On a single day, over 400 non-Swiss residents receive Swiss citizenship in a single canton.
⚡️ Swiss Citizenship in Valais: A Breakdown ⚡️
Valais' newly naturalized citizens hail from 39 diverse countries, with 27% being French - the largest group. Other EU nationals such as Portuguese (79), Italians (41), and Germans (39) complete the top four. British citizens (17) and non-EU candidates from North Macedonia (14), Kosovo (13), and Serbia (11) make up the top six groups of successful naturalizations on May 6th.
Naturalizations in Valais occur in two batches annually - May and October - with no citizenships granted in between. The requirements for naturalization in Valais, much like the rest of Switzerland, involve:
- Meeting the ten-year residency requirement, along with a five-year residency in Valais and a one-year stay in the current municipality.
- Achieving at least B1 oral and A2 written proficiency in French, the predominant language, with German spoken in some regions.
- Demonstrating sufficient integration into the local community, through involvement in community affairs and adherence to Swiss values and laws.
Curious about what qualifies as successful integration among the Swiss? Read more about it here.
🔍 Why Valais?
With 25% of its population being foreigners, Valais' demographic makeup mirrors the national average. the canton attracts labor, particularly in the agricultural, hotel, and tourism sectors. Home to companies like Lonza and Syngenta, business growth is on the rise in Valais, resulting in more job opportunities for foreigners.
Although immigration fuels population growth in many Swiss regions, Valais' growth is comparatively less pronounced compared to cantons like Zurich, Zug, and Geneva, primarily due to higher wages for foreign workers. However, despite its economic progress, overall, Valais lags behind other cantons regarding salaries. Households in Zurich average an income of 80,000 francs, while Valais stands at 55,000 francs (2023 figures). You can read more about Swiss cantons with the highest and lowest job salaries here.
👀 Still catching up
Despite its expanding international business base, several regions in Switzerland, including Valais, are growing at a slower pace compared to active immigration hubs like Zurich, Zug, and Geneva. Nevertheless, Valais' focus on labor-intensive sectors provides abundant opportunities for foreign workers seeking employment opportunities within the canton. Keep an eye out for more job listings, as 88 companies relocated to Valais in 2024, the highest number among the cantons.
💡 Enrichment Data
- To meet the residency requirement for naturalization, applicants generally need to have at least 10 years of continuous residence in Switzerland. However, facilitated naturalization may apply to second or third-generation immigrants with a minimum of two years of residency in Valais itself.
- Language proficiency in French is mandatory given Valais' predominantly French-speaking nature. Proof of language proficiency is typically obtained from a registered Swiss language school or through recognized certification.
- To demonstrate integration into Swiss society, applicants are required to adhere to Swiss laws, values, and cultural norms, as well as demonstrate active engagement in their local community.
[1] Data from official Valais government sources[2] Data from Swiss Federal Special Committee on Matters relating to Naturalization and Integration (RKWA)
- The average number of batches for granting citizenships in Valais is two per year, following a pattern of naturalization ceremonies in May and October.
- In Swiss politics, Valais is one of the cantons that follows a similar pattern in citizenship requirements as Zurich, demanding applicants to meet a ten-year residency requirement, among others.
- While Zurich has an average income of 80,000 francs, Valais' salary figures stand at 55,000 francs, making it comparatively less attractive to foreign workers in terms of general-news regarding economic growth and job opportunities.
