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The settlement of migrants arriving in Switzerland is not distributed evenly across all cantons or municipalities. The immigration rate for the whole of Switzerland in 2020 was 16.1 arrivals per 1,000 inhabitants.

In 2020, the most preferred cantons were Geneva, Basel-Stadt, and Vaud (35, 28, and 25 arrivals respectively per 1,000 inhabitants). Appenzell Ausserrhoden and Jura attracted the fewest migrants, at rates of fewer than nine arrivals per 1,000 inhabitants.

In terms of municipalities, the most preferred location in 2020 was Leysin (VD) with 113 arrivals per 1,000 inhabitants. No other municipality had more than 100 arrivals per 1,000 inhabitants. Geneva is the highest-ranking large city, with a rate of 34.5 arrivals per 1,000 inhabitants.

In some cases, the migrants’ nationality of origin plays a part in their decision to settle in a particular region of Switzerland. As one would expect, French migrants are more likely to settle in French-speaking Switzerland (Romandy), and Germans in the German-speaking cantons. By contrast, the settlement of migrants from Italy, Portugal or Spain, for example, is spread evenly across the various Swiss regions.

How much does international migration contribute to growth in Swiss municipalities?

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Definition

Permanent resident population: The population of Swiss and foreign nationals holding a residence permit with a duration of more than twelve months. Since 2011, the term “permanent resident population” has also included foreign nationals holding an F or N permit who have been in Switzerland for twelve months or more.

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Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office, STATPOP statistics
(2011–2020)

Note on the methodology: Arrival rates are calculated by dividing the number of foreign nationals migrating to Switzerland with a residence permit valid for one year or more by the average permanent resident population of the municipality or canton. The average population is obtained by taking the average of the population at the beginning and end of the period. Rates are given as the number per 1,000.

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, 2022.

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

Last update: 1 February 2022