Published on 27 September 2026

Loss and renunciation of Swiss citizenship

A person may lose their Swiss citizenship through forfeiture, renunciation, declaration of nullity, or revocation. Anyone who holds Swiss citizenship may apply to give up (renounce) their Swiss citizenship if they are resident abroad and hold a non-Swiss citizenship or have been assured they can acquire one.

At their request, any Swiss citizen may be relieved of their Swiss citizenship (Article 37 of the Swiss Citizenship Act, SCA)

• if they reside abroad and
• if they hold or have been assured of another citizenship.

Relief of Swiss citizenship is granted by the authority in the canton of origin.

A Swiss citizen who holds citizenship of several cantons may submit their application in the canton of origin of their choice.

Relief of citizenship is granted by the authority in the canton of origin. Notification of relief of citizenship results in the loss of Swiss citizenship and cantonal and communal citizenship rights.

You will find information on the different ways you can lose Swiss citizenship on the website of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

SEM: Loss of Swiss citizenship

How to renounce Swiss citizenship

You live abroad and would like to give up your Swiss citizenship. As long as you hold citizenship of another country, you can submit a written application to renounce your Swiss citizenship to the responsible authority in your canton of origin. This authority makes decisions on the renunciation of citizenship.

If you have more than one canton of origin, you can submit your application for renunciation in the canton of your choice. The decision is made by the authority in your chosen canton.

Notification of renunciation of citizenship results in the loss of Swiss citizenship and cantonal and communal citizenship rights.

If necessary, the Swiss representation in your place of residence can advise you on this.

• General procedure

  • You submit a written application to renounce your Swiss citizenship together with the necessary supporting documents.
  • The canton of origin reviews your application and, if approved, issues a certificate of renunciation of Swiss citizenship.
  • You are notified with the certificate of renunciation.
  • Any Swiss identity documents must be returned to the Swiss representation so they can be cancelled.

• Minor children included in the renunciation

  Your minor children are included in the renunciation if:

  • you have parental authority over them;
  • they are resident abroad;
  • they hold a non-Swiss citizenship or are assured of acquiring one;
  • they give their written consent if they are aged 16 or over.

• Documents to be submitted

  Please check the website of your canton of origin.

  SEM: Cantonal naturalisation authorities

  The competent cantonal authority usually requires the following documents:

  • a written application, stating reasons for applying, addressed to the responsible cantonal authority in your canton of origin;
  • proof of residence abroad;
  • a copy of the foreign passport and/or an official document assuring a non-Swiss nationality;
  • a copy of the Swiss civil status certificate (if you’re single) or a copy of the Swiss family certificate (if you’re married);
  • if you have minor children, proof of your parental authority;
  • if you have children aged 16 or over, their written consent to the application for renunciation of Swiss citizenship.

  The competent cantonal authority may request additional documents.

• Swiss civil status documents

  If necessary, Swiss civil status documents (e.g. Swiss family certificate) can be ordered from the competent civil status authority in Switzerland. You will find the addresses of the civil registry authorities on the website of the Federal Office of Justice (FOJ): Responsibilities and authorities (German, French, Italian)

  You can also order Swiss civil status documents via your local representation. Costs must be paid in advance: Ordering Swiss civil status documents

• How long does the procedure take?

  The duration of the procedure depends on the canton of origin. If you need further information, please contact the cantonal authorities directly.

  The relevant Swiss representation must be notified of any change of address during this period.

• Fees

  The cantons may charge a fee to cover the costs of examining an application for renunciation of citizenship. The fee may vary from one canton to another. If you need further information, please contact the cantonal authorities directly.

Links

• SEM: Loss of Swiss citizenship
• SEM: Swiss citizenship manual (German, French, Italien)
• SEM: Cantonal naturalisation authorities
• List of civil status offices and surveillance authorities in Switzerland (German, French, Italien)
• Federal Act on Swiss Citizenship, SCA; SR 141.0
• Federal Ordinance on Swiss Citizenship, SCO; SR 141.01 (German, French, Italien)

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