The Local Europe https://feeds.thelocal.com/ Read the latest news and views from Europe in English en-us news@thelocal.com (TheLocal) webmaster@thelocal.com (TheLocal) TheLocal RSS Feed The ten most surprising questions on Switzerland's citizenship exam Anyone wanting to become Swiss must take the Swiss citizenship exam. From hiking to landslides - and of course cheese - here are some of the more surprising questions prospective Swiss citizens are asked when they take the quiz. https://www.thelocal.com/20211103/from-hiking-to-cheese-the-nine-most-surprising-questions-on-switzerlands-citizenship-exam Wed, 03 Nov 2021 11:21:41 +0100 from-hiking-to-cheese-the-nine-most-surprising-questions-on-switzerlands-citizenship-exam How your Swiss commune plays a key role in your citizenship application A peculiar aspect of Switzerland’s citizenship procedure is that it goes through the federal, cantonal, and communal levels. But it is the third one that has the most say in whether foreigners can be naturalised. https://www.thelocal.com/20230823/why-do-swiss-communes-play-such-an-important-role-in-the-naturalisation-process Wed, 23 Aug 2023 14:37:00 +0200 why-do-swiss-communes-play-such-an-important-role-in-the-naturalisation-process Could your political views bar you from becoming a Swiss citizen? Switzerland has strict naturalisation criteria, but can your bid for citizenship be turned down if your views are not deemed to be ‘politically correct’? https://www.thelocal.com/20231030/could-your-political-views-bar-you-from-becoming-a-swiss-citizen Mon, 30 Oct 2023 15:46:48 +0100 could-your-political-views-bar-you-from-becoming-a-swiss-citizen What language tests for permits and citizenship does Switzerland impose? Proficiency in a national language is one of the main requirements for foreigners applying for either a work permit or Swiss passport. Exactly how fluent do you need to be for each? https://www.thelocal.com/20230822/what-language-tests-for-permits-and-citizenship-does-switzerland-impose Tue, 22 Aug 2023 14:01:59 +0200 what-language-tests-for-permits-and-citizenship-does-switzerland-impose COMPARE: Which European countries have the strictest rules on dual citizenship? Being a citizen of your country of long-term residence brings a lot of advantages, especially when it comes to peace of mind, but some countries in Europe have far stricter rules than others. https://www.thelocal.com/20221005/compare-which-european-countries-have-the-strictest-rules-on-dual-citizenship Wed, 05 Oct 2022 10:31:42 +0200 compare-which-european-countries-have-the-strictest-rules-on-dual-citizenship Why Swiss naturalisation is ‘easier for highly qualified people’ Professional people have an easier path to naturalisation in Switzerland, while experience and country of origin are also important factors. Here's what you need to know. https://www.thelocal.com/20220201/why-swiss-naturalisation-is-easier-for-highly-qualified-people Tue, 01 Feb 2022 13:54:36 +0100 why-swiss-naturalisation-is-easier-for-highly-qualified-people