Privileges Exclusively Granted to Swiss Citizens, Denied to Foreign Residents in Switzerland
Switzerland isn't shy about favoring its own citizens over foreigners when it comes to rights and benefits. Many places around the world follow a similar pattern.
Foreign nationals in Switzerland might be excluded from certain advantages, and their rights can often be dictated by their work or residency status. For instance, regardless of your nationality, you can't cast a vote in federal referendums or elections or run for public offices.
That said, it depends on where in Switzerland you reside, as some cantons may offer a limited political participation for foreigners. The Swiss-French cantons, for example, are more inclusive than their German-speaking counterparts. Municipalities like Geneva, which has the largest foreign population, even allow non-citizens to vote at the communal level—though they can't run for office.
However, it's essential to meet certain conditions, such as a specific length of stay, a residence permit, or meeting other specific requirements set by each canton. In some cantons like Vaud, foreigners can run for or sit on the communal or Town Council, sign an initiative or a communal referendum—fully participating in the political process.
Children's citizenship status doesn't always match where they're born. Unlike some European countries and the United States, Switzerland doesn't consider citizenship a birthright. A child born in Switzerland will only automatically obtain citizenship if at least one parent is a Swiss citizen. Otherwise, they'll inherit their parents' nationality.
European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) citizens enjoy similar privileges as Swiss citizens, except for voting or running for political offices on the federal level. Non-EU or EFTA residents face more restrictions.
Moving from one canton to another isn't a breeze for everyone either. Swiss citizens can change cantons without a hassle, but some foreigners cannot relocate within Switzerland at will. If they want to move to another canton, they might need the approval of local authorities, especially if their residency permits are tied to specific jobs or employers.
International residents seeking financial assistance might face consequences if their applications are approved. While Swiss citizens can legitimately request assistance without any issues, foreigners intending to naturalize will have their applications denied unless they repay all the money they owe.
From the fall semester of 2025, foreign students enrolled in Switzerland's two federal polytechnic institutes, the ETH in Zurich and the EPFL in Lausanne, will have to pay tripled tuition fees. While Swiss students' fees remain the same, the increased charges for foreign students will help make up for reduced federal contributions.
In short, Switzerland's voting rights for foreigners differ greatly by canton and municipality, as decisions are made at these local levels rather than at the federal level. Consult cantonal websites or municipal authorities for precise, up-to-date foreign voting rules.
- In some cantons, foreigners may run for or sit on the communal or Town Council, sign an initiative, or participate in a communal referendum, unlike in Vaud where such opportunities are not extended.
- Swiss-French cantons, such as Geneva, are more inclusive than their German-speaking counterparts, allowing non-citizens to vote at the communal level, albeit not for office.
- Foreigners living in Switzerland might be entitled to different home-and-garden benefits based on their work or residency status, distinct from Swiss citizens.
- Regarding exceptions to lifestyle entitlements, European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) citizens enjoy similar privileges as Swiss citizens, except for voting or running for federal political offices; however, non-EU or EFTA residents face more restrictions.
