BRITISH CITIZENSHIP BY NATURALISATION FOR SWISS (AND NON-SWISS) CITIZENS

If you are a Swiss citizen (or non-Swiss citizen), at least 18 years old and hold indefinite leave to remain or have acquired permanent residence in the UK, you may qualify to apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation.

Eligibility for British Citizenship by Naturalisation for Swiss Citizens (and non-Swiss Citizens)

If you are originally from Switzerland, to be eligible for British Citizenship through naturalisation, you must meet specific statutory criteria regarding your immigration status, length of residence in the UK, future intentions, knowledge of the English language and life in the UK, and demonstrate good character. The requirements differ slightly based on whether you are married to a British citizen or not.

Applying for UK Citizenship: Swiss Citizen (or non-Swiss Citizen) Not Married to a British Citizen

If you are a Swiss Citizen (or non-Swiss Citizen) who is not married to a British citizen (or prefer not to rely on your marriage to a British citizen), the Home Office requires that:

• You were in the UK five years before your application date.

• You have not been absent from the UK for more than 450 days during the preceding five-year period.

• You have not breached UK immigration laws during that five-year period.

• You have not been outside the UK for more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before your application.

• There are no restrictions on your stay in the UK at the time of your application.

• You are of good character.

• You possess sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic.

• You have passed the Life in the UK test.

• Your intention, upon successful application, is to make your home in the UK.

Applying for UK Citizenship: Swiss Citizen (or non-Swiss Citizen) Married to a British Citizen

If you are a Swiss Citizen (or non-Swiss Citizen) married to a British citizen, the Home Office requires that:

• You were in the UK three years before your application date.

• You have not been absent from the UK for more than 270 days during the preceding three-year period.

• You have not breached UK immigration laws during that three-year period.

• You have not been outside the UK for more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately before your application.

• There are no time limits on your stay in the UK at the time of your application.

• You are of good character.

• You possess sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic.

• You have passed the Life in the UK test.

  
  

The specific requirements for British Citizenship by Naturalisation can vary depending on individual circumstances. It is advisable to consult an immigration lawyer specialising in UK immigration law for expert guidance tailored to your situation.

Immediate Application After ILR

If you are a Swiss National (or non-Swiss National) married to a British citizen, you can apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation immediately upon receiving Indefinite Leave to Remain. If you are a Swiss National (or non-Swiss National) not married to a British citizen, eligibility requires being free from immigration time restrictions for 12 months before application, following ILR.

Absence from the UK Criteria for Swiss Citizens (and non-Swiss Citizens)

To qualify for UK Citizenship as a Swiss National (or non-Swiss National), you must have spent no more than 90 days outside the UK in the 12 months before your application. If you are a Swiss passport holder (or non-Swiss passport holder) not married to a British citizen, additional criteria include absences of no more than 450 days over the preceding 5 years. Married applicants must not exceed 270 days over the past 3 years.

Good Character Requirement for Applicants from Switzerland

The British Nationality Act 1981 mandates naturalisation applicants to demonstrate "good character," a criterion interpreted through Home Office policy. This assessment considers factors like criminal history, financial conduct, and immigration compliance.

Flexibility in Naturalisation Criteria

The Home Office holds discretionary powers to waive some requirements, such as permissible absences, the 12-month time limit, and breaches of immigration laws. However, certain prerequisites, such as being in the UK at the start of the qualifying period and holding indefinite leave to remain, cannot be waived.

EU Nationals and Naturalisation

EEA nationals and their family members can apply for British Citizenship, provided they held Settled Status or permanent residence for 12 months before applying.

Other Citizenship Routes

Certain British Overseas Territories Citizens and other categories may have alternative pathways to British Citizenship through registration rather than naturalisation.

Referees for British Citizenship Applications by Citizens of Switzerland

When applying for British Citizenship by Naturalisation, citizens of Switzerland (and persons of other nationalities) must provide two referees, one professional figure and one British citizen, meeting specific eligibility criteria.

Naturalisation as a British Citizen Cost and Processing Time

The Home Office application fee for Naturalisation as a British Citizen is £1,500. Additional costs include £130 for a citizenship ceremony. Applications typically take up to 6 months, with many decisions issued within 3 months.

Travel During Application Process

You can travel outside the UK after applying for British Citizenship, provided you possess a certified copy of your passport and evidence of immigration entitlement for re-entry. Biometric enrolment within 45 days of application submission is mandatory.

After Approval

Upon successful naturalisation, you must attend a citizenship ceremony to receive your certificate, enabling you to apply for a British passport.

How Our UK British Nationality Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration and nationality services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK visa and immigration services for Swiss nationals (and non-Swiss nationals) residing in Switzerland encompass expert guidance on all UK citizenship routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed British citizenship application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland.

Our UK immigration lawyers are experienced in handling diverse nationality matters. Whether applying for naturalisation independently or based on marriage to a British citizen, we offer comprehensive support through the UK Citizenship process, ensuring clarity and reliability in immigration and nationality advice.