Which right do people only receive through naturalisation?

The right to vote and elect at federal level is reserved for Swiss citizens. Foreign nationals already have the other rights mentioned before naturalisation.

Common mistakes

A: They may join an association.

Any person may join an association. You do not need a Swiss passport for that.

C: They may buy a flat.

Foreign nationals living in Switzerland may buy a flat that they live in themselves.

D: They may freely choose their job.

Many foreign nationals may already choose their job freely with their permit, without naturalisation.

Who may vote in elections and popular votes?

At federal level, only people who have Swiss citizenship and are at least 18 years old may have a say. These people are called voters (Stimmberechtigte). Where you were born, how much tax you pay or whether you have a criminal record does not matter. Only a few adults are excluded: those who permanently cannot decide for themselves because of a serious mental illness or disability.

Having a say: rights and obligations · Elections and popular votes

Sources

• stadt-zuerich.ch
• ch.ch
• fedlex.admin.ch

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.