Relief of Swiss citizenship

At their request, any Swiss citizen may be relieved of their Swiss citizenship (Article 37 of the Swiss Citizenship Act, SCA)

  • if they reside abroad and

  • if they hold or have been assured of another citizenship. 

Relief of Swiss citizenship is granted by the authority in the canton of origin. 

A Swiss citizen who holds citizenship of several cantons may submit their application in the canton of origin of their choice.

Relief of citizenship is granted by the authority in the canton of origin. Notification of relief of citizenship results in the loss of Swiss citizenship and cantonal and communal citizenship rights.

Minor children included in the relief of citizenship

Relief of citizenship also includes minor children if

  • they are under the parental care of the applicants;

  • they reside abroad;

  • they hold or have been assured of another citizenship;

  • they give their written consent after reaching the age of 16 years.