Citizenship / naturalization
Citizenship is full legal membership of a state; naturalization is the procedure by which a foreign national may acquire it.
Swiss citizenship gives full political membership, including a Swiss passport, voting rights where applicable, and protection by Switzerland abroad. It is linked to the Confederation, a canton and a commune. Naturalization may be ordinary or facilitated, with requirements concerning residence, integration, language, respect for public order and familiarity with Swiss conditions. Cantonal and communal roles remain important in ordinary naturalization. Dual nationality is generally tolerated by Switzerland, but applicants must also consider the law of their existing nationality.