After residing in Switzerland continuously for 10 years, you become eligible to apply for a Swiss Permanent Residence Permit (C Permit). Once you have obtained permanent residency and have lived in Switzerland for a total of 10 years, you can apply for naturalization to become a Swiss citizen. Previously, the required residency period for naturalization was 12 years.
Certain cases may allow you to apply for Swiss permanent residency or citizenship earlier. For example, spouses of Swiss nationals or second-generation residents might qualify for an expedited process. Additionally, if you are an EU/EFTA national, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship after only 5 years.
Both Swiss permanent residency and citizenship offer many similar benefits. As a permanent resident, you will have no employment restrictions, allowing you to work for any employer and change jobs freely. You can also purchase property without limitations, start your own business, and live anywhere within Switzerland. Permanent residents have access to social assistance and welfare benefits, similar to Swiss citizens.
However, Swiss citizenship offers additional advantages. As a citizen, you gain the right to vote and stand for public office, privileges not extended to permanent residents. The process of becoming a Swiss citizen is longer and comes with added obligations, such as mandatory military service for men aged 18 to 34.