Jimbo - did you do a search of all the threads ? I am sure I have seen quite some dscussions on this topic.

Cheers

Thanks Jeffery, I have indeed done a search of the forums and I found that it is a topic that has come up a few times but that there wasn't much information from anyone who had first hand experience. There were links to Ville de Geneve web pages on the subject of naturalization but I really need to talk to someone who's been through it, or someone who knows about it professionally, and could answer some questions for me.

Why not visit your local "Mairie" and ask there.  They'll have all the info you need.

R.

First step is to ensure your entire family is correctly registered in the Swiss electronic registers. (This is probably the case, so don't worry too much).  Then you need to fill in an application form from the Mairie and send it in with the following documents (it sounds complicated, but actually very easy, just apply for each document by post and send proof you paid the fee):

1) Office de Poursuites certificates from the cantons where you lived

2) Police Certificate of no crimes, from Berne

3) Letters from the tax authorities of the cantons you lived in confirming your taxes are up to date.

4) Letters from the Cantons bureau d'etrangers where you have lived certifying or proving 12 years residence in Switzerland.

5) Fill in a CV form specifying every place you ever lived in, every school you attended, all your qualifications, every job you ever had, with dates.  Do the same CV for your spouse and minor children, even if they are not applying for Swiss Nationality.

6) Letter from your employer.

Following acceptance by your commune that all the papers are in order, you will be invited to series of 4 interviews stretching over about a year.  You can expect to be asked questions to determine your motivations, your future plans, your knowledge of the language, and you will be tested on things like the Swiss political system, geography, and current affairs.

You can expect questions like "Describe how Cantonal rules are made in this Canton", "How many people make up the executive", "Describe the Cantonal flag", "How is the Swiss parliament made up and who elects the members of the different chambers ", "What are the ways the Swiss citizens can influence the parliament", "What are the reasons you want to become Swiss?" , "What do you like about Switzerland?"  "What don't you like?", "What is the largest enclosed lake inside Switzerland?" , "Name the main Swiss rivers", "What are the 3 initiatives to be voted on February 7th?", "What Canton is the most Eastern in Switzerland?", "When and where was Switzerland founded", "Name the most famous battles fought in this Canton and the outcome",  "When and how did this Canton join the Confederation", "Which General was in Charge of the army during the Second World War?", "Name a famous Swiss teacher, poet, writer, sportsman,....etc", "What are the most famous sights in Switzerland?" "What local events do you attend?", "how do you participate in the community and mix with your neighbours?", "How much money, salary, pension, wealth... do you have?".  (They probably already know what you put on your tax return).

You will be asked to nominate two Swiss Nationals who know you we'll, and can certify that you are a good guy.

Getting Swiss Nationality sounds gruelling, but it's a lot easier than passing a Chemistry exam at school.  All you have to do is follow the Steps one by one, learn all about Switzerland, and fill in the forms correctly.  I assume that you are pretty fluent in French?  If not, better watch a lot of Swiss TV, until you are at ease.

Good luck!

Hi, does anyone knows if one has to pay wealth tax for the properties after getting the swiss citizenship, even if the person is not working and don’t have any regular income?

Thanks,

If you are legally resident in Switzerland you will be taxed on all of your wealth (l^impôt sur la fortune).  Whether you are a citizen or not doesn't really matter for this tax.

We also help you prep and sit the Swiss Citizenship/Naturalisation exam:

www.learn-french-geneva.com

Can anyone comment on the real advantages of becoming Swiss? e.g., compared for instance to just having a C permit. I can think of:

- being able to vote at all levels (communal, cantonal and federal)

- possibility of being elected as political representative

- more positive perception from possible employers (shows commit to stay in Switzerland for the long term, plus the employer need not worry about paperwork related to your permit)

- having a Swiss passport opens the doors to travel easily around the world (this advantage is relative, and depends on what your first nationality is. For EU citizens, I 

- you can leave the country for an unlimited period without 

... anything else? For instance, any advantage when it comes to taxes, retirement pension, inheritance, ownership of real state in Switzerland or abroad? with respect to unemployment benefits? with respect to "l'aide social"? access to education, university fees or quotas? 

Thanks

*For EU citizens, the advantage of a Swiss passport for traveling seems minor

The passport power rank https://www.passportindex.org/byRank.php confirms my last statement

“Minor” if compared, say, with a UK passport if you need/want  to visit Russia right now?