Migration is deeply shaping life in Switzerland. Today, about 40% of the Swiss population over the age of 15 has a migration background, meaning they were either born abroad or have parents who were. This makes Switzerland one of the countries with the highest migrant populations in the world, rivaling only nations like Luxembourg, Singapore, and the Gulf states.
According to the Federal Statistical Office, 3 million residents in Switzerland had foreign origins by the end of 2023. Of these, 2.4 million were born outside Switzerland and moved in later (first-generation migrants). Another 600,000, often called “segundos”, were born in Switzerland but have immigrant parents (second-generation migrants).
Who Are These Migrants?
The makeup of Switzerland’s migrant population reflects waves of immigration over the last century. The biggest groups are:
- Italians (14%)
- Germans (13%)
- Portuguese (11%)
- French (7%)
From outside Europe, the largest groups include:
- Asians (8%)
- Africans (5%)
- Americans (less than 4%)
There’s also a notable presence of refugees from Ukraine, Kosovo, Eritrea, Syria, and Afghanistan, especially in recent years.
Despite strong numbers, only 27% of residents don’t hold Swiss citizenship. Many immigrants naturalize or are born Swiss. Still, acquiring a Swiss passport is notoriously difficult. Strict nationality laws, known as jus sanguinis (blood law), mean naturalization is hard for some communities, especially those with lower income or educational levels.
Why Do People Migrate to Switzerland?
Most migrants come to work. Between 2014 and 2023, 1.8 million foreign nationals moved to Switzerland. Although many leave again, over 1 million stayed permanently. In 2024 alone, more than half of the 170,000 migrants came for jobs—mostly from EU and EFTA countries, who benefit from free movement agreements.
Other major reasons for immigration include:
- Family reunification (25%)
- Asylum and refugee protection (12%), including those with S-permits for war refugees like Ukrainians
Only a small fraction of immigrants are asylum seekers. Most have B or L residence permits, which are tied to employment.
What Are Their Education Levels?
The education level among immigrants varies widely. Some arrive with university degrees, especially those from countries like the U.S., South Korea, or Britain. Others come with less formal education, especially those from countries with limited access to higher learning.
Among EU migrants, about 60% have tertiary education. The British lead with nearly 90%, while the Portuguese have the lowest rate at 22%. However, overall education levels among immigrants are rising each year.
Where Do Migrants Work?
Foreign workers play a vital role in Switzerland’s economy. Sectors most reliant on migrant labour include:
- Manufacturing (over 200,000 workers)
- Healthcare and social work (170,000+)
- Hotels and catering (50% of staff are migrants)
- Construction (40% of the workforce are migrants)
Many of the most demanding, low-paid jobs—like cleaning, kitchen work, and machine operations—are filled by migrants. On the other hand, civil service and agriculture still employ mostly Swiss citizens.
It’s also important to note that over 400,000 cross-border commuters—mainly from France, Germany, and Italy—also work in Switzerland daily but are not counted in resident statistics.
Switzerland’s migration story isn’t new—it began as early as the 19th century. But today, the demographic change is more visible than ever. With low birth rates and a strong economy, the country depends heavily on migrants to support key industries, pay into the pension system, and balance the ageing population.
Still, public debate around migration continues to be intense. Politicians often clash over issues like asylum, integration, citizenship laws, and labour quotas. But the facts remain clear: migration is at the core of Switzerland’s present—and its future.