Dual nationality in Switzerland (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Switzerland has allowed dual nationality without restriction since 1 January 1992. Naturalisation in Switzerland does not require giving up the previous nationality, and Swiss citizens who acquire another nationality abroad keep Swiss citizenship. Whether the other country allows dual nationality depends on its own law.

RuleWhat applies
Naturalisation: giving up the previous nationalityNationality rulesNot required [1]
Naturalisation: exceptions to giving up the previous nationalityNationality rulesNone stated. The Swiss authorities cannot say whether the applicant's previous country will treat naturalisation in Switzerland as a loss of that nationality; the applicant must ask that country's authorities. [1]
Voluntarily acquiring a foreign nationalityNationality rulesNo loss of nationality [1]
Loss of nationality on acquiring a foreign nationality: detailsNationality rulesSwiss citizens who acquire another nationality abroad do not have to give up Swiss citizenship, unless the other state requires renunciation of the previous nationality as a condition of acquiring its own. [1]

Notes

  • Since 1 January 1992 dual nationality is allowed in Switzerland without restriction (SEM). The other country's law may still provide for automatic loss of its nationality on voluntary acquisition of another.
  • Swiss nationality can still be lost on other grounds, for example release on request of a person living abroad who holds or is assured another nationality (BüG art. 37), forfeiture at age 25 for some persons born abroad with another nationality who were never registered (art. 7), nullity of the naturalisation, or withdrawal from a dual national whose conduct seriously harms Switzerland (art. 42).

Sources

  1. Staatssekretariat für Migration (SEM): Doppelbürger (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.