The Swiss exhibit an interesting and at times perplexing attitude to Nationality.

Let me give you some examples. To start with not everyone who is born here is Swiss. No. If your parents or indeed grandparents were immigrants to this country your Nationality is the same as theirs. You can only be Swiss if the last three generations were all born here. Conversely, and here for me is the confusion, if you were born abroad but you parents or even your grandparents were holders of Swiss Nationality then you can be Swiss too. Just ask and it's yours.

You can always apply to be naturalized. To be adopted as Swiss. The process is lengthy. First you have to have held a "C" residency permit for five years (it can take at lest 5 years to get this). Then you must go through the prescribed training and procedures. When this is completed you must apply to your local community (this is Swiss Democracy in action). This is involves a public meeting for all the electors in you City/Town/Village to come along and decide if they want you. There is no discussion just a proposal and a vote. I am advised by some Swiss friends who have been involved in such events that there is no obvious logic to the decisions. Some are yes and some are no and to the best of their judgement it is purely on the basis of the family name and the nationality that implies.

For those of you wondering about the "C" permit let me explain. Seasonal workers get "A" permits, these allow you to live and work in the country for up to a year. At the end you leave. "B" permits are renewed annually but allow you to stay in Switzerland as long as you are renewed. If you are in trouble with the law then no renewal. It's a type of probation. "C" permits make you "Semi-Swiss" and are for "permanent residents" if you have one of these you can't be out of the country for more than 180 days per year without permission. On the other hand you fall directly under the Swiss Tax system which has some advantages and have limited voting rights. Interestingly enough If you have an "A" and you find a job which requires you to have a "B" you must first leave the country before you and your employer can apply for the "B" permit. It should also be noted that if you have sufficient money and wish to move to Switzerland for tax reasons then you will automatically gain a "C" permit on entry. In this country money talks................loud.

Next Page