Swiss government rejects proposal to ease naturalization for foreign residents

Thursday 20 February 2025 - 16:06

The Swiss Federal Council has dismissed a popular initiative aimed at simplifying the naturalization process for foreign residents. The proposal, titled "For a Modern Nationality Law (Democracy Initiative)," was submitted by the group Action Quatre Quarts in November and sought to allow naturalization after five years of legal residence, regardless of the type of residence permit held. Applicants would need to demonstrate basic proficiency in a national language and have no serious criminal record.

Supporters of the initiative argue that Switzerland currently excludes over a quarter of its resident population from equal political rights. Additionally, the proposal suggested transferring legislative authority over naturalization from the cantons to the federal government.

However, the Swiss government deemed this a significant infringement on cantonal powers and the federalist structure of the naturalization process. In a session on February 19, 2025, the Federal Council decided to recommend rejecting the initiative without proposing any alternative measures.

At present, Swiss law requires a minimum of ten years of residence for naturalization, with at least three of the last five years spent in Switzerland for holders of a C residence permit. Studies indicate that Switzerland has some of the strictest naturalization laws in Europe, second only to Cyprus.

The Federal Council’s decision will now be reviewed by the two chambers of the Swiss Parliament, which will determine whether the initiative is valid and if it should be put to a public vote.