Language requirements

Knowledge of a national language is a basic requirement for the successful integration into working and social life.

All persons applying for family reunification, a residence or permanent residence permit, or regular or early naturalisation must prove their knowledge of a national language. The required language level, which is based on a phased model and differentiates between oral and written language proficiency, is a minimum requirement. Further information can be obtained from the cantonal migration authorities.

SEM publishes the list of recognised language certificates. The list is regularly updated and indicates which language certificates are valid for proof of language proficiency in naturalisation and immigration proceedings.

• Liste der anerkannten Sprachzertifikate (PDF, 234 kB, 01.10.2023)

  (List of recognised language certificates. This document is not available in English)

• FAQ – Fragen und Antworten zur Liste der anerkannten Sprachzertifikate (PDF, 153 kB, 27.09.2022)

   

Legal basis

• Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (Foreign Nationals and Integration Act)

  (FNIA, CC 142.20)

• Verordnung über Zulassung, Aufenthalt und Erwerbstätigkeit

  (VZAE, SR 142.201)
  (Ordinance on Admission, Period of Stay and Employment. Available in German, French and Italian)

• Bundesgesetz über das Schweizer Bürgerrecht (Bürgerrechtsgesetz)

  (BüG, SR 141.0)
  (Federal Act on Swiss Citizenship. Available in German, French and Italian)

• Verordnung über das Schweizer Bürgerrecht (Bürgerrechtsverordnung)

  (BüV, SR 141.01)
  (Ordinance on Swiss Citizenship. Available in German, French and Italian)

• Verordnung über die Integration von Ausländerinnen und Ausländern

  (VIntA, SR 142.205)
  (Ordinance on the Integration of Foreign Nationals. Available in German, French and Italian)

Links

• Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR)
• Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE)

Last modification 31.03.2023