Hello. I was wondering how hard it is to obtain a Swiss citizenship, if you are not born there and dont have family members there. How long does it take? Is it ture you have to live there for 12 years before you can even apply? Is there a quicker way, like joining the military or something?
~ thanks

CaptainForest

Yes it is true.

A faster way you ask? By marrying someone who is Swiss. Cuts down the waiting time in half approx.

NeedKarma

If you're american maybe you can check here: http://www.eda.admin.ch/washington_emb/e/home.html

Sodalitas

Thank you for your help.

I know this may sound odd but here I go. I am American. I've had an urge to join the Swiss Guard for awhile now. I have a great interest in my faith and the Vatican and would like to serve in that group. I guess the citizenship laws are too harsh, 12 years would be a very long time. Im 19 so by the time I graduate college I'll be 23, and the max age to join the Guard is 30. Correct me in I'm wrong, in 2004 didnt the vote on making citizenship easier, but it failed? I wonder if they will vote again within the next 4 years or so.