Switzerland is often viewed as a magnet for foreigners, attracting thousands each year with its stunning landscapes, robust economy, and high quality of life. Yet, what often goes unnoticed is the significant number of foreign nationals who leave the country annually. According to new data obtained by swissinfo.ch, approximately 90,000 foreign nationals depart from Switzerland each year, a figure that has remained consistent over the years.
Between 2013 and 2022, Switzerland saw a net migration average of more than 60,000 per year, which accounted for a remarkable 85% of the country’s population growth. The influx of over 50,000 Ukrainian refugees in 2023 pushed net foreign migration to a record high of nearly 150,000, although this number fell back to around 95,000 in 2024, based on provisional data.
However, this sustained net inflow masks a significant and steady outflow of people. From 2013 to 2022, Switzerland welcomed an average of 155,000 foreign nationals annually, while emigration hovered consistently around 90,000 a year. This figure has been slowly but steadily increasing since the early 2000s.
Data from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) indicates that most foreign nationals who leave Switzerland do so within a few years of their arrival. For instance, of the 200,000 foreigners who entered Switzerland in 2011, half had left within five years, and nearly 60% by 2022. Most departures occur within the first two years of residency.
Between 2014 and 2023, about 1.85 million foreign nationals immigrated to Switzerland, but by the end of 2023, around 800,000 of them—43%—had left. A significant reason for this trend relates to the types of residence permits available. Many newcomers enter the country on either a B-permit, which is renewable annually, or the more precarious L-permit, valid for no more than a year. Among those who arrived in 2011, nearly one-third held an L-permit, and 70% of this group eventually left.
Furthermore, more than half of the arrivals in 2011 received a B-permit, yet less than half of this group remained in Switzerland after a decade. Employment opportunities also play a crucial role in the decision to stay or leave. Work is the primary motivation for both arriving and departing foreign nationals, with many planning to retire abroad due to financial considerations. Others come to Switzerland for short-term academic or professional opportunities, often without developing emotional or social ties to the country.
The introduction of the EU’s free movement of persons agreement in 2002 has significantly boosted immigration but has also encouraged a more fluid, cross-border career path where individuals frequently come and go. Since this agreement, emigration among EU citizens has risen sharply. Notably, EU nationals—particularly from Germany, Portugal, Italy, and France—make up the majority of foreign departures. In 2023, for every 100 Portuguese nationals who arrived in Switzerland, a staggering 83 left.
On a different note, the wealth distribution in Switzerland has raised eyebrows, with the richest 1% owning an astonishing 45% of the country’s total assets. According to a report by Swiss public broadcaster SRF, this elite group contributes a significant share of the nation’s tax revenue, raising questions about their role and responsibilities within society.
In the banking world, individuals are generally considered wealthy if they hold net assets of at least CHF1 million (approximately $1.2 million). There are around 400,000 taxpayers in this “millionaire” category, but to be among the top 1% of the population, one must possess net assets of CHF8 million. The wealthiest 1% controls nearly half of the nation’s wealth, while nearly two-thirds of taxpayers collectively own just 3%.
On average, members of the richest 1% hold assets worth CHF20 million, while the lowest 22% of the population have no net wealth at all. This stark contrast highlights the growing inequality within the country, a sentiment echoed by economist Isabel Martinez, who states, “In international comparison, wealth distribution in Switzerland is highly unequal.”
The super-rich in Switzerland significantly contribute to public finances, with the top 10% of asset-holders paying 86% of all wealth tax. The highest-earning 10% account for 53% of all income tax, equating to CHF31.6 billion in 2020—roughly a quarter of total tax revenues across Switzerland, including cantons and municipalities. Martinez explains, “In a progressive tax system, the rich pay more than the poor. That’s a constitutional principle. But it also reflects inequality: the more income and wealth is concentrated at the top, the more heavily the tax burden falls on this small group.”
Wealthy entrepreneurs are often credited with job creation, innovation, and investment in future-oriented projects. Switzerland is home to over 13,000 charitable foundations, managing CHF140 billion and distributing around CHF3 billion annually. Moreover, affluent individuals contribute to culture, science, education, and local sports teams through personal donations, estimated to total at least CHF1 billion a year.
Despite these contributions, pressure is mounting on the wealthy. Globally, there are increasing calls for higher taxation on the rich. In Switzerland, the Young Social Democrats have initiated a proposal specifically aimed at wealthy heirs, indicating a rising political debate about how much the super-rich should contribute back to society.
A non-representative survey revealed that approximately nine out of ten users (87%) of the “dialogue” community perceive the super-rich as a threat to democracy. This sentiment underscores the growing concern regarding wealth inequality and its implications for social cohesion in Switzerland.
In yet another trend, the number of wealthy foreigners who manage to 'buy' their way into Switzerland is on the rise. In 2024, a total of 496 permits were granted to affluent individuals from third countries, marking an increase of 92 compared to the previous year. Russian citizens topped the list, with 94 receiving a golden visa, followed by nationals from China (51), the UK (49), and the US (38). The cost of obtaining these permits varies depending on the canton, with Zurich being the most expensive, requiring a minimum lump sum of 1 million francs.
As Switzerland grapples with these complex issues—foreign migration, wealth inequality, and the influx of affluent newcomers—the debate about the future of the nation’s social fabric intensifies. The balance between welcoming foreign talent and addressing the challenges posed by wealth concentration is a delicate one, and it remains to be seen how Switzerland will navigate these waters in the years to come.
