I am thinking of applying for citizenship in Gmd. Rotkreuz, Kanton Zug. I haven‘t done it before because (a) I don‘t really feel very integrated ( no lifelong real Swiss friends -but some work friends, neighborhood friendly relationships ) so I think I might fail this test (b) i would need to apply alone as my husband is not bothered - does this look very bad? and (c) my 17 year old daughter goes to international school and probably will go to Uni abroad- again, looks negative maybe? I don‘t want to apply and fail. At the same time I want the passport to secure my ( and my family) ability to stay here in retirement. Any experiences, comments please? thanks very much
Hello,
You may be secure in retirement, but if your husband does not apply, he won't be.
Nor your daughter.
Tom
Integration can be measured by language skills, by beign able to demonstrate an understanding of how things work in Switzerland, and also by your participation in things that happen locally.
You might find some background or tips in these threads (albeit started about different situations):
It’s normal to not feel integrated so don’t beat yourself up about that. Many people, in my opinion, measure their integration by the same level of integration of their home country which is an unattainable goal. So it’s a matter of changing perspective. Ask yourself these kind of questions:
- What does Switzerland mean for me?
- What good memories you have of Switzerland?
- What good memories you have of your local community?
- What kind of local / Swiss food would you call your favorite?
- Are you part of any groups locally? Regardless if Swiss dominated or not?
- You want to stay here in retirement? Why?
The answers to these kind of questions is what connects you to the local community, people, landscape and traditions. It’s usually a good starting point.
It would raise some unfavorable questions / thoughts from the Bürgergemeinde panel which would interview you. Less so at the Kantonal level.
What is it that your husband can’t be bothered with exactly? The paperwork? Something else?
-> is there something you can offer to remove that barrier?
Is retirement security something he would like too? Is that a point you could leverage?
Why would this look bad? Is that really the case? Why would going to an international school be a good idea? - focus on that, there is a very good reason why your daughter goes to international school. Becoming Swiss does not invalidate your previous decisions.
Going to study abroad also does not preclude her from the process and she would remain a Swiss resident if she wishes. Many Swiss school leavers go and study abroad, why should becoming a Swiss Citizen mean you don’t follow your educational and career aspirations outside of Switzerland.
The need for security and stability is an important and valid one.
I would compliment it with other reasons not driven by fear. Again think about what you like about the country, its people (Swiss or otherwise), culture and traditions and go from there. A convincing story is always a personal one so tell your story.
This a good exercise anyway as you will have to write about your motivation for becoming Swiss. (In Rotkreuz as a Gemeinde, Zug as Kanton and Switzerland itself as a federated country.
Thank you for a very helpful reply- plenty to think about!
Welcome
The thoughts and process are quite daunting. You just have to get started and figure it out along the way.
Do you know where to start?
Do you already have a C permit? That's essentially permanent residency so you don't have to naturalize if you don't want to.
I do have a C permit. Maybe I’m paranoid but it is subject to renewal every 10 years and also does not allow me to leave for longer than 6 months- I might want to do this after retirement. I would like the additional security of a passport that could not be taken away ( unless serious criminality etc.) But do I realistically have a chance of success? I am overthinking
Yes, you have a chance of success if you have sufficient language skills, can demonstrate adequate integration, and can pass whatever tests about the Swiss government and local customs that your municipality/canton sets before you. Those are very possible to achieve. Go for it! Having Swiss citizenship definitely does have the advantages you mention, and is well worth getting.
Having recently done it, albeit another Canton, I think if you can say yes to these 4 things, you're good:
-language skills
-clean record, i.e. taxpaying, no criminal record, no social help, no debt register, etc.
-study and pass the now fairly easy standardised test
-demonstrate your integration by being part of a local club, organisation, (this one was pretty key, if you had it then integration was automatic check)