Immigration to Switzerland

Switzerland has become a home away from home for people from all over the world. Since the 1980s, immigration has shaped the country’s diverse and dynamic character. Today, around 2.1 million people—one in four residents—are foreign nationals, contributing to the country’s rich cultural fabric and international spirit.

The number of foreign residents varies across cantons:

• Geneva has one of the highest shares, with about 40% of its population coming from abroad,
• Basel-Stadt (36%), Vaud (34%), and Zurich (27%) also host thriving international communities,
• while Appenzell Innerrhoden, with about 11%, retains a more traditional Swiss character.

The largest groups of foreign nationals come from Italy, Germany, the former Yugoslavia, Albania, Portugal, and Turkey—together forming a community of around 1.5 million people.

A short look back

Switzerland’s story of migration reflects its economic and social evolution. In the 19th century, many Swiss citizens left the country in search of better opportunities abroad. But as industrialization and banking flourished towards the late 1800s, Switzerland began to attract workers from neighbouring countries.

By 1910, the number of foreign residents had already reached 552,000, representing almost 15% of the total population.

After the world wars, immigration slowed, but the post-war recovery in the 1950s and 60s brought a new wave of workers, fuelling economic growth.

In the 1960s, the Swiss government introduced regulations to manage the growing number of foreign workers, first with company-specific limits, and later with national quotas. During the 1970s, a global economic slowdown temporarily reduced immigration, but the strong economy of the 1980s brought another increase. By 1990, 18% of residents were foreign nationals.

Since the 1990s, Switzerland has adapted its immigration laws to reflect both its economic needs and its commitment to international cooperation. The country distinguishes between citizens of EU/EFTA member states and those from other parts of the world. Today, only skilled professionals from non-EU/EFTA countries are eligible to work in Switzerland, except in cases of family reunification or asylum.

Agreements and policies

Switzerland’s relationship with the European Union plays an important role in its immigration system. The Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons—part of the bilateral accords with the EU—came into force in 2002, allowing citizens of EU/EFTA countries to live and work freely in Switzerland.

In 2008, the Foreign Nationals Act was introduced to regulate residence and work permits, ensuring a fair and transparent process. Switzerland also participates in the Schengen and Dublin agreements, supporting cooperation across Europe on travel and asylum matters.

Each year, the Swiss government sets quotas for work permits issued to non-EU/EFTA nationals, focusing on individuals with strong professional qualifications and high potential for successful integration.