24 August 2026
Obtain Citizenship by Descent in Switzerland
If you are interested in obtaining citizenship by descent in Switzerland, contact our lawyers. Rely on us for tailored immigration to Switzerland.
Obtaining citizenship by descent in Switzerland implies meeting various conditions, which are explained below by our local immigration lawyers. They can also help you acquire Swiss nationality if you meet the respective requirements.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Means to acquire citizenship in Switzerland | Naturalization, marriage and ancestry are the main ways to gain citizenship in Switzerland |
Special requirement to get Swiss citizenship by descent | Citizenship by descent can be awarded based on the relation with a Swiss citizen |
Access to citizenship based on the relation with Swiss parents (YES/NO) | YES, at least one of the parents must be a Swiss citizen in order for the child to obtain citizenship by descent |
| Access to citizenship based on the relation with Swiss grandparents (YES/NO) | NO, Switzerland does not grant citizenship based on kinship with grandparents |
| Access to citizenship based on a relation with other relatives (YES/NO) | NO, there is no option to be related to other Swiss relatives to gain citizenship by ancestry |
| Authorities in charge of the issuance of Swiss documents | Cantonal civil registry offices and Swiss representations abroad (State Secretariat for Migration for simplified naturalisation) |
| Duration to process the documents (approx.) | It can take up to 12 months for the application to be processed |
| Special procedure to complete to gain citizenship by ancestry | Proof of having ties to Switzerland is required |
| Degree of difficulty in obtaining citizenship | Citizenship by descent is one of the easiest ways to get a Swiss passport |
| Option to apply for citizenship by other means (YES/NO) | Naturalization is an option to acquire citizenship |
| Renaturalization option (YES/NO) | YES, renaturalization is also available for people who lost Swiss citizenship |
| Specific requirements applicable at cantonal level (YES/NO) | YES, each canton has specific regulations in terms of the application for Swiss citizenship by descent |
| Possibility to obtain citizenship as a spouse of a Swiss descendent (YES/NO) | Yes, the spouse of a Swiss citizen can apply for simplified naturalisation (in Switzerland after 5 years of residence and 3 years of marriage; from abroad after 6 years of marriage and close ties) |
| Support in applying for citizenship by descent (YES/NO) | YES, our lawyers are at the service of persons who want to apply for Swiss citizenship by ancestry |
| Other immigration services (YES/NO) | YES, we offer support in applying for B and C permits for Switzerland |
Who is eligible for Swiss citizenship by descent?
You are eligible for citizenship by birth in Switzerland if:
- at least one of your parents was or is a Swiss national, and they were married;
- if you have an unmarried Swiss mother, even if your parent is a foreign national;
- if you have a Swiss father who is not married to your mother but acknowledged you as his child while you were a minor (under 18); if you were born before 2006, simplified naturalisation may apply.
NOTE: In the first situation, where at least one of your parents is a Swiss citizen, nationality is passed on automatically.
How about if I have Swiss grandparents? Am I eligible for Swiss citizenship?
Having Swiss grandparents alone is not sufficient to obtain citizenship. The main condition to secure Swiss nationality through ancestry is if at least one of your parents was also recognized as a citizen of this country.
You can also read about Swiss citizenship by descent in the infographic below:
How do I find out if I am eligible for citizenship by ancestry in Switzerland if I have no ties with the country?
If you are not sure, our immigration lawyers in Switzerland can perform the checks to see if any of your parents was a Swiss national. We can also search for your grandparents, thus ensuring every lead is covered. If you are eligible, you will need documents to attest to your ties with your Swiss relatives, such as birth or marriage certificates.
Before starting the citizenship application procedure, you can request our services to see if you meet the eligibility criteria so that you can benefit from the simplified procedure.
How do I apply for citizenship by birth in Switzerland?
You should know that each canton has its own procedures, which is why you can rely on our full support to obtain citizenship by descent in Switzerland as soon as possible. The following documents must be filed with the cantonal authorities:
- your passport;
- proof of having ties to Switzerland;
- proof of payment of the application fee.
The application procedure can take up to 12 months, which is why we recommend using tailored immigration services for this purpose.
Where do I apply for Swiss citizenship by descent?
With the nearest Swiss Embassy or Consulate if you are abroad, or with the civil status authority in the canton your parents live if you are in the country. Our immigration lawyers can help you gather the necessary papers and submit them.
How long does it take to obtain citizenship in Switzerland?
Generally speaking, a person can obtain Swiss citizenship in 10 years, if he or she migrated here based on a residence permit. Fast-track citizenship can be obtained through marriage and by those with at least one Swiss parent.
Obtaining citizenship by descent in Switzerland enters the category of a fast-track citizenship application even if you are abroad. In this case, our lawyers can keep you updated on your case.
Do not hesitate to get in touch with our team if you are interested in relocating to Switzerland. We invite you to watch our video below:
Does Switzerland recognize dual citizenship?
Since January 1, 1992, Switzerland has upheld the right to dual nationality without constraints. Swiss law permits individuals acquiring Swiss citizenship to retain their previous citizenship, thereby facilitating dual nationality.
However, it’s crucial to note that laws regarding citizenship vary across countries, and acquiring citizenship in Switzerland may trigger an automatic loss of citizenship in one’s country of origin. Our Swiss immigration lawyers specialize in navigating the complexities of international citizenship laws.
Contact us for assistance in navigating the process of acquiring citizenship by descent in Switzerland. Our team of immigration lawyers specializes in guiding individuals through the intricate steps involved in proving Swiss lineage and securing citizenship based on parental nationality. With our assistance, you can streamline the application process and confidently pursue your Swiss citizenship by descent.