Publication date: 09.05.2024
Lawyer
Switzerland is one of the richest and most stable countries in the world, which attracts many immigrants, including Ukrainians. Let's consider in detail the ways and conditions of acquiring citizenship of this alpine country.
Obtaining Swiss citizenship for citizens of Ukraine can be a difficult task, but achievable if the conditions established by law are met. Swiss citizenship offers a wide range of opportunities and benefits, including access to high-quality healthcare, education and social guarantees.
The most common way is naturalization - obtaining citizenship after long-term residence in Switzerland on legal grounds. For this, it is necessary to live in the country for 10-12 years on a permanent basis, prove excellent integration into the local community, speak one of the official languages at a high level, have a permanent legal income and pay taxes.
Swiss citizenship can be acquired at birth if at least one parent is a citizen of the country. Also, Swiss citizenship is automatically transferred to children born in Switzerland to foreign parents, subject to long-term residence (about 10 years).
Another possible option is marriage with a Swiss citizen. After 5 years of cohabitation, a foreigner can apply for Swiss citizenship in a simplified manner.
In addition, there are official investment programs for wealthy individuals who invest heavily in the Swiss economy. However, the financial requirements are so high (hundreds of thousands of Swiss francs) that the vast majority of Ukrainians cannot use this option.
The process of obtaining citizenship is controlled at three levels: federal, cantonal and municipal. Applicants will have to go through a series of checks and formalities, demonstrate financial capacity and security for Swiss society.
Swiss citizenship provides a number of advantages: the ability to work and live in the country without additional permits, full social integration, the right to vote, visa-free regime in 170+ countries of the world. However, the high cost of living in Switzerland should also be taken into account.
As citizens of third countries, it is somewhat more difficult for Ukrainians to obtain Swiss citizenship than for citizens of EU countries. However, in some cantons, Ukrainians are treated more loyally. In 2022-2024, the Swiss authorities also partially simplified the procedures for Ukrainian refugees from the war.
How to obtain Swiss citizenship ? The process can be relatively difficult due to the high requirements for applicants and the competitive nature of the process. However, with proper preparation and fulfillment of all requirements, it is possible to achieve this.
How much does Swiss citizenship cost? The cost can vary based on a variety of factors, including attorney fees, lodging costs, and filing costs. However, there is no direct route to purchase citizenship.
In summary, there are several ways for Ukrainians to obtain Swiss citizenship: naturalization, birth to Swiss parents, marriage, or investment of significant funds. However, all these methods require the fulfillment of a number of formal requirements and stages, a long wait, financial capacity and proof of integration into Swiss society.
