Ordinary naturalisation in the Canton of Bern: requirements and procedure (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Requirements for ordinary naturalization in the Canton of Bern • Naturalization procedure • Duration of the procedure • Operational checklist for naturalization application

Key facts

• Requirements: C permit and 10 years of residence • Procedure: 2 years of waiting after approval of permit C • Duration: 2 years after approval of permit C • Costs: CHF 1'500 - CHF 2'000 for the naturalization procedure

The Canton of Bern requires the following requirements for ordinary naturalization: • A residence permit C • 10 years' residence in Switzerland • Proficiency in German (level B1) • Knowledge of Swiss history and culture • Good civil and social conduct

The naturalization procedure is as follows: • Apply for naturalization • Wait for approval of permit C • Wait 2 years after the approval of the C permit for naturalization • Take a test of knowledge of the Swiss language and culture • Sign a commitment to comply with the laws and rules of the Canton of Bern

The duration of the procedure is 2 years after the approval of the permit C.

Concrete examples

• A foreign citizen residing in Bern for 15 years, with a residence permit C and a knowledge of the German language level B1, can apply for naturalization. * A Swiss citizen who has married a foreign spouse and has been living in Geneva for 10 years,

Operational details

The naturalization procedure in the Canton of Bern is as follows:

• Apply for naturalization • Wait for approval of permit C • Wait 2 years after the approval of the C permit for naturalization

Naturalization Requirements

To obtain Swiss citizenship in the Canton of Bern, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a monthly income of at least CHF 3,500
• Have an employment contract or permanent employment in the Canton of Bern
• Have a good knowledge of the German language (A1)
• Have no criminal record or convictions

Documentation required

To apply for naturalization, you must provide the following documentation:

• Passport or ID
• Employment contract or employment certificate
• Income Statement
• Certificate of proficiency in the German language (A1)
• Certificate of good conduct

Naturalization procedure

1. Submission of the application for naturalization 2. Evaluation of the application and request for additional documentation if necessary 3. Approval of permit C 4. Activation of permit C 5. Activation of the naturalization procedure 6. Wait 2 years after the approval of the C permit for naturalization

Costs and duration

The naturalization procedure in the Canton of Bern is free of charge for applicants who meet the above requirements.

However, you must pay

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Key points

To obtain ordinary naturalization in the Canton of Bern, it is necessary to submit the application for naturalization and wait for the approval of the C permit. Subsequently, it is necessary to wait 2 years after the approval of the C permit for naturalization.

The ordinary naturalization procedure in the Canton of Bern is governed by the Immigration Act of 2008 (LImm), which lays down the requirements and conditions for the granting of Swiss citizenship. The law provides that the applicant must be at least 18 years of age, be resident in the Canton of Bern for at least 5 years and have a good knowledge of the German language.

In addition, the applicant must have a good economic situation and not have been convicted of serious crimes. The law also provides that the applicant must be able to demonstrate his/her integration into Swiss society, for example through participation in community organisations or attendance at language courses.

To submit the application for naturalization, the applicant must fill out the application form and attach the required documents, including the copy of the passport, the certification of residence and the declaration of integration. The application must be submitted to the Municipality of the applicant, who will send it to the Immigration Department of the Canton of Bern for approval of the C permit.

The C permit is a residence permit that allows the applicant to work and

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