MMI 1

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The visualization compares the relative degree of inclusiveness of the legislation regulating access to nationality and voting rights for foreign residents and citizens abroad in European countries as of 2016.

Overall, the results show that Swiss legislation is among the most restrictive in Europe with respect to acquisition of citizenship through birth in the territory (jus soli at birth) and through long-term residence (ordinary naturalization). In a similar vein, Switzerland offers foreign residents comparatively fewer opportunities to cast a ballot in local elections than its European neighbors, although there are significant variations among cantons. Conversely, Switzerland ranks as one of the most generous countries when it comes to the right of expatriates to participate in national elections from abroad.

Note on methodology: The visualization is based on data from the GLOBALCIT Observatory based at the European University Institute in Florence and was prepared in collaboration with GLOBALSTAT. For a more comprehensive set of indicators on citizenship trends around the world, see their ELECLAW (on access to electoral rights) and CITLAW (on acquisition of citizenship) pages.

Last update: 28 February 2018