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CitizenshipEffectiveMedium impactVerified

Digitalization Project to Optimize Ordinary Naturalization Procedures

🇨🇭 SwitzerlandCitizenship1 recorded versionLast change 12 Jun 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

Processes for ordinary naturalisation applications will be digitalised. The exchange between the responsible cantonal authorities and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) will now occur digitally instead of by mail. The Federal Council approved the necessary ordinance amendments on 12 June 2026, which will take effect on 1 August 2026. The project aims to optimise the transmission of ordinary naturalisation applications to SEM and the communication between SEM and the cantonal naturalisation authorities. After reviewing applications, cantons will be able to transmit them to SEM via a new interface within the Central Migration Information System (ZEMIS). SEM can then communicate its decision on granting or refusing federal naturalisation permits through the same method. This requires adding new data fields in ZEMIS and assigning additional online access rights to the cantonal naturalisation authorities.

Overview

The Swiss Federal Council has sanctioned changes to ordinances, effective 1 August 2026, to digitalise the ordinary naturalisation process. This initiative enables digital communication and application transmission between cantonal naturalisation authorities and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), aiming to enhance efficiency. The project will involve updating the Central Migration Information System (ZEMIS) and conducting a pilot phase before full implementation across all cantons.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • People applying for ordinary naturalisation in Switzerland
  • Cantonal naturalisation authorities
  • The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
  • Cantonal officials who exchange naturalisation information with SEM
  • Other authorities involved in processing ordinary naturalisation applications

What changed in the latest version

Before

Authorities in each canton sent applications for usual naturalisation to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) by post. They also sent other messages by post.

After

The usual process for becoming a citizen will become digital. Authorities in each canton will now send applications and messages to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) digitally. This replaces sending things by post. The Federal Council approved the necessary changes to laws on 12 June 2026. These changes will start on 1 August 2026. The project aims to improve how usual naturalisation applications are sent to SEM. It also aims to improve how SEM and the cantonal naturalisation authorities communicate. After checking applications, cantons can send them to SEM. They will use a new tool within the Central Migration Information System (ZEMIS). SEM can then use this same tool to tell cantons its decision. This decision is about whether to grant or refuse federal naturalisation permits. For this to work, ZEMIS needs new data fields. Cantonal naturalisation authorities also need more online access rights.

This policy change is important. It aims to make the process for usual naturalisation applications work better. Communication and sending applications between cantonal authorities and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) will become fully digital. This will replace the current system that uses post. This could make the process more efficient. It could also lead to faster processing times. The change helps the authorities who deal with naturalisation decisions. It makes their work smoother. This benefits how the government and cantons manage immigration processes overall.

Explained simply

Imagine you want to become a Swiss citizen. Right now, the local government sends your application and talks to the national immigration office using snail mail. Soon, they'll be able to do all of that online, sending your papers and getting decisions super fast, just like sending an email instead of a letter. This means the whole process should become quicker and smoother for everyone involved.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v1Effective 1 Aug 2026EffectiveMedium impact
    Digitalization Project to Optimize Ordinary Naturalization Procedures

    Switzerland has approved changes to rules. These changes will make the usual process for becoming a citizen digital. From 1 August 2026, authorities in each canton will send applications and messages to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) digitally. They will use a digital system called the Central Migration Information System (ZEMIS). This will replace sending things by post. Cantonal naturalisation authorities and SEM are affected. Cantons can send applications to SEM digitally. SEM can also send its decisions on federal naturalisation permits digitally. The ZEMIS system needs new data fields. Cantonal authorities also need new online access rights.

Timeline

  1. Takes effect

    1 Aug 2026

    The exchange between cantonal authorities and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) regarding ordinary naturalisation applications will occur digitally via a new interface of the Central Migration Information System (ZEMIS). SEM will communicate decisions on federal naturalisation permits digitally.

  2. Announced

    12 Jun 2026

    The Swiss Federal Council has sanctioned changes to ordinances, effective 1 August 2026, to digitalise the ordinary naturalisation process. This initiative enables digital communication and application transmission between cantonal naturalisation authorities and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), aiming to enhance efficiency. The project will involve updating the Central Migration Informa

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