Switzerland: Information on the rights and obligations of a person born in Switzerland of foreign parents
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 November 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | CHE18736.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Switzerland: Information on the rights and obligations of a person born in Switzerland of foreign parents, 1 November 1994, CHE18736.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac7b1.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to a representative of the embassy of Switzerland, a person born in Switzerland of foreign parents has no claim to Swiss citizenship, in accordance with article 1 of the attached 23 March 1990 amendments to the 29 September 1952 federal law on citizenship (16 Nov. 1994). The representative also stated that being born in Switzerland of foreign parents does not automatically confer legal rights to reside and work in Switzerland. In Switzerland, permanent residence can only be acquired after five years of temporary residence (ibid.). During the five-year period, a foreigner allowed to work in Switzerland will be entitled to renewable temporary residence and work permits, but can only reside in the township (canton) where his employer's firm is located (ibid.). The above-mentioned person would have no legal priority over any other foreigner applying for work and residence in Switzerland (ibid.).
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
Reference
Embassy of the Swiss Confederation. 16 November 1994. Telephone interview with official.
Attachment
Switzerland. 23 March 1990. Loi sur la nationalité: modifications du 23 mars 1990. (Faxed to the DIRB by the Swiss embassy on 16 November 1994).
