Mexican with Swiss Ancestry

Visas, Permits, Passports and Naturalization
1

Hello everyone!
I’m a Mexican national and I have a question about legally moving to Switzerland. Does having Swiss ancestry help in any way with the immigration or residency process?

I understand Switzerland offers several types of visas and permits, such as:

  • Type C (Schengen Visa) for short stays
  • Type D (National Visa) for longer stays
  • Permit B for temporary residence
  • Permit C for permanent residency
  • Family reunification permits, in certain cases

In my case, my great-grandfather was Swiss, born in Mexico. His father—my 2nd great-grandfather Swiss born in A.R. Registered my great grand in Rehetobel A.R. and even took him back to Rehetobel, where he lived until his teenage years.

However, my great-grandfather did not register my grandmother (his daughter) in the Familienbuch (Swiss family register), which may have affected our family tree citizenship status.

Would this type of ancestry or connection give me any advantage in applying for any type of immigration benefit to us in 2025?

Thanks in advance for any guidance!

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No.

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Having Swiss ancestry can help, but it depends on whether your family maintained Swiss citizenship through proper registration. Since your great-grandfather didn’t register your grandmother in the Familienbuch, your direct citizenship link may have lapsed. However, you might still be eligible to apply for facilitated naturalization if you can prove strong ties to Switzerland (language, culture, visits, etc.).

It’s best to contact the Swiss consulate in your country or a migration lawyer familiar with Swiss nationality law, as they can help clarify your specific case.

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As of today, no.

There was some political noise about this specific topic but it was ended by the Parliament. But, worker scarcity is a perennial issue around here, something may happen in the future. Also, not a bad idea to invite people with some link to Switzerland instead of pure mercenaries (speaking for myself :laughing: )

Back to Rehetobel, still in contact with any family member? That may help to find a lawyer. Or at least the family member can write a Letter of Invitation that can facilitate entry to Switzerland for a short stay. See letter of invitation here:

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Spain grants citizenship to Mexicans after two years legal residence. And there’s no issue with the language.

Just saying.

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I imagine that your grandmother then married a Mexican husband (your grandfather) ?

Before 1952 Swiss women lost their swiss nationality when they married a non-Swiss.
Between 1952-1992 Swiss women lost their swiss nationality when they married a non-Swiss (by default), except if they proactively declared that they wish to retain it.

Even if your grand-mother was registered at birth as Swiss (which she was not, as her father didn’t do it), she would have lost her Swiss citizenship anyway, when married a foreigner (if she married a non-Swiss).

PS: Although you can trace your history with clarity, you have to realize that nationality worked very differently in the past than today.. In most countries, nationality was only passed from father to children, the women were not allowed to pass on their nationality.

Here is a useful article :

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I know I could easily apply for a residence permit and wait the two years for Spain, or even retire in Switzerland without much trouble. I’m just curious whether having Swiss ancestry actually offers any immigration advantage. Personally, I’d prefer to live in Switzerland—especially in the town of my Heimatort. I speak basic German, but I’m fluent in Italian, as well as English and Spanish.