I realize this might have already been answered in a previous thread, and if it has I apologise.

I am going to be starting work on a work permit in Switzerland quite soon, I have done some research on the net and have tried to find out if I will at some stage be eligable for a swiss passport. I have a South African passport at present.

b6nd1t

you'll have to have 12 years residency and go through a long process to get the passport.

Does the time frame change depending on what work permit im on?

nope, sorry

Futher reading:
Facilitated Naturalization [including obligations for males] (marry a passport holder)
http://bfm.mit.ch/index.php?id=39&L=3

Thanks Lob Rockster.
Also the company I will be working at is English speaking. My wife and I dont speak german at all, will this be a huge disadvantage to us?

I am also an SA citizen working as a scientist at the Univeristy. My employer has enquired about this as the immigration office will only furnish me with a yearly renewable B permit (despite a long term contract) and the easiest (legitmate way) is to obtain a C permit which is basically permanent residency (without the passport and the right to vote)

The other illegimate way ;-) is to hook up with a swiss partner and and after 5 years of marriage one is then eligible for a swiss passport (citizenship)..... I know quite a few SA people who have gone this route.

On the German thing.... if you have a working knowledge of Afrikaans (read, write, speak) just pay attention to the language here. You'll find that it is very easy to become somewhat fluent in German very quickly and a short language course later will polish off the imperfections.

I'm assuming you'll be located in or near the capital, Zurich () - no, having little German should not hamper you but I would assume you speak Afrikaans and thus should be able to follow some (high) German.

If you want a European passport, I'd stick it in the UK and get one of theirs. I think the process would be easier for you.

Lob Rockster and DNAMan thank you very much. You have been more than helpful and given me alot to think about.

Apology accepted - search this forum for the detail as it has been covered several times. Short answer is yes, at some stage.

Ok Swissbob, I have searched the forum for an answer to my next question but nothing has come up. So here goes.

While in Switzerland on a work permit, when my wife gives birth to our child will he/she automatically get a swiss passport or will I have to register the child for a South African?

your child will NOT be entitled to a Swiss passport

Thanks again Lob Rockster...

Even though still think Im going to take my chance in Switzerland. The UK has just gone downhill over the last few years.

No, being born in Switzerland does not make you Swiss.

Did you miss this one?

I did... Wasnt looking in the right thread...