Reinstatement of citizenship
Anyone who has lost Swiss citizenship can apply for re-naturalisation even if they are residing abroad, provided they have close ties with Switzerland.
An application for the reinstatement of Swiss citizenship has to be filed within ten years from the date of the loss of citizenship. Persons who have been living in Switzerland for more than three years can file an application beyond this period.
Close ties with Switzerland
The applicant is considered to have close ties with Switzerland when she/he:
- has stayed in Switzerland at least three times and for at least five days on each occasion in the six years prior to the application;
- has the ability to converse in one of the Swiss national languages;
- is interested in Swiss current affairs and has basic knowledge of Swiss geography, history and the political system; and
- has contact with Swiss citizens.
Applications for simplified naturalisation must be sent to the responsible Swiss representation.