Each group of foreign nationals displays different characteristics in terms of length of stay in Switzerland.

Of the immigrants who arrived in Switzerland in 1998, the proportion who left the country after 23 years is extremely high (over 80%) among persons from Japan, the United States, Sweden, and China. The lowest rates (fewer than 12% left the country) are among those from countries of the former Yugoslavia and Sri Lanka, who generally arrived in the context of family reunification.

Among the main immigration groups in 1998, 64% of both German and French, 57% of Italian and 42% of Portuguese migrants left Switzerland within 23 years after their arrival. However, the rate of departures of EU citizens is higher for those who arrived after Switzerland ratified the bilateral agreements, specifically the agreement on the free movement of persons. The later has, thus, contributed to an increased international mobility.

How strong is the attachment to Switzerland and the country of origin?

How often do migrants visit their country of origin?

For what reasons do people migrate to Switzerland?

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Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office, Central Register of Foreigners (1998–2007), CEMIS Register (2008–2010), STATPOP statistics (2010–2022)

Note on the methodology: The proportions of people who left Switzerland were calculated for the 1998 cohort, i.e. foreign nationals who arrived in Switzerland during 1998 and were still in the country on 31 December of that year (with the exception of those who arrived seeking asylum). For each nationality, the proportions of leavers were calculated by dividing the number of people no longer residing in Switzerland at the end of one year by the total number of people who immigrated in 1998. This means that the proportions can increase or decrease from one year to the next depending on the number of arrivals in and departures from Switzerland.

Terms of use: The Migration-Mobility Indicators are made available free of charge for non-commercial use. We ask the users to acknowledge the source.

Suggested citation: nccr – on the move, Migration-Mobility Indicators. Neuchâtel: nccr – on the move, 2023.

For more information about the data sets used, please click here.

Last update: 4 October 2023