hallo Tony et.al.

You can choose between a C permit or swiss nationality. Depending on bilateral agreements you might loose your original nationality/passport if you become a swiss citizen and many people do not want that-thus the choice of having a C permit.
According then to whether you are married to a swiss or not and your original nationality (EU/EFTA or other) varies the time you have to spend as a resident before you can aplly for swiss citizenship.
All this is best asked in the Einwohnerkontrolle (they have all kinds of broschures) or find all info online here:

http://www.bfm.admin.ch/bfm/en/home/...ufenthalt.html



Tak