Language requirements for naturalisation

What the Confederation requires

Under Article 6 of the Citizenship Ordinance you must prove, in a national language:

• at least level B1 spoken and
• at least level A2 written

of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

B1 spoken means: you understand clear speech about familiar matters from work, school or leisure, can handle most everyday situations and can talk about experiences, plans and opinions. A2 written means: you can write short, simple notes and messages, for example a brief note to your child’s school.

Who does not need a test

The requirement is considered met if you:

• speak and write a national language as your mother tongue,
• attended compulsory school in a national language for at least five years,
• completed upper secondary or tertiary education in a national language, for example an apprenticeship, the Matura or a degree.

Everyone else needs a language certificate based on a recognised test procedure that confirms the required levels. Often this is the fide language passport. Cantons accept other recognised certificates if they meet the quality standards for language tests.

In which language?

Federal law refers to a national language, but cantons usually require the official language of the canton or your municipality. In the bilingual canton of Bern it is German or French, in Fribourg and Valais French or German depending on the municipality, in Graubünden one of the canton’s three languages, and in Ticino Italian.

Cantons with higher requirements

Cantons may set additional integration criteria (Art. 12 para. 3 SCA). Several require more than the federal minimum:

Canton	Spoken	Written
Schwyz	B2	B1
Nidwalden	B2	B1
Zug	B2	B1
Thurgau	B2	B1
Basel-Landschaft	B1	B1
Appenzell Ausserrhoden	B1	B1
City of St. Gallen	B1	B1

In Solothurn, admission to the compulsory new citizens’ course requires German at A2 written and B2 spoken. The information applies as of October 2026; the current rule is on your canton’s page.

If learning is particularly difficult

People who cannot meet the language requirements, or can only do so with great difficulty, because of a disability, illness or other serious personal circumstances are taken into account appropriately (Art. 9 SCO). This includes, for example, a pronounced learning, reading or writing difficulty or caring responsibilities. Raise this early with the responsible office.

Tips for preparation

Register early for a language test, as dates are often booked up weeks in advance. Practise what comes up in the test: conversations about daily life, work and family, and simple written messages. Remember that the naturalisation interview itself also shows your language level.