Overall, more foreign nationals have entered Switzerland than have left the country: Switzerland has therefore experienced positive net migration of foreigners for the last 30 years. But while net migration has been very high since 2007, this has not always been the case: for example, it was extremely low during the mid-1990s, when immigration decreased sharply because of the economic situation.
In 2022, among EU/EFTA countries, Germany, Italy, and France contributed the most to net migration, while Turkey, Afghanistan and Kosovo have been the main third-country contributors. However, there are specific features associated with each individual country, as illustrated in the graphs.
Migration flows of European citizens are predominantly male, while those migrating to and from other continents are female for the most part. Young people dominate all migrant flows.
Where in Switzerland do newcomers settle?
How much does international migration contribute to growth in Swiss municipalities?
How does the migrants’ legal status evolve over time?
How many migrants get naturalized over time?
How many migrants leave Switzerland over time?
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Definitions
Emigration (outward): Foreign nationals who have left Switzerland
Immigration (inward): Foreign nationals who have entered Switzerland
Net migration: Difference between immigration and emigration of the foreign population
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Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office STATWEB (1991-2022)
Note on the methodology: These figures show the numbers of arrivals and departures and the net migration (difference between arrivals and departures) for foreign nationals (Swiss nationals holding dual nationality excluded).
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, 2024.
For more information about the data sets used, please click here.
Last update: 26 March 2024