Published: 28.10.2026
A referendum initiative proposes reducing the minimum period of lawful residence for ordinary naturalisation from 10 to five years and removing the mandatory requirement to hold a category C permit. The Federal Council opposes the initiative.
According to the source, Swiss voters will decide on 28 February 2027 whether to change the core conditions for ordinary naturalisation. If approved, the initiative could shorten the path to citizenship from 10 years to five and remove the requirement to hold a category C permanent residence permit, which would matter most to foreigners planning long-term residence. The current rules remain in force until any change is adopted, so applicants cannot rely on the shorter period in advance. This is worth monitoring for people considering Switzerland as a long-term relocation and citizenship destination, but it does not immediately change today’s requirements.