To obtain Swiss citizenship, which allows you to apply for a Swiss passport and enjoy the benefits of being a citizen, you must have been living in Switzerland for a significant period of time, typically around 10 years for most residents. This guide provides you with valuable information on how to get started on your journey to Swiss citizenship.

Switzerland offers two official forms of national photo identification - the national ID card and the Swiss passport. Once you have obtained Swiss citizenship, you are eligible to apply for a Swiss passport. This passport grants you the privilege of travelling to any country in the world as a Swiss citizen. Similar to passports issued by many other countries, the Swiss passport is in booklet form, with a red cover featuring the white cross from the Swiss flag on the front. Additionally, it prominently displays the words "Swiss Passport" written in five languages.

Since 2010, Switzerland has introduced biometric passports, which include a chip containing fingerprints and a face image as an added security measure. Furthermore, the Swiss passport contains various essential information and features that enhance its functionality.

It is important to note that obtaining a Swiss passport is not an automatic privilege when you become a Swiss citizen. You will need to apply separately for a passport, following the necessary procedures and meeting the requirements outlined by the Swiss authorities. Our comprehensive guide will assist you in understanding the process and providing you with the knowledge to take the first steps towards your Swiss citizenship.

In order to obtain a Swiss passport, it is necessary to submit an application at your local cantonal passport office. The decision regarding the issuance of the passport is made by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

Having a Swiss passport offers several advantages. It allows you to enjoy the rights and privileges associated with Swiss citizenship. However, there are also certain obligations that come with being a Swiss citizen. One notable obligation is the requirement of mandatory military service for able-bodied adult males.

To be eligible for a Swiss passport, you must first be granted Swiss citizenship. There are generally two pathways to obtain citizenship in Switzerland. Additionally, there are various other requirements that need to be met. These requirements may vary depending on the specific canton you are in, but typically include factors such as language proficiency and integration into Swiss society.

Since 2017, special provisions have been introduced for third-generation immigrants in Switzerland. These individuals may be eligible for fast-track citizenship if they fulfill certain criteria, including having completed at least five years of Swiss schooling.

If you wish to apply for a Swiss passport, you can do so either at your local cantonal passport office if you are applying from within Switzerland, or at the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country if you are applying from abroad.

When applying for a Swiss passport, you have the option to submit your application from within Switzerland through online means, over the telephone, or by visiting your local passport office. Once you have completed the application form, you will be invited to attend an appointment at your local office to provide your photos, signature, and fingerprints. In certain cantons, it is possible to submit your photo digitally on a USB device. The specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the canton you are applying from, and you may be required to submit additional documents along with your application.

If you are applying for a Swiss passport from abroad, the process is generally similar. However, you will need to indicate your place of domicile as "abroad" or the name of your country of residence. Following this, your Swiss embassy or consulate will get in touch with you to arrange the submission of your biometric data. Processing times for applications made within Switzerland typically take around 10 days, while applications made from abroad generally take about 30 days to be processed.

It is worth noting that Switzerland allows for dual nationality, which means you can become a Swiss citizen without having to give up citizenship in your home country. However, it is important to verify whether your home nation permits dual citizenship as well. Currently, approximately 19% of Swiss residents aged 15 and above hold dual citizenship.

The conditions, rights, and responsibilities for individuals with dual Swiss citizenship are generally the same as for those with sole Swiss citizenship. It is worth noting that since 2017, dual citizens have been permitted to hold diplomatic positions, which were previously restricted due to concerns about loyalty and patriotism.

Swiss passports are typically valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under the age of 18. When your Swiss passport is nearing its expiry date, it is necessary to apply for a new passport using the same process as obtaining a first-time passport. While there is no strict deadline for this, it is advisable to start the application process a few months in advance, as passports may take several weeks to arrive.

It is important to be aware that certain countries require that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining in order to travel there. Therefore, it is recommended to check the passport's expiration date and plan your travel accordingly.

To apply for a new passport, you can contact your local cantonal office either online or by visiting in person. If you are residing overseas, it is necessary to reach out to the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country for assistance.

In the unfortunate event of losing your Swiss passport or it being stolen, it is crucial to report the incident to the police immediately. This will help protect your identity and prevent any misuse of your passport.

It is important to promptly inform your cantonal passport office or the nearest Swiss embassy or consulate if your passport is lost. This will ensure that your passport is reported as missing to the Federal Office of Police (FEDPOL), preventing any fraudulent use.

If you lose your passport while abroad, you may be able to obtain an emergency temporary passport to facilitate your return home. Temporary passports are typically valid for a single journey, but in certain cases, they may be issued for a maximum period of 12 months.

There are circumstances where you can apply for an emergency temporary passport even if your Swiss passport has expired, and you need to urgently travel abroad. You can make this application through your cantonal passport office or the Swiss embassy or consulate located in the country you are in.

The cost for a standard Swiss passport is CHF 140 for adults and CHF 60 for children under 18, with an additional CHF 5 for postage. Additionally, you have the option to purchase a combined offer of a Swiss passport and a national ID card for an extra CHF 8.

For temporary passports, both adults and children are charged CHF 100, or CHF 150 if issued at an airport.