The current legislation on Swiss nationality is based on the following principles: 

• Citizenship rights at three levels: communal, cantonal and Swiss federal citizenship rights 
• Acquisition of nationality by descent 
• Equal rights for men and women 
• Entitlement to Swiss nationality (naturalisation, simplified naturalisation)

Swiss law permits dual nationality; in other words the acquisition of foreign citizenship rights does not affect Swiss citizenship rights. However, certain countries demand that a person who acquires the nationality of that country must renounce previous citizenship rights.

More than half of all Swiss nationals residing abroad are also nationals of another state, usually the state in which they live. These dual nationals are treated solely as nationals of the country of residence by the authorities of that country. This general rule can have certain consequences if a Swiss national needs help in matters relating to consular protection or welfare, since the law of the country of residence normally applies.

Swiss citizenship by birth

A child of a Swiss mother or a Swiss father married to the mother of the child acquires Swiss citizenship by birth. A person born of a Swiss parent abroad has to be registered either with the relevant Swiss Embassy or Consulate General or the Swiss authorities before reaching the age of 22. After this deadline is missed, it is possible under certain conditions to apply for reintegration into Swiss citizenship.

Child of a Swiss father not married to the mother

If a child born before 1 January 2006 with foreign nationality has a Swiss father who is not married to the mother, the child did not automatically become Swiss. If the father acknowledges the child before he/she reaches the age of majority, the child can submit an application for simplified naturalisation before reaching the age of 22. After the age of 22, the child can submit an application for simplified naturalisation provided he/she has a close relationship with Switzerland.

A child born after 1 January 2006 will become Swiss citzien upon registration in Switzerland.

Swiss citizenship by marriage

A foreigner does not acquire Swiss citizenship by marriage to a Swiss national. However, a foreigner can apply for Swiss citizenship after six years of marriage to a Swiss national. The applicant has then to prove his/her close ties with Switzerland e.g. vacations spent in Switzerland, relations with Swiss friends and relatives and Swiss societies abroad, speaking one of the national languages of Switzerland etc.