Swiss Citizen

Swiss citizenship test › Glarus

Swiss citizenship test in Glarus: questions, process and requirements

To be naturalised in the canton of Glarus, you need at least 10 years' residence in Switzerland and a C permit (permanent residence). The canton also requires residence of 2 years. Knowledge assessment: Interview. Language requirement: B1 spoken, A2 written.

Try 15 questions for Glarus free
No sign-up. Then a one-off payment of CHF 29 for all questions and the exam simulation, with lifetime access and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Key facts

CapitalGlarus
Population42,000
Official language(s)German
Communes3
GovernmentRegierungsrat (5 members)
ParliamentLandrat (60 members)
Residence requirement canton/commune2 years
Language levelB1 spoken, A2 written
Knowledge testInterview
Good to knowLandsgemeinde (open-air assembly). Only 3 communes since the 2011 merger.

Naturalisation in 7 steps

  1. 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.
  2. Meet the cantonal residence requirement. In Glarus: 2 years.
  3. Prove your language skills. Level required: B1 spoken, A2 written. This applies to the official language where you live (German).
  4. 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.
  5. Show your knowledge. In Glarus: Interview. It covers Swiss and cantonal politics, history, geography and society. In some cantons, you must include proof with your application.
  6. 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).
  7. 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 Glarus has 3 communes.

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 Glarus

What is the Landsgemeinde?

  1. A parliament
  2. An open-air assembly where citizens vote by show of hands
  3. A court
  4. A party
Show answer
Correct answer: B. An open-air assembly where citizens vote by show of hands
Direct democracy in its oldest form: voters gather in the town square and decide by raising their hands. Only Glarus and Appenzell Innerrhoden still hold one.

Sample questions on Swiss civics

Which health insurance is mandatory?

  1. Alternative medicine insurance
  2. Dental insurance
  3. Supplementary insurance
  4. Basic health insurance (obligatorische Krankenpflegeversicherung)
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Basic health insurance (obligatorische Krankenpflegeversicherung)
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 is the gross salary (Bruttolohn)?

  1. The salary after all deductions
  2. The salary before deductions
  3. The 13th monthly salary
  4. The child allowance
Show answer
Correct answer: B. The salary before deductions
The gross salary is the amount before deductions such as AHV/IV/EO, unemployment insurance, accident insurance and the pension fund. What remains and is paid into your account is the net salary (Nettolohn).

When did the current Federal Constitution come into force?

  1. 1848
  2. 1874
  3. 1971
  4. 2000
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 2000
On 1 January 2000, as a complete revision. Watch the distinction: 1848 is the first Federal Constitution which created the modern federal state, and 1874 was an earlier total revision.

How many countries does Switzerland border?

  1. 3
  2. 4
  3. 5
  4. 6
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 5
Five: Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein is the one people forget because it is small.

What is Serafe?

  1. A tax authority
  2. The radio and TV licence fee
  3. A health insurer
  4. A pension fund
Show answer
Correct answer: B. The radio and TV licence fee
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.

Try 15 questions for Glarus free

Frequently asked questions

How long do I need to live in Glarus to be naturalised?
In addition to 10 years' residence in Switzerland, the canton of Glarus requires residence of 2 years. Your commune may set additional periods.
What language level do I need in Glarus?
B1 spoken, A2 written. The requirement applies to the official language where you live (German).
What is the citizenship test like in Glarus?
Format: Interview. The responsible naturalisation office (canton or commune) provides details and dates.
Where do I apply for naturalisation in Glarus?
Depending on cantonal law, to your commune or to the canton. Glarus has 3 communes; your commune can tell you the exact procedure.

Sources

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.

Citizenship test in other cantons