Who must do military service or civil protection service in Switzerland?
Wer muss in der Schweiz Militärdienst oder Zivilschutzdienst leisten?
Correct answer: A
- A young men with Swiss citizenshipjunge Männer mit Schweizer Bürgerrecht
- B women and men aged 20 who have lived in Switzerland for at least 10 yearsFrauen und Männer im Alter von 20 Jahren, die mindestens 10 Jahre in der Schweiz gelebt haben
- C military service is voluntary for everyoneMilitärdienst ist für alle freiwillig
- D young women and men with a technical or medical professionjunge Frauen und Männer mit einem technischen oder medizinischen Beruf
Why
The obligation to serve applies to Swiss men. They do military service, civilian service or civil protection service.
Common mistakes
- B: women and men aged 20 who have lived in Switzerland for at least 10 years
- Women have no obligation to serve, and the length of residence does not matter. Swiss citizenship is what counts.
- C: military service is voluntary for everyone
- Service is compulsory for Swiss men. It is voluntary only for women.
- D: young women and men with a technical or medical profession
- The profession does not matter. Women can serve voluntarily.
Topic
Military service, civilian service and civil protection service
In Switzerland, military service is compulsory. Every Swiss man must do service, usually from about the age of 19 and up to a certain age. For Swiss women, military service is voluntary. Foreigners without Swiss citizenship do not have to do any service. The army protects the country and also helps in disasters.
Having a say: rights and obligations
Obligations
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 88 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.