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Swiss citizenship test in Bern: questions, process and requirements
To be naturalised in the canton of Bern, you need at least 10 years' residence in Switzerland and a C permit (permanent residence). The canton also requires residence of 2 years in the commune. Knowledge assessment: Written, 48 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes. Language requirement: B1 spoken, A2 written.
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Key facts
| Capital | Bern |
|---|---|
| Population | 1.07 million |
| Official language(s) | German, French |
| Communes | 334 |
| Districts | 10 |
| Government | Regierungsrat (7 members) |
| Parliament | Grosser Rat (160 members) |
| Residence requirement canton/commune | 2 years in the commune |
| Language level | B1 spoken, A2 written |
| Knowledge test | Written, 48 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes |
| Good to know | Bilingual (German/French). Federal city. Bear Pit. Old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
Naturalisation in 7 steps
- Check the requirements. At least 10 years' residence in Switzerland, including 3 of the 5 years before you apply. Years between your 8th and 18th birthdays count double, but you must have actually lived here for at least 6 years. Years on an N or L permit do not count; years on an F permit count half. You need a C permit.
- Meet the cantonal residence requirement. In Bern: 2 years in the commune.
- Prove your language skills. Level required: B1 spoken, A2 written. This applies to the official language where you live (German, French).
- Submit your application. Depending on cantonal law, to your commune or to the canton. You must not receive social assistance in the 3 years before applying or during the procedure, unless you repay it in full. Some cantons set a longer period.
- Show your knowledge. In Bern: Written, 48 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes. It covers Swiss and cantonal politics, history, geography and society. In some cantons, you must include proof with your application.
- Assessment by commune and canton. They assess your integration, often in an interview. If the outcome is positive, they forward the application to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
- Federal licence and decision. The SEM issues the federal naturalisation licence. The canton then decides on naturalisation within one year. Once the decision is legally binding, you acquire communal, cantonal and Swiss citizenship.
The role of the commune
Swiss citizenship has three levels: commune, canton and Confederation. The canton of Bern has 334 communes in 10 districts.
Your commune of residence is usually the first point of contact: it receives the application or takes part in the procedure, often conducts the naturalisation interview and, in many cantons, decides on communal citizenship. Depending on the canton, a minimum period of residence in the commune also applies, and fees and deadlines differ from commune to commune.
Depending on the canton and commune, you may also be asked about your commune, for example its authorities, services or local history. For binding information, contact the residents' office or naturalisation office of your commune.
Sample question about Bern
What is special about the canton of Bern?
- The largest canton
- It hosts the federal city
- The only city canton
- The oldest canton
Show answer
Bern is the federal city, seat of the Federal Council and parliament. It is the second-largest canton by area and population, and bilingual German-French.
Sample questions on Swiss civics
What are the two chambers of parliament called?
- House of Lords and House of Commons
- Senate and Congress
- National Council and Council of States
- Parliamentary group and committee
Show answer
The National Council (Nationalrat, 200 seats, representing the population) and the Council of States (Ständerat, 46 seats, representing the cantons). Together they form the Federal Assembly (Bundesversammlung).
Which health insurance is mandatory?
- Alternative medicine insurance
- Dental insurance
- Supplementary insurance
- Basic health insurance (obligatorische Krankenpflegeversicherung)
Show answer
Only basic health insurance (Grundversicherung, KVG) is compulsory, and everyone must take it out within three months of taking up residence in Switzerland. Dental and supplementary cover are voluntary extras.
What was the Helvetic Republic?
- Present-day Switzerland
- A centralised state under French influence (1798–1803)
- A Roman province
- A kingdom
Show answer
After the French invasion in 1798, the old Confederation was replaced by a centralised unitary state modelled on France. It abolished cantonal sovereignty, proved unworkable, and collapsed in 1803.
When did women get the right to vote at federal level?
- 1945
- 1959
- 1971
- 1981
Show answer
In 1971, notably late by European standards. Cantons introduced it separately between 1959 (Vaud, Neuchâtel) and 1990, when Appenzell Innerrhoden was forced to comply by the Federal Court. 1981 is the year the equality article entered the constitution.
What is Serafe?
- A tax authority
- The radio and TV licence fee
- A health insurer
- A pension fund
Show answer
Serafe collects the mandatory radio and television fee, around CHF 335 per household per year. Every household pays it, whether or not it owns a TV or radio.
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Frequently asked questions
- How long do I need to live in Bern to be naturalised?
- In addition to 10 years' residence in Switzerland, the canton of Bern requires residence of 2 years in the commune. Your commune may set additional periods.
- What language level do I need in Bern?
- B1 spoken, A2 written. The requirement applies to the official language where you live (German, French).
- What is the citizenship test like in Bern?
- Format: Written, 48 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes. The responsible naturalisation office (canton or commune) provides details and dates.
- Where do I apply for naturalisation in Bern?
- Depending on cantonal law, to your commune or to the canton. Bern has 334 communes; your commune can tell you the exact procedure.
Sources
- State Secretariat for Migration (SEM): ordinary naturalisation
- Canton of Bern: official naturalisation information
Last updated: October 2026. No guarantee is given for this information; the canton and commune are the authoritative sources. Swiss Citizen is an independent learning platform and is not affiliated with any authority.