Published on 25 March 2025

Origin and ethnicity

A basic requirement for military service is Swiss citizenship. It is not permitted for the ethnic, socio-cultural, geographic or social background of members of the Armed Forces to have a negative influence on their military service and military career.

• I have another citizenship in addition to my Swiss citizenship (dual citizenship). Am I obliged / allowed to do military service?

  Swiss nationals who hold the citizenship of another country and have not fulfilled their military obligations there or have not completed an alternative service are generally liable for military service in Switzerland (men) or may perform military service in Switzerland on a voluntary basis (women). (Military law art. 5, link available in German, French, and Italian)

• I live outside Switzerland but have Swiss citizenship. Can I do military service?

  Swiss citizens living abroad are exempt from conscription and compulsory military service, but may volunteer for military service (using a form available in German, French and Italian) provided they have not yet fulfilled their military obligations or performed alternative service in another country. (Military law art. 4, link available in German, French, and Italian)

• Could I be considered as not eligible for military service solely due to my ethnicity / origin?

  Swiss nationality is a requirement for serving in the Swiss Armed Forces, not your personal origin or ethnic background. Your fitness for military service is determined on the basis of medical criteria during recruitment. (Reg. 51.002 Service regulations of the Armed Forces art. 77.3, links available in German, French, and Italian)

• Does my ethnicity / origin have an impact on my military career?

  Ethnicity / origin may not be used to favour or discriminate against you in your military service career. Discrimination based on ethnicity/origin is not allowed. (Reg. 51.002 Service regulations of the Armed Forces art. 77.3, link available in German, French, and Italian)

Contact

Specialised Service for Women in the Armed Forces and Diversity (WiAD)

Swiss Armed Forces
Training and Education Command
Papiermühlestrasse 14
CH - 3003 Berne

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Telephone: [phone]

E-Mail: [e-mail]

In urgent cases