Net immigration fell to 74,675 people in 2025

In 2025, 165,386 people immigrated to Switzerland and joined the foreign permanent resident population. This was a decrease of 5,221 people compared with 2024, or 3.1 per cent.

Net immigration, which also takes emigration and statistical adjustments into account, stood at 74,675 people. This was 8,717 fewer people than in the previous year. The decrease of 10.5 per cent occurred for the second consecutive year.

The role of the labour market

Citizens of EU/EFTA states accounted for 73.1 per cent of total immigration. In 2025, 120,965 arrivals from these countries were recorded, an increase of 0.3 per cent. Immigration from third countries fell by 11.3 per cent to 44,421 people.

Most newcomers arrived to take up gainful employment. A total of 93,086 people immigrated for a job of unlimited duration, 1,492 fewer than in 2024. Of these, 84,487 came from EU/EFTA states.

According to federal data, demand for foreign labour remains linked mainly to staff shortages. The phenomenon is also associated with the ageing population, despite the slowdown in economic activity.

During the year, 82,659 people belonging to the foreign permanent resident population left Switzerland. The number increased by 4.8 per cent. The departures involved 64,103 citizens of EU/EFTA states and 18,556 citizens of third countries.

Family reunification accounted for 25.5 per cent of immigration, with 42,170 people. The figure fell by 0.6 per cent compared with 2024. Of these people, 15.4 per cent were family members of a Swiss citizen.

At the end of 2025, 1,613,486 citizens of EU/EFTA states and 800,922 citizens of third countries were permanent residents of Switzerland. The largest community was the Italian community, with 350,958 people. German, Portuguese and French citizens followed. In 2025, 41,134 people were naturalized.