Best gemeinde for the naturalization process of a Software Engineer

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This is my current situation:

  • I have resided in Switzerland for approximately about 8 years.
  • My background is Software Engineer (Java/Spring stack).
  • In 2 years, when I have been living in Switzerland for 10 years, I would like to apply for citizenship.
  • I left my last job and am taking a break of a few months abroad.
  • C permit holder.

Coming soon:

  • I am going back to Switzerland before I have found a job.
  • I would like to move to an area that maximizes my chances of finding a job with a good salary.
  • I would like to register in a gemeinde/kanton that maximizes my chances of passing the naturalization process. I think larger cities are better, because they have a more standard process. Several times I have read about naturalization applications in small municipalities being denied for strange reasons. There are also municipalities that require only two years of residency and others five years.

My thoughts/questions:

  1. “Big” cities in the German area that have a 2 year residency requirement are: Zurich, Basel, Winterthur and Bern.

  2. I think the Zurich/Winterthur area is where there are more and better paid jobs for Software Engineers. Regarding Bern I am sure, but in comparison to Basel I am not so sure.

  3. Is there any substantial difference between the naturalization process for citizenship in Zurich and Winterthur? Is either one friendlier or easier than the other?

  4. Is looking for an apartment (or room in a shared apartment) more or less as easy and cheap in Zurich as in Winterthur?

  5. In short, in which municipality would it be convenient for me to set up my residence?

Thanks

2

There are many factors that need to be taken into account (including visa status in the last years etc). But I am sure you are aware of this and will quickly find it when searching for it on Google.
Just one tip for ZH to check whether you’re eligible is this link.

→ probably ZH would be the best bet here (as you suggested), but also highest cost of living

Zurich is much harder to get a flat and also more expensive (on average) than Winterthur.

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Yes, I am quite aware of the requirements to be able to apply for nationality: 10y living in CH, German B1, C-permit holder…

Zurich being the best city in relation to work, Winterthur being so close, and Winterthur having cheaper rents, possibly makes Winterthur the best place to set up residence.

I don’t think there is any significant difference in the naturalization process between Zurich and Winterthur. Or could it be that in Winterthur they are more picky during the process and put more impediments?