Naturalization in Graubünden: requirements and procedure (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Ordinary naturalization requires 10 years of residence with a C permit in Switzerland
• The canton of Graubünden applies specific language and integration tests
• Naturalization taxes are due, calculated by the municipality of residence
• The procedure duration varies according to the Graubünden municipality

Key facts

• What: Federal ordinary naturalization + Graubünden cantonal requirements
• When: After 10 years of residence with a C permit (5 years for EU/EFTA citizens)
• Where: Canton of Graubünden
• Who: Applicant + Graubünden cantonal and municipal authorities
• Permit: C permit (domicile) mandatory throughout the procedure

Ordinary naturalization in Switzerland follows a strictly defined federal path, but each canton — including Graubünden — adds its own requirements that vary from municipality to municipality. Those wishing to become Swiss citizens in the canton of Graubünden must first meet the federal criteria: at least 10 years of uninterrupted residence with a C permit (domicile permit). This term can be reduced to five years for citizens of the European Union and the European Free Trade Association. In addition to the standard count, Swiss law also allows double counting of the residence period between the ages of 8 and 18: one year of residence in that interval counts as two years for naturalization purposes, potentially reducing the overall term.

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Operational details

Specific requirements of the canton of Graubünden

The canton of Graubünden exercises decision-making authority over the naturalization of candidates, subject to compliance with federal criteria. This means that even after acquiring ten years of residence with a C permit, the candidate must still obtain the approval of the Graubünden authorities. The municipalities of Graubünden — particularly Chur, Davos, Poschiavo, and dozens of other centers — are responsible for the processing of the application, the collection of documents, the verification of conduct, and the final decision. Each municipality may have slightly different procedures, although all operate within the cantonal framework. It is therefore crucial to contact the naturalization office of your municipality as soon as possible, from the first year of residence with a C permit, to learn about the exact requirements and waiting times. The canton of Graubünden and its municipalities impose language tests in Italian, Romansh, or German (depending on the Graubünden region) and integration tests into Swiss society. These tests assess the candidate's level of knowledge of the local language and familiarity with institutions, constitutional values, history, and Swiss culture. Passing these tests is mandatory. Additionally, the canton requires the payment of naturalization taxes. The amount varies from municipality to municipality and is determined by the municipal law of Graubünden, not by a national federal tariff. Some municipalities apply a fixed fee, while others base the cost on a multiple of the candidate's income or assets. This cantonal differentiation reflects Swiss communal sovereignty in matters of naturalization: there is no uniform national price.

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Key points

How to proceed: the naturalization process in Graubünden

Ordinary naturalization in Graubünden follows a process with specific steps. The candidate must first verify that they possess a C permit and have completed ten years of uninterrupted residence (or five years if they are a citizen of the EU/EFTA). Once these federal criteria are met, the next step is to contact the naturalization office of the municipality where they reside. There is no centralized cantonal office for naturalization: each municipality in Graubünden manages the applications of its residents independently.

The first step is to obtain the official naturalization application form. The form must be completed and signed by the candidate. Simultaneously, the applicant must gather supporting documents: residence certificate, original C permit, federal criminal record extract, certificate of good conduct from the municipality of residence, identity documents (passport or ID card of the country of origin), and income or real estate ownership certificates (the latter may be required if the municipality bases taxes on assets). Some municipalities also require a declaration of loyalty to Swiss constitutional values, although this is not mandatory at the federal level.

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