Important Updates
Important Updates
October 22, 2025 | SwedenSweden: New EU Blue Card Rules Forthcoming
October 22, 2025 | ChinaChina: Updated Online Visa Application System for U.S. Applicants Launched
October 22, 2025 | United KingdomFinancial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society
October 22, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Change of Residence Permit Practice Relaxed
October 22, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 22, 2025 | SwedenSweden: New EU Blue Card Rules Forthcoming
October 22, 2025 | ChinaChina: Updated Online Visa Application System for U.S. Applicants Launched
October 22, 2025 | United KingdomFinancial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society
October 22, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Change of Residence Permit Practice Relaxed
October 22, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 22, 2025 | SwedenSweden: New EU Blue Card Rules Forthcoming
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Considerations Surrounding Loss of Swiss Citizenship

July 8, 2024

Considerations Surrounding Loss of Swiss Citizenship

Country / Territory

  • SwitzerlandSwitzerland

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Zurich][Manager][AnaBessaSantos]

Ana Bessa Santos

Senior Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4499

Related insights

  • Becoming a Swiss Citizen: General Requirements and Ordinary Process
  • Becoming a Swiss Citizen: Simplified Process

Related offices

  • Zurich

Related content

  • Citizenship by Ancestry

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Zurich][Manager][AnaBessaSantos]

Ana Bessa Santos

Senior Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4499

Related insights

  • Becoming a Swiss Citizen: General Requirements and Ordinary Process
  • Becoming a Swiss Citizen: Simplified Process

Related offices

  • Zurich

Related content

  • Citizenship by Ancestry

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Zurich][Manager][AnaBessaSantos]

Ana Bessa Santos

Senior Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4499

Related insights

  • Becoming a Swiss Citizen: General Requirements and Ordinary Process
  • Becoming a Swiss Citizen: Simplified Process

Related offices

  • Zurich

Related content

  • Citizenship by Ancestry

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Ana Bessa Santos

The topic of Swiss citizenship has been extensively covered as it frequently draws inquiries from both clients and the general public. Previous discussions have encompassed comprehensive guides on the pathways to Swiss citizenship through both ordinary and simplified naturalisation processes, detailing the requisite criteria. Explore these resources via the following links:

      • Becoming a Swiss Citizen: General Requirements and Ordinary Process
      • Becoming a Swiss Citizen: Simplified Process

Additionally, nuanced issues surrounding the loss and restoration of Swiss citizenship for individuals born abroad have also been addressed. This overview delves into the circumstances leading to citizenship loss and outlines the procedures for reapplication.

Continuing our commitment to this important subject matter, this blog aims to shed further light on considerations relevant to individuals with family ties to Switzerland. It is crucial to understand that changes in citizenship law mean that having Swiss ancestry does not automatically confer Swiss citizenship. This realisation can be disheartening for those hoping to claim Swiss heritage after certain deadlines have passed.

Commons Scenarios

The following is a list of frequent scenarios on which Fragomen’s Swiss team advises:

      • Ineligibility Through Grandparents: Since the enactment of the new citizenship law in 2018, it is no longer possible to apply for Swiss citizenship through grandparents. This means that if one of your grandparents was a Swiss national, but neither of your parents held Swiss citizenship at the time of your birth, you are not eligible to apply for Swiss citizenship by descent.
      • Loss of Citizenship Due to Marriage: Historically, Swiss women who married foreign nationals before 1992 automatically lost their Swiss citizenship, unless they explicitly opted to retain it. There was a 10-year window for affected individuals to reapply for Swiss citizenship; however, this opportunity has now expired, and it is no longer possible to reapply via a simplified process.
      • Retention of Citizenship for Children Born Abroad: Children born abroad to at least one Swiss parent could retain their Swiss citizenship until age 25, provided they are dual nationals or have taken specific actions, such as registration with Swiss authorities abroad or declaring in writing their desire to retain Swiss nationality. If living abroad without the ability to reside in Switzerland and meet residency requirements, obtaining or re-obtaining Swiss citizenship may no longer be feasible due to nationality restrictions.

If you live abroad without the ability to meet Switzerland’s residency requirements for application, re-obtaining or applying for Swiss citizenship may not be feasible due to nationality restrictions.

Fragomen’s Swiss team can help evaluate your individual circumstances and offer tailored guidance regarding your specific Swiss citizenship questions and scenarios.

Need to Know More?

For further information on Swiss immigration requirements, please contact Senior Immigration Manager Ana Bessa Santos at [email protected].

This blog was published on 8 July 2024, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Country / Territory

  • SwitzerlandSwitzerland

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Zurich][Manager][AnaBessaSantos]

Ana Bessa Santos

Senior Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4499

Related insights

  • Becoming a Swiss Citizen: General Requirements and Ordinary Process
  • Becoming a Swiss Citizen: Simplified Process

Related offices

  • Zurich

Related content

  • Citizenship by Ancestry

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Zurich][Manager][AnaBessaSantos]

Ana Bessa Santos

Senior Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4499

Related insights

  • Becoming a Swiss Citizen: General Requirements and Ordinary Process
  • Becoming a Swiss Citizen: Simplified Process

Related offices

  • Zurich

Related content

  • Citizenship by Ancestry

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Zurich][Manager][AnaBessaSantos]

Ana Bessa Santos

Senior Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4499

Related insights

  • Becoming a Swiss Citizen: General Requirements and Ordinary Process
  • Becoming a Swiss Citizen: Simplified Process

Related offices

  • Zurich

Related content

  • Citizenship by Ancestry

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.