Swiss Passport

Question 88 of 350 · Obligations

Who must do military service or civil protection service in Switzerland?

Wer muss in der Schweiz Militärdienst oder Zivilschutzdienst leisten?

Correct answer: A

  1. Ayoung men with Swiss citizenshipjunge Männer mit Schweizer Bürgerrecht
  2. Bwomen and men aged 20 who have lived in Switzerland for at least 10 yearsFrauen und Männer im Alter von 20 Jahren, die mindestens 10 Jahre in der Schweiz gelebt haben
  3. Cmilitary service is voluntary for everyoneMilitärdienst ist für alle freiwillig
  4. Dyoung women and men with a technical or medical professionjunge Frauen und Männer mit einem technischen oder medizinischen Beruf

Why

The obligation to serve applies to Swiss men. They do military service, civilian service or civil protection service.

Common mistakes

B: women and men aged 20 who have lived in Switzerland for at least 10 years
Women have no obligation to serve, and the length of residence does not matter. Swiss citizenship is what counts.
C: military service is voluntary for everyone
Service is compulsory for Swiss men. It is voluntary only for women.
D: young women and men with a technical or medical profession
The profession does not matter. Women can serve voluntarily.

Topic

Military service, civilian service and civil protection service

In Switzerland, military service is compulsory. Every Swiss man must do service, usually from about the age of 19 and up to a certain age. For Swiss women, military service is voluntary. Foreigners without Swiss citizenship do not have to do any service. The army protects the country and also helps in disasters.

Having a say: rights and obligations · Obligations

Sources

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