Specific requirements
Basel-City requires 2 years of cantonal residence. German (B1 oral, A2 written) is mandatory. Processing times are among the shortest in German-speaking Switzerland.
Civics exam
Covers federal and cantonal institutions, Basel's history (joined the Confederation in 1501, separated from Basel-Country in 1833), and culture (Fasnacht carnival, UNESCO heritage).
Procedure and timelines
File at the Basel-City Migration Office. Expect 8 to 18 months.
Costs
Cantonal (incl. municipal): CHF 800–1,200 Federal: CHF 100 (non-EU/EFTA)