Regulations on the Implementation of the Act on Valais Citizenship - Ordinary Naturalization

1. The Office for Civil Status and Foreigners Control (hereinafter: the Office) processes applications for ordinary naturalization; it prepares the various reports required by federal law. It then submits the file to the Grand Council once all conditions are met.

1. The application must be submitted to the office.

2. The office conducts an initial review and checks whether the legal requirements are obviously met.

3. It then forwards the application to the competent municipality of residence for the granting of citizenship at the municipal level.

1. Spouses living in a common household may submit a joint application, which must be signed by each individual.

2. Minor children are generally included in the application submitted by the applicant(s). If they are over 16 years of age, they must also sign the application.

3. If a minor child submits a personal application, it must be signed by the holder of parental authority. If the child is over 16 years of age, he or she must also sign the application.

4. The application submitted in accordance with paragraph 1 of the present Article may be accepted even if only one of the spouses meets the residency conditions set forth in Articles 3 and 4 of the law, provided that the other conditions are fulfilled.

1. The municipality of residence examines the applicant's integration in collaboration with the service department.

2. The examination particularly focuses on language skills, the acceptance and observance of public order and the fundamental values of Swiss democracy, general behavior, as well as participation in social and community life.

3. Information can be obtained specifically from the cantonal police, municipal police, municipal authorities, former municipalities of residence, through written reports from the applicant's Swiss acquaintances, or by any other appropriate means.

4. The applicant may be required to provide any useful documents that serve the purpose of preparing a general report about them.

1. The examination shall provide assurance that the applicant has integrated into the community of Valais.

**1. The Newly Admitted Valais Citizen Shall Swear the Following Oath Before the Representatives of the Council of State, With the Exception of Swiss Citizens:**

I promise to be loyal to the Swiss Confederation and in particular to the Canton of Valais, to observe the Federal Constitution and the Cantonal Constitution as well as the laws derived therefrom, to contribute through my personal efforts to the preservation of Switzerland's independence and its democratic institutions, and to live in harmony with my new fellow citizens.

1. The application must be submitted to the office that handles the dossier on behalf of the department.

2. Spouses living in the same household may submit a joint application, which must be signed by each of them.

3. Minor children are generally included in the application of the applicant(s). If they are older than 16 years, they must also sign the application.

4. If a minor child submits a personal application, it must be signed by the legal guardian. If the child is older than 16 years, they must also sign the application.

**1. Nullifications within the Meaning of Article 14 of the Law are to be Processed by the Office on Behalf of the Department.**

1. Any communication or notification addressed to a Swiss authority pursuant to Article 10 of the Federal Act must be delivered to the designated office.

1. The cantonal and municipal fees are determined according to the Law on the Tariff of Costs and Compensations before Judicial or Administrative Authorities of May 14, 1998.

1. This regulation shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall enter into force simultaneously with the amendment to the Citizenship Act.