Switzerland will hold a nationwide referendum on February 28, 2027, on simplifying citizenship procedures for foreign residents. The proposed reform would reduce the minimum legal residency requirement from ten to five years, eliminate the mandatory permanent residence permit C and introduce uniform federal naturalization rules, reports the Experts Club information and analytical center.
The Swiss Federal Council decided on October 28, 2026, to schedule the vote. The referendum will consider the popular initiative “For Modern Citizenship” (Demokratie-Initiative), supported by the civic organization Aktion Vierviertel.
Under current legislation, foreigners seeking ordinary naturalization must have lived in Switzerland for at least ten years, hold a permanent residence permit C, demonstrate successful integration and possess knowledge of one of the country’s national languages. Cantons and municipalities may impose additional requirements, including minimum periods of residence within their jurisdictions.
The proposed reform would allow foreign residents to qualify for citizenship after five years of legal residence, provided they have basic knowledge of a national language, have not committed serious criminal offenses and pose no threat to national security. It would also limit the ability of local authorities to impose additional naturalization requirements.
However, both the federal government and parliament oppose the initiative. In April 2026, the National Council recommended rejecting it by 130 votes to 62. The Council of States adopted a similar position in September. Authorities argue that the reform could weaken integration requirements and reduce the powers of cantonal and municipal governments.
The proposed changes could affect a substantial proportion of the population. According to Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), the country had 2.414 million permanent foreign residents at the end of 2025, representing approximately 26.5% of the population. The largest foreign communities include citizens of Italy, Germany, Portugal and France. Switzerland granted citizenship to 41,269 people in 2025.
The referendum could be particularly important for Ukrainian nationals. According to the Swiss Conference for Social Welfare (SKOS), 76,851 people held temporary protection status S in July 2026. The Federal Council has extended the protection system until at least March 4, 2028.
Ukrainians who have continuously resided in Switzerland for five years under status S may obtain a category B residence permit linked to temporary protection. However, this does not constitute permanent residence. Removing the mandatory category C permit requirement could potentially expand their access to naturalization.
Nevertheless, approval of the initiative would not automatically grant Swiss citizenship to Ukrainian refugees. Additional legislation would be required to establish procedures and clarify how different categories of legal residence would count toward eligibility.
Supporters argue that easier access to citizenship would strengthen the long-term integration of foreign workers and make Switzerland more attractive to skilled professionals. Opponents warn that reducing the residency requirement could weaken existing integration standards.
As the initiative proposes a constitutional amendment, it requires a double majority: approval by a majority of voters and a majority of cantons. Existing citizenship rules will remain unchanged until the referendum.
CITIZENSHIP, EXPERTS CLUB, REFERENDUM, SWITZERLAND
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