The Federal Council of Switzerland has confirmed that a nationwide referendum on simplifying the acquisition of citizenship by foreigners will take place on 28 February 2027. The initiative foresees reducing the minimum period of lawful residence from ten to five years, abolishing the requirement for a category C residence permit and introducing uniform federal rules for naturalisation.
What changes are being proposed to naturalisation
The referendum brings to vote the popular initiative “For Modern Citizenship” (Demokratie-Initiative), promoted by the civic association Aktion Vierviertel. Currently, naturalisation requires: at least ten years’ residence, a permanent category C residence permit, proof of integration and language ability, as well as additional requirements from cantons and municipalities.
The proposed reform contains the following main provisions:
- replacing the requirement “at least 10 years’ residence” with “5 years of lawful residence”;
- abolishing the mandatory category C residence permit;
- introducing uniform federal rules instead of cantonal and municipal requirements;
- expanded integration criteria, basic knowledge of one of the national languages and defined requirements on security and criminal records.
According to the initiative’s authors, the right to naturalisation would be granted to foreigners who have lawfully lived in Switzerland for five years, have basic knowledge of one of the national languages, have not been convicted to long-term imprisonment and do not pose a threat to the country’s security.
Position of the Federal Council and Parliament
Despite support for the initiative from civic organisations, the Federal Council and Parliament recommend rejecting the changes. In April 2026 the National Council voted against the reform: 130 members supported the recommendation to reject the initiative, 62 voted against the recommendation, and one abstained.
In September the Council of States confirmed a similar position, and during the final parliamentary vote the negative recommendation was maintained. The government believes that shortening the residence period and abolishing the C permit could unduly weaken naturalisation requirements and limit the ability of cantons and municipalities to set their own rules.
Consequences for Ukrainians with temporary protection status S
The referendum result could be significant for Ukrainians who are in Switzerland under temporary protection status S (status S). According to the Swiss Conference for Social Assistance (SKOS), in July 2026 there were 76 851 people with status S living in the country.
In August the Federal Council extended the temporary protection mechanism at least until 4 March 2028. Under current rules, people who have continuously lived in Switzerland for five years with status S are entitled to a category B residence permit linked to temporary protection, but such a permit is not permanent and remains valid only as long as the protective status is maintained.
If the referendum endorses abolishing the mandatory C permit requirement, this could potentially broaden naturalisation opportunities for foreigners holding temporary residence permits. At the same time, approval of the reform would not mean automatic citizenship: after the vote it will be necessary to set out how the new provisions are implemented in practice, including rules for counting periods of stay under different migration statuses.
When the rules could change and what is needed for adoption
The referendum will take place on 28 February 2027. Approval of the popular initiative requires a double majority — the support of a majority of voters and a majority of cantons. If the result is positive, Swiss authorities must implement constitutional changes and determine the practical procedure for naturalisation under the new rules.
Until any changes are adopted, the standard requirements will remain unchanged: ten years’ residence, a category C residence permit and compliance with statutory integration conditions. For Ukrainians planning to remain in Switzerland long term, the vote may affect prospects for obtaining citizenship, but specific opportunities will depend on the final legislation and each person’s migration status.
