Swiss citizenship test — canton of Basel-Stadt

The three steps of naturalisation

Ordinary naturalisation in canton Basel-Stadt follows three steps. First, you check whether you meet all requirements. You can use the first page of the online application form as a self-test to see if you are eligible.

Next, you gather all necessary documents. Since 2026, you can submit your application online with or without an eKonto account, or by post. Online submission lets you save your progress at any time.

Allow about an hour to complete the form. If you have questions, you can contact the authorities through the contact form.

Your requirements

For ordinary naturalisation, you must meet several requirements. You must have had your main residence in Switzerland for 10 years, including 3 years in the past 5 years before your application.

You need a settlement permit (permit C), no tax arrears from the past 5 years, no criminal record entries or pending proceedings, and no unpaid collection notices. Your German must be sufficient for everyday communication.

You must participate in economic life or pursue education. Full information is available from the canton's authorities.

What comes up in the canton of Basel-Stadt

The question bank's themes for this canton, largest first.

• Swiss history67 questions
• Swiss politic58 questions
• Swiss geography27 questions
• Swiss economy7 questions

The questions specific to this canton and your commune are not published here — they are in the quiz.

Communes of the canton of Basel-Stadt

Your exam depends on your commune too. 3 communes in the canton of Basel-Stadt.

• Basel
• Bettingen
• Riehen

Official sources

Check these before doing anything: they are authoritative, we are not.

• The cantonal naturalisation office
• SEM — Ordinary naturalisation