Nearly half of the Migration-Mobility Survey participants (48%) have exclusively lived in Switzerland and their countries of origin. The remaining half possesses prior experience of international mobility before their arrival in Switzerland. Approximately 27% have lived in a country other than their country of origin before arriving in Switzerland, and 25% have lived in two or more such countries.

The proportion of people whose move to Switzerland is their first experience of migration is highest among Portuguese (65%) and Italians (55%). It is lowest among Asian (29%) and British citizens (31%), who are much more mobile. In addition, 26% of British nationals have lived in three or more countries other than Switzerland and their country of origin, which indicates frequent international migration.

Individuals with tertiary-level educational qualifications exhibit higher levels of mobility, since only 38 % report Switzerland as their first foreign country of residence,  compared to 63% among those with a lower level of education. Migration driven by professional or educational motives plays a significant role in international mobility, as opposed to migration prompted by family-related reasons.

–

Source: Migration-Mobility Survey 2022, nccr – on the move

Note on methodology: These figures are taken from the Migration-Mobility Survey, conducted in fall 2022 on a population of persons born abroad and with foreign citizenship who have moved to Switzerland in the last 16 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. 7,206 people replied to the full questionnaire, either online or by telephone.

The question asked: Except Switzerland and your country of birth, in how many different countries have you lived for three or more months?

Notes: “Country of residence” is defined as a country in which the respondent has resided for three months or more. The “country of origin” was as declared by the respondent. In most cases it was the same as their country of nationality, or one of their countries of nationality.

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: 3 July 2023