fide test
fide test level for naturalisation: B1 spoken, A2 written
For ordinary naturalisation, the minimum fide test level is B1 spoken and A2 written under federal law. Cantons may set other integration criteria. Check with your canton.
- Spoken
- B1 at least (OLN art. 6 para. 1)
- Written
- A2 at least (OLN art. 6 para. 1)
- Cantons
- may set other integration criteria (LN art. 12 para. 3)
- Proof
- fide passeport des langues (language passport) or another recognised certificate, or one of the exceptions in OLN art. 6 para. 2
The federal minimum
Under the nationality ordinance (OLN), art. 6 para. 1, you must show spoken skills in a national language at B1 level at least. You must also show written skills at A2 level at least. The nationality act (LN, art. 12 para. 1 letter c) asks for the ability to communicate in daily life in a national language, spoken and written.
Cantons may set other integration criteria (LN art. 12 para. 3). So the federal level is a minimum. Some people can hardly meet the criterion because of a disability, an illness or other major personal reasons. These people are treated in a suitable way (LN art. 12 para. 2, OLN art. 9).
Which fide result to aim for
For B1 spoken, take the speaking part in the combination A2-B1 and reach B1. For A2 written, both written combinations (A1-A2 and A2-B1) can lead to A2. Spoken and written levels are assessed separately (fide test handbook). See the steps of the fide test.
How to prove your level
The proof is considered given in four cases (OLN art. 6 para. 2):
- a national language is your mother tongue (you speak it and write it);
- you went to compulsory school in a national language for at least 5 years;
- you did upper secondary or tertiary education in a national language;
- you have a language certificate based on a procedure that meets generally recognised quality standards.
The SEM (State Secretariat for Migration) publishes a list of recognised certificates (status as of 1 October 2026). For French, the list has the fide test, the fide edu test and the fide portfolio (which give the passeport des langues), the DELF, the TCF, the TEF and the business French diplomas of the CCI Paris (SEM list). See also fide or DELF.
What the French-speaking cantons say
Cantonal pages checked on 9 November 2026. Cantons can change their rules. Read the page of your canton.
| Canton | What the cantonal page says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Genève | B1 spoken and A2 written; certificate based on fide standards or a certificate from the federal list | ge.ch |
| Vaud | B1 spoken and A2 written; in principle a fide passeport des langues, with listed exceptions | vd.ch |
| Neuchâtel | B1 spoken and A2 written; usually a fide passeport des langues, with listed exceptions | ne.ch |
| Jura | B1 spoken and A2 written; the passeport des langues is one of the accepted documents | jura.ch |
| Fribourg | the page gives no level; proof for spoken and written skills, fide passeport des langues accepted | fr.ch |
| Berne | B1 spoken and A2 written, in the language of the administrative district; certificates possible based on the fide test | be.ch |
On these pages, none of the cantons listed states a level above the federal minimum. Other cantonal or municipal conditions may exist (length of stay, etc.). Ask the naturalisation office of your canton or your municipality.
How long the passport is valid
The fide passeport des langues is valid with no time limit. The document may be old, and the authority may doubt your current level. In that case, it can ask for a new assessment (fide, SEM). Details: results and passeport des langues.
Practise for B1 spoken
B1 spoken is the harder of the two levels. Try the free speaking test to get an estimated level. Then follow the 4-week plan.
fide exam is an independent practice service. It is not affiliated with the SEM or the fide secretariat. Cantonal requirements may be higher. Check with your canton.
Frequently asked questions
Which fide test level do I need for naturalisation?
At federal level: B1 spoken and A2 written. Cantons may set other integration criteria.
Is the fide test required for naturalisation?
Not in itself. You must prove your level. For example, you can use a fide passeport des langues, another recognised certificate or one of the listed exceptions, such as mother tongue or 5 years of compulsory school.
Does my canton ask for more than B1 spoken and A2 written?
Check with your canton. The pages of GE, VD, NE, JU and BE state B1 spoken and A2 written. The page of FR gives no level.
Is the DELF accepted for naturalisation?
The DELF is on the SEM list of recognised certificates. Some cantonal pages ask in principle for a fide passeport. Check with your canton.
Is an old fide passport still valid?
It is valid with no time limit. But the authority can ask for a new assessment if the passport is old.