Digitalization Project to Optimize Ordinary Naturalization Procedures
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
Cantonal authorities and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) used to send ordinary naturalisation applications and messages by mail.
After
The process for ordinary naturalisation applications will become digital. Cantonal authorities and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) will now exchange information digitally. They will not use mail. The Federal Council approved the needed rule changes on 12 June 2026. These changes will start on 1 August 2026. The goal is to make sending ordinary naturalisation applications to SEM better. It also aims to improve communication between SEM and cantonal naturalisation authorities. After checking applications, cantons can send them to SEM using a new tool within the Central Migration Information System (ZEMIS). SEM can then use the same tool to share its decision about giving or refusing federal naturalisation permits. This needs new data fields in ZEMIS. It also requires giving cantonal naturalisation authorities new online access rights.
This policy change is important. It aims to make the processing of ordinary naturalisation applications better. Communication and sending applications between cantonal authorities and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) will become fully digital. This will replace the current mail system. This change could make processes faster and more efficient. It helps the authorities involved in naturalisation decisions manage things more smoothly. This benefits how the federal government and cantons manage immigration 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
- v1Effective 1 Aug 2026EffectiveMedium impactDigitalization Project to Optimize Ordinary Naturalization Procedures
Switzerland has approved changes to rules. These changes will make the ordinary naturalisation process digital. Starting 1 August 2026, cantonal authorities and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) will exchange applications and messages using a digital system. This system is part of the Central Migration Information System (ZEMIS). This change means cantonal naturalisation authorities and SEM will send applications to SEM digitally. They will also receive federal naturalisation permit decisions digitally. The system needs new data fields in ZEMIS. Cantonal authorities also need new online access rights.
Timeline
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.
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
goborda provides monitoring and explanation of publicly available policy information. It is not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration professional before acting.
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