In general, participants of the Migration-Mobility Survey expressed a relatively close attachment to Switzerland, with 28% even reporting a very close attachment, comparable to what they feel for their countries of origin. Among the groups surveyed, Asian, French and African countries had the highest percentage (30% to 46%) of individuals expressing a very strong sense of attachment (rated as 7 on a scale from 0 to 7) towards Switzerland. On the other hand, fewer than 20% of respondents from Spain and 20% of respondents from Portugal reported such a strong attachment.
Having a strong attachment to Switzerland does not imply a weak attachment to one’s country of origin. In fact, 38% of African migrants expressed a very strong attachment to their countries of origin. Similarly, 40% of Portuguese nationals have a very strong attachment to their respective home countries.
There are minimal differences in the reasons for migrating and demographic characteristics among the migrants, except for those who have been in Switzerland for at least five years. These long-term residents exhibit a strong attachment to their country of residence and a slightly less strong attachment to their country of origin compared to more recent arrivals.
Where do migrants’ closest friends live?
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Source: Migration-Mobility Survey 2024, nccr – on the move
Note on methodology: These figures are taken from the Migration-Mobility Survey, conducted in the fall of 2024 on a population of persons born abroad and with foreign citizenship who have moved to Switzerland in the last 18 years. To be included in the sample population, respondents had to be between 24 and 64 years of age at the time of the survey, and at least 18 years of age on their arrival in Switzerland. 6,971 people replied to the full questionnaire, either online or by telephone.
The question asked: On a scale from 0 (no feeling of attachment) to 7 (strong feeling of attachment), to what extent do you have a feeling of attachment…
– to Switzerland;
– to your country of origin.
Note: The “country of origin” is based on the “official” nationality attributed in the strata of the Federal Statistical Office of Switzerland, and not on the respondents’ self-declared nationality or country of origin.
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, 2025.
For more information about the data sets used, please click here.
Last update: 3 September 2025