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Switzerland citizenship by descent is governed by Schweizer Bürgerrecht — Abstammung. Swiss citizenship by descent is available to children of Swiss nationals born abroad under certain conditions. Third-generation foreign-born children of Swiss parents have a streamlined path. We work with cantonal authorities on your behalf.
This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Swiss citizenship by descent — country guide, document checklists, comparisons, glossary terms, cost estimates, and eligibility assessment — in one place.
The key thing to know: Switzerland is cantonal — each canton has its own procedures. The foreign-born child of a Swiss parent must be registered at the Swiss consulate before age 25 or they lose eligibility.
Transmission rule: Both parents equally since 1985. Before 1985, maternal transmission only if the child would otherwise be stateless.
Generational limit: 1 generation (parent). Third-generation foreign-born children of Swiss parents have a streamlined path. Children of Swiss parents born abroad who are registered before age 25 are Swiss.
Dual citizenship: Permitted — Switzerland allows dual citizenship.
Language requirement: None for descent. B1 German/French/Italian for naturalization.
Filing authority: Cantonal authority (Zivilstandsamt) or Swiss consulate.
FAQ
Is there a generational limit for Switzerland citizenship by descent?
Switzerland: 1 generation (parent). Third-generation foreign-born children of Swiss parents have a streamlined path. Children of Swiss parents born abroad who are registered before age 25 are Swiss.
Does Switzerland allow dual citizenship?
Switzerland: Permitted — Switzerland allows dual citizenship.
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