Switzerland Rethinks citizenship Costs: Basel-Stadt Leads the Way in Lowering Barriers to Naturalization
The path to Swiss citizenship is often paved with financial hurdles, but a recent move by the canton of Basel-Stadt aims to lower those barriers, especially for young residents. As costs increasingly deter potential citizens – especially those from second and third generations – the canton is drastically reducing fees,a decision that highlights a growing debate over access to Swiss nationality both within the country and for its citizens abroad.
they have lived in Switzerland since birth, attended local schools, and speak the national languages fluently: these are the second or even third-generation foreigners who consider Switzerland their home. Yet, for many, becoming Swiss citizens remains a distant dream due to the significant financial burden. The costs vary dramatically across the country. yz stands out as particularly expensive, with a fee of 2,850 francs in addition to cantonal and federal costs.In contrast, Kriens (LU) offers one of the most affordable options, totaling just 550 francs for all levels of government fees.
A survey conducted by the BASS, Office for Labor and Social Policy Studies, on behalf of the State Secretariat for Migration, underscored the impact of these costs. Published in January,the study found that up to 80% of second or third-generation residents desire naturalization,but over half cite high costs as a reason for not applying. This concern is even more pronounced among young peopel under 25,with up to 70% being dissuaded by the financial commitment. “Many young people who grew up here don’t want to appear as supplicants,” explained one study author,Lena Liechti. “They don’t want to have to prove that they deserve a Swiss passport.”
Basel-Stadt is now taking a bold step to address this issue. The cantonal Grand Council recently decided to waive cantonal fees for all naturalization applicants. Individuals under 25 will only pay the federal contribution of 100 francs, while minors will pay just 50 francs. For those over 25, costs will range from 800 to 1,700 francs, depending on the municipality. Crucially, individuals receiving social assistance, supplementary benefits, or premium reductions will also only be required to pay the 100-franc federal fee.
This reduction stems from an initiative spearheaded by SP Grand Councilor Mahir Kabakci, who believes lowering fees will encourage greater political participation. “This is how we promote political obligation,” Kabakci stated. He emphasized that fees represent a real obstacle, particularly for young people. Currently, just over 50% of Basel-Stadt’s residents are eligible voters, as nearly half of the population lacks a Swiss passport and, therefore, political rights.lowering fees,proponents argue,is essential to ensuring that a minority does not govern over the majority.
However, the cost of Swiss citizenship isn’t uniform across the board. Swiss citizens living abroad face substantially higher expenses when seeking to regain or obtain citizenship. Those who have lost their Swiss citizenship, for example, due to failing to confirm it by their 25th birthday, must pay several hundred francs for re-naturalization.
The fees associated with this process can quickly add up. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and cantonal authorities alone charge around 600 francs for adults. Additionally, Swiss representations abroad – consulates and embassies – bill for their services based on time spent, typically around 75 francs per half hour, plus smaller transmission costs. These fees are non-refundable,even if the application is denied. As an inevitable result, the cost of a Swiss passport for citizens abroad can be several times higher than what young people in Basel-stadt will soon pay. This disparity underscores the varying “price” of citizenship depending on residency, even for those with Swiss roots.
the city of Zurich implemented a similar fee elimination for those under 25 two years ago, and initial results indicate a significant increase in applications from young men, though concrete figures are still being compiled. “The word still needs to get out that naturalization is not simply expensive,” noted Christina Stücheli from the Zurich city chancellery.
It remains to be seen whether Basel-Stadt will experience a similar surge in applications. The changes are expected to take effect within the next year, and the administration anticipates additional costs of around one million francs. This investment, however, is viewed as a crucial step towards a more inclusive and representative Swiss citizenry.
