Summary

Net migration to Switzerland declined by 10.5 percent to 74,675 persons in 2025 – the second consecutive year with declining figures. While migration from the EU/EFTA area remained stable, migration from third countries fell significantly. The majority of migrants came to the country for employment, reflecting the ongoing shortage of skilled workers.

Persons

  • (No specific persons mentioned)

Topics

  • Migration policy
  • Labour market and skilled workers
  • Population development
  • EU/EFTA migration
  • Third-country migration

Clarus Lead

Switzerland recorded significantly weakened net migration in 2025: at 74,675 persons, it lies 8,717 below the previous year's figure. This decline follows a similar trend in 2024 and signals a structural shift in migration dynamics. Particularly relevant for decision-makers is the divergent development by region of origin – while EU/EFTA migration remains stable, immigration from third countries falls by 11.3 percent.

Detailed Summary

Overall Immigration and Emigration

In 2025, 165,386 persons immigrated to the permanent foreign resident population (–3.1% compared to 2024). At the same time, 82,659 persons left Switzerland (+4.8%), including 64,103 EU/EFTA nationals and 18,556 third-country nationals. This increased emigration significantly contributes to the decline in net migration.

Regional Differences and Labour Market Migration

EU/EFTA migration remains practically unchanged at 120,965 persons (73.1% of total immigration) (+0.3%), while immigration from third countries falls to 44,421 persons. The migration balance for EU/EFTA citizens amounts to 50,893 persons, for third-country nationals 23,782 persons.

93,086 persons came for employment (–1.6%), of which 84,487 from the EU/EFTA. The quota utilization rate for third-country skilled workers is 62–74 percent, indicating partially unused capacity. Family reunification accounted for 25.5 percent of net migration.

Population Structure and Naturalizations

At the end of 2025, 1,613,486 EU/EFTA nationals and 800,922 third-country nationals lived permanently in Switzerland. Italians (350,958), Germans (338,584), Portuguese (264,341), and French (181,501) form the largest foreign population groups. 41,134 persons were naturalized.

Key Findings

  • Net migration falls for second consecutive year: –10.5% to 74,675 persons; structural trend reversal rather than cyclical effect
  • EU/EFTA migration stabilizes: Despite overall decline in immigration, migration balance from EU/EFTA remains constant
  • Third-country migration collapses: –11.3% in immigration; quotas for skilled workers only 62–74% utilized
  • Labour market remains main driver: 93,086 persons for employment; labour shortage due to population ageing
  • Emigration rises in parallel: +4.8% emigrations, particularly among EU/EFTA citizens (+5.8%)

Critical Questions

  1. Data Quality: How reliable are the statistical adjustments in net migration calculations, and what error margins exist in recording short-term migration?

  2. Causality of Decline: Is the 10.5 percent decline primarily due to increased emigration (+4.8%) or declining immigration (–3.1%), and what factors explain the divergent development by region of origin?

  3. Labour Market Mismatch: Why are only 62–74% of quotas for third-country skilled workers utilized while labour shortages persist – is there a qualification or recognition problem?

  4. Emigration Trends: What reasons lead to a 5.8 percent increase in EU/EFTA emigration, and is there a connection to labour market conditions or cost of living?

  5. Family Reunification Stability: Why does family reunification remain stable (–0.6%) despite declining overall immigration, and which population groups benefit from it?

  6. Population Ageing and Sustainability: Does the current net migration of 74,675 persons adequately cover the structural labour shortage due to population ageing?

Source Directory

Primary Source: Press Release: Further Declining Net Migration in 2025 – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/ixt-Q0OoyX6niFp2Rp54n

Documents:

  • Annual Immigration Statistics 2025 (PDF)
  • Foreign Population Statistics as of 31 December 2025

Verification Status: ✓ 20.02.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-check: 20.02.2026