Overview
Fide is a Swiss language system run by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). The fide test checks everyday language skills at levels A1 to B1 in German, French or Italian. It was developed for the language requirements of residence and settlement permits and of naturalisation, and SEM recommends it for those procedures because it reflects Swiss daily life, such as work, a doctor's visit or the municipal office, rather than general foreign-language testing. SEM is an associate member of ALTE, the Association of Language Testers in Europe.
Exam pattern
The test has an oral part and a written part. You can take each part on its own, and at different levels.
| Part | Name | Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Oral | Speaking and understanding | Speaking and listening |
| Written | Reading and writing | Reading and writing |
Listening is tested in the oral part, so people with limited written skills can still take the oral part.
Levels or stages
The test can be taken at A1/A2 or at A2/B1. If you do not reach the higher level of the pair but do reach the lower one, you are certified at the level you reached, so the result goes beyond a simple pass or fail.
Marking and results
You get a language passport or certificate that is recognised for residence and citizenship procedures. According to the FAQ, recognised certificates and the language passport are valid for life, though an authority may ask for a new one if a certificate is very old and it doubts your current level.
Fees
As listed on the authority page in 2026, the full test costs CHF 250, the oral part alone CHF 170, and the written part alone CHF 120. Test dates are set by each accredited institution.
How to apply
Accredited test institutions across Switzerland run the test, and the official page lists them by canton with their dates. Contact an institution to register. If you have an impairment such as poor sight or difficulty reading or writing, ask the institution about adjusted conditions when you register, and submit a medical certificate not older than two years.
Preparation tips
If you are unsure of your level, you can sign up for a free mock exam of the speaking part in some languages. Italian was available at the time of review, and French had no sessions. You get a rough level estimate after a week, but it is not an official result.
Can I take only the oral part?
Yes. The oral and written parts can each be taken on their own.
What if I miss the higher level?
You are certified at the lower level of the pair you sat, if you reach it.