Specific requirements in Ticino
Ticino requires 2 years of cantonal residence and 1 year of municipal residence, in addition to the 10 federal years. Italian language skills at B1 oral and A2 written level are mandatory.
Ticino also requires a civics exam focused on cantonal and Swiss institutions, regional history and geography.
The civics exam
The exam is conducted in Italian and covers Ticino's institutions (Grand Council, Council of State), municipalities, regional history and geography.
Our quiz covers exactly these topics for Ticino.
Procedure and timelines
The application is filed through your municipality with the cantonal Population Section (SePos).
Timelines are 12 to 24 months. Bellinzona, Lugano and Locarno may take longer than smaller municipalities.
Costs and specificities
Costs in Ticino are around the Swiss average:
Municipal: CHF 100–400 Cantonal: CHF 200–500 Federal: CHF 100 (non-EU/EFTA)
Note: Ticino is the only canton bordering Italy, with a long tradition of cross-border workers.