--- title: Swiss Citizenship By Reinstatement description: Recover lost Swiss citizenship through reinstatement. Paris attorney Julio Vero guides former Swiss citizens worldwide through eligibility and filing. --- [Skip to content](https://juliobvero.com/swiss-citizenship-by-reinstatement#main-content) [Julio VeroSwiss Citizenship & Immigration](https://juliobvero.com/swiss-citizenship?hsLang=en) - [Swiss Citizenship Attorney](https://juliobvero.com/swiss-citizenship?hsLang=en) - [Swiss Citizenship by Descent](https://juliobvero.com/swiss-citizenship-by-descent?hsLang=en) - [Swiss Citizenship by Marriage](https://juliobvero.com/swiss-citizenship-by-marriage?hsLang=en) - [Swiss Citizenship by Naturalization](https://juliobvero.com/swiss-citizenship-by-naturalisation?hsLang=en) - [Swiss Citizenship by Reinstatement](https://juliobvero.com/swiss-citizenship-by-reinstatement?hsLang=en) - [Visas & Residence Permits](https://juliobvero.com/services/swiss-visa-residence-immigration-strategy?hsLang=en) - [Contact](https://juliobvero.com/swiss-citizenship-by-reinstatement#consultation) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Swiss Citizenship Attorney](https://juliobvero.com/swiss-citizenship?hsLang=en) - [Swiss Citizenship by Descent](https://juliobvero.com/swiss-citizenship-by-descent?hsLang=en) - [Swiss Citizenship by Marriage](https://juliobvero.com/swiss-citizenship-by-marriage?hsLang=en) - [Swiss Citizenship by Naturalization](https://juliobvero.com/swiss-citizenship-by-naturalisation?hsLang=en) - [Swiss Citizenship by Reinstatement](https://juliobvero.com/swiss-citizenship-by-reinstatement?hsLang=en) - [Visas & Residence Permits](https://juliobvero.com/services/swiss-visa-residence-immigration-strategy?hsLang=en) - [Contact](https://juliobvero.com/swiss-citizenship-by-reinstatement#consultation) # Swiss Citizenship by Reinstatement — Recover What Was Lost Many people born abroad to a Swiss parent — in the US, the UK, Australia and well beyond — lost their citizenship at 25 simply because no one registered their birth with a Swiss consulate. Swiss law offers a way back, but the clock is running. [Eligibility Assessment Available](https://juliobvero.com/swiss-citizenship-by-reinstatement#consultation) ## Who can apply for reinstatement Reinstatement is for people who once held Swiss citizenship and lost it. It covers losses through: - **Forfeiture:** a birth abroad that was not reported to a Swiss authority before the age limit (today 25, previously 22) - **Release:** giving up Swiss citizenship voluntarily, for example where another country required it - **Marriage:** Swiss women who lost their citizenship by marrying a foreign national under the old law If you never held Swiss citizenship, for example because your parent had already lost it before you were born, reinstatement does not apply. Other routes may, such as simplified naturalisation for children of Swiss mothers. [See Swiss citizenship by descent](https://juliobvero.com/swiss-citizenship-by-descent?hsLang=en). ## The ten-year window ### Within 10 years of the loss You can apply from anywhere in the world through the Swiss representation in your country. If you live abroad you must show close ties with Switzerland. ### After 10 years Reinstatement is only possible once you have lived in Switzerland for three years. For many people, this means obtaining a residence permit first. **Example:** someone who lost Swiss citizenship on their 25th birthday can generally apply from abroad until their 35th birthday. After that, the only route back is through residence in Switzerland. ## Proving close ties from abroad Applicants living abroad generally need to show that they: - stayed in Switzerland at least three times, for at least five days each time, in the six years before applying - can communicate in everyday situations in a national language - have a basic knowledge of Swiss geography, history, politics and society - maintain contact with Swiss citizens and have references living in Switzerland Applicants must also respect public security and order and Swiss constitutional values. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) decides. ## Questions about reinstatement ### If I am reinstated, do my children become Swiss? Your minor children can often be included in the application. Adult children need to check their own situation, which we can do at the same time. ### I am 34. Is it worth starting now? Yes, and quickly. The ten years run from the date of loss, and building evidence of ties, such as visits to Switzerland, takes time. Starting early leaves room to fill any gaps before the deadline. ### Can I keep my other passport? Under Swiss law, yes: Switzerland allows dual nationality, as do many countries, including the US, the UK, Australia and Canada. If your other country restricts it, we check its rules first. This page is general information on the Swiss Citizenship Act and does not replace advice on your situation. ## Find out where you stand before you file Tell me about your Swiss family line, your marriage or your plans to move. I will review your situation and tell you which route is realistic, what evidence you will need and where the risks are. - Initial review of your eligibility and deadlines - Advice in English or French - Clear written next steps and a fee proposal Prefer email? Write to [avocat@juliobvero.com](mailto:avocat@juliobvero.com). ### Request a consultation --- [Julio VeroSwiss Citizenship & Immigration](https://juliobvero.com/swiss-citizenship?hsLang=en) Bar Association registration - Avocat au Barreau de Paris - 2 Rue de Poissy 75005, [avocat@juliobvero.com](mailto:avocat@juliobvero.com) +33 7 67 15 79 24 Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil, Seccional Pernambuco, n. 66300 - 305 Rua Dom Manoel da Costa, Recife, Brazil Instagram : [@julioverolawyer](https://www.instagram.com/julioverolawyer/) LinkedIn : [@juliovero](https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliovero/) Copyright © 2026, Julio Vero Lawyer **Privacy Policy:** Your data will be used solely to assist you with your Swiss citizenship or immigration matter; we never share it with third parties. To exercise your right to withdraw consent, contact us at **[avocat@juliobvero.com](mailto:avocat@juliobvero.com)**. See our detailed [Privacy Policy](https://juliobvero.com/privacy-policy?hsLang=en). The information on these pages is general and does not replace advice on your individual situation.