Naturalisation Application 'Sistierung'

Visas, Permits, Passports and Naturalization
1
Hi all,

I have just received a letter from the Gemeindeamt that I fulfill all the criteria except the residency period, and that should be fulfilled as well by July.

Accordingly, they will be pausing my application till then (Sistierung).

Does anybody know what will happen in that case? Do I need to resubmit anything again? Will they automatically start working on my application directly on that due date?

Furthermore, I have studied here and speak C2 German. Based on my knowledge, starting end of June a test will be needed for new applications regardless of studying here or not.

Does that apply to me or since my application has been submitted before that date. Then there is no need for the test?

2
Did you try calling them?

3
Not yet, but i would.

As far as I know they said they can max. suspend it for 3 months, other than that i don't know.

I just wanted to know based on people's experience, if anyone had this situation before.

4
People usually do not deliberately apply for citizenship knowing they do not fulfill all basic criteria, such as 10 years of residency.

If a test is needed you do the test and pass it. It is expected that you have the relevant knowledge even if you do not have to do the test.

5
I submitted my application a few months before my ‘official due date’ of completing the residency requirements. They suspended it till that date arrived and immediately started to process it.

Good luck

6
Thanks so much for the info.

Did you have to submit some documents again?

So they directly forwarded your application to the Kanton? How long did it take?

7
Your life would be a lot simpler, if you would just wait until you are eligible, instead of trying to play the system.

8
Well it’s not really playing.

If i have been almost 15 years here i think 2-3 months won’t be that huge deal.

Also normally you can start with permits etc 90 in advance.

And finally i assumed they are still gonna need 3-4 months to check my application but they replied back in a month

9
You‘re simply not eligible yet. And naturalisation is quite different from a permit.

10
Are you integrated?

11
How would you define that?

I speak c2 german, been working and paying taxes 10+ years

Finished my masters here, had several other courses. Done some voluntary work.

Toured around the whole of Switzerland, i have many local friends and go to local events. I tried local activities and local foods.

And i speak some Italian and French.

Would that be enough?

12

Yes

13
Understanding Swiss customs and rules would certainly add to that.

Do you know your local Politics? The City and Cantonal government leaders? The issues going to the ballot, communal, cantonal and federal? Will you vote, perhaps even run for office?

14
I’m sorry but who are you to challenge the level of integration and eligibility of naturalizing as Swiss of other people that live on the other side of the country to where you are?

Swiss naturalization is based on a set list of definied criteria. If you fulfill them, you naturalize. No future voting intentions are disclosed nor is one questioned about interest in pursuing a political career.

15
Sigh.

They certainly asked me this during my naturalisation.

16
You do not need to prove yourself to anyone. If you fulfill the set list of criteria you will become Swiss, very simple.

17
As a naturalized Swiss you probably already knew the ordinary process varies greatly from town to town and canton to canton.

Nowadays the most recent citizenship act that came into place in 2018 makes it very difficult for refusals based on objective decisions to come into force.

18
Anyway i have studied here. So I’m exempted from any interviews and exams.

The naturalization office told me it’s just schriftliche Bearbeitung.

19
I wasn’t asked to submit documents again. It just went through smoothly into the process.

Process officially started only on November 2022 so still early days.