S. missions’ birth page; ZStGV Annex 3).
Reinstatement after losing it at 25 is an SEM application: CHF 600 for the SEM plus at least CHF 450 for the representation’s work, charged at the U.S. missions as $750 and $564, $1,314 in all. Minor children on the application pay nothing; the fee is not refunded on refusal.
The representation reports to the SEM within about 12 months and the SEM usually decides within 12 months of that report.

source ↗

Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)

Time: 4–8 weeks if you were already Swiss from birth (married parents, or an unmarried Swiss mother); 1–2 years for the Art. 51 facilitated naturalisation application to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) if not.
Cost: About $300–700: certified copies, translations, and, for Art. 51, SEM’s facilitated-naturalisation fee.
The hard part: Showing 'close ties’ to Switzerland for the Art. 51 option: visits, family contact, some knowledge of a national language, or registration with a Swiss representation abroad.
Who decides: The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), through the Swiss consulate for your address.
The first record: Your parent’s Swiss certificate of citizenship (Heimatschein) or civil-register extract, from The civil registry office (Zivilstandsamt) of the parent’s commune of origin (Heimatort). Write to the Zivilstandsamt of the commune of origin (found on the family’s old papers or a Swiss passport) with the name and date of birth; the Federal Office of Justice’s civil-status page lists each canton’s registry offices. bj.admin.ch

How it’s filed

Where: The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), through the Swiss embassy or consulate for your address office list
How: In person; no appearance needed
Form: Facilitated naturalisation (erleichterte Einbürgerung) under Art. 51
Fee: About $1,314
Decision: 6–24 months

What goes in the file (4)

Your parent’s Swiss certificate of citizenship or register extract
The record establishing paternity, if your parents were not married
Your own birth certificate
Evidence of close ties to Switzerland: visits, family, language, contact with a Swiss representation

What goes wrong (2)

Paid in advance when filing: CHF 600 for the SEM plus at least CHF 450 (three hours) for the representation, charged at the U.S. missions as $750 and $564. Minor children on a parent’s application pay nothing; the fee is not refunded on refusal.
The representation interviews you in a Swiss national language on your ties (at least three stays of five days or more in Switzerland in the last six years), reports to the SEM within about 12 months, and the SEM usually decides within 12 months of that report.

source ↗

Fees are each office’s published fee, converted to U.S. dollars.

Where each record lives, and how to ask for it

birth
The civil registry office (Zivilstandsamt) of the place of birth, or of the commune of origin (Heimatort) for a Swiss-born ancestor
The commune of origin is named on a Swiss passport, identity card, or the family’s old papers; the Federal Office of Justice’s civil-status page lists each canton’s registry offices.
Ask
By post, in German, French or Italian, depending on the canton · request page ↗
Fee
30 CHF (about $36)
Takes
2–9 weeks
Good to know (1)
- CHF 30 per certificate and CHF 40 for a family certificate (Familienausweis), set nationally by the civil-status fee ordinance (ZStGV). Ordered through a Swiss representation instead, delivery takes at least 30 working days and the representation adds its own fee.
source ↗
citizenship
The civil registry office (Zivilstandsamt) of the parent’s commune of origin (Heimatort)
The commune of origin is named on a Swiss passport, identity card, or the family’s old papers.
Ask
By post, in German, French or Italian, depending on the canton · request page ↗
Fee
30 CHF (about $36)
Takes
2–9 weeks
Good to know (1)
- CHF 30 per certificate and CHF 40 for a family certificate (Familienausweis), set nationally by the civil-status fee ordinance (ZStGV). Ordered through a Swiss representation instead, delivery takes at least 30 working days and the representation adds its own fee.
source ↗

Translations

Into: German, French or Italian
Who may translate: Any certified translator
About: $25–$50 a page

source ↗

The passport

Where: Apply online, then give biometrics in person at the Swiss embassy or consulate where you are registered (or a cantonal passport office in Switzerland). The Swiss birth registration must be done first: the passport data come from the civil register.
Fee: About $187
Time: 2–6 weeks

$187 for an adult passport at the U.S. missions (CHF 149, postage from Switzerland included); $209 with an identity card. The statutory delivery time abroad is 30 days after biometrics.

source ↗

Recent and pending changes

We know of no pending bill or recent court ruling for Switzerland.

We re-read the official pages behind this guide every day. When one changes, a person checks the rule before we update anything here.

If descent doesn’t reach you

2 residence programs lead to Switzerland without an ancestor, each with its own law and road to citizenship.

Every source on this page

3 laws and official pages behind the answers, then the offices and pages behind the records and filing.

LawSwiss Citizenship Act (Bürgerrechtsgesetz, BüG), SR 141.0, in force 1 January 2018 · Art. 1; Art. 7; Art. 37; Art. 51(2) and (3); Arts. 20 and 25; Arts. 26 and 27; Art. 51(1); Art. 24a
LawState Secretariat for Migration: loss of Swiss citizenship (forfeiture at 25, reinstatement)
LawState Secretariat for Migration: dual nationality (recognised without restriction since 1 January 1992)
RecordsThe civil registry office (Zivilstandsamt) of the parent’s commune of origin (Heimatort): Your parent’s Swiss certificate of citizenship (Heimatschein) or civil-register extract
RecordsHow to file: Citizen by descent (Art. 1)
RecordsHow to file: Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)
RecordsFacilitated naturalisation (erleichterte Einbürgerung) under Art. 51
RecordsBirth records: The civil registry office
RecordsTranslations into German, French or Italian

Not legal advice. Every answer comes from the country’s own laws and is tested against real cases. Where the law isn’t clear, we say “possible” rather than guess.

Who qualifies, generation by generation

Can you claim Swiss citizenship through a parent?

What changes the answer

Can you claim Swiss citizenship through a grandparent?

Can you claim Swiss citizenship through a great-grandparent?

The dates that matter

Claiming through your mother or grandmother

In the law’s words

Dual citizenship with your home country

Every way to apply, and the law behind it

The law

What would settle an unsure case

The law

What would settle an unsure case

The law

What would settle an unsure case

The documents, as the rule lists them

Citizen by descent (Art. 1)

Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)

What it takes: time, cost, the hard part, who decides

Citizen by descent (Art. 1)

How it’s filed

Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)

How it’s filed

Where each record lives, and how to ask for it

Translations

The passport

Recent and pending changes

If descent doesn’t reach you

Every source on this page

Check your family for Switzerland.

Who qualifies, generation by generation

Can you claim Swiss citizenship through a parent?

What changes the answer

Can you claim Swiss citizenship through a grandparent?

Can you claim Swiss citizenship through a great-grandparent?

The dates that matter

Claiming through your mother or grandmother

In the law’s words

Dual citizenship with your home country

Every way to apply, and the law behind it

The law

What would settle an unsure case

The law

What would settle an unsure case

The law

What would settle an unsure case

The documents, as the rule lists them

Citizen by descent (Art. 1)

Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)

What it takes: time, cost, the hard part, who decides

Citizen by descent (Art. 1)

How it’s filed

Citizen by descent (Art. 1) or facilitated naturalisation (Art. 51)

How it’s filed

Where each record lives, and how to ask for it

Translations

The passport

Recent and pending changes

If descent doesn’t reach you

Every source on this page

Check your family for Switzerland.