The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) office has published latest migration and citizenship statistics on foreigners living in Switzerland and obtaining citizenship in the country.
At the end of 2017, the foreign resident population of Switzerland was 2 053 589. Around 70% of the permanent foreign resident population comes from the EU-28/EFTA states. Italians were Switzerland’s largest foreign community at the end of last year, with a total of 319 367. This is followed by Germans (305 785) and Portuguese (268 012). In 2017, 18 088 people sought asylum in Switzerland.
A total of 44,515 citizenships granted in 2017 with Germans and Italians leading the table.
The Canton of Zurich granted highest number of swiss citizenships to foreigners
- Zurich (9588),
- Vaud (7172)
- Geneva (5372)
- Argovia (2955)
- Bern (2876)
Permanent residents
Foreign nationals become swiss permanent residents they have lived in Switzerland for an uninterrupted period of five years (nationals of EU/EFTA States, USA, Canada) or 10 years (nationals of other states).
A total of 2 053 589 foreign population live in Switzerland as permanent residents. 40% come from neighbouring countries.
Acquisition of Swiss citizenship
Swiss citizenship may be acquired by virtue of the law or by official decree.
- Regular naturalisation: Foreign nationals who have lived in Switzerland for at least 12 years and who are integrated in the Swiss society, are familiar with the Swiss way of life and customs and who comply with the Swiss rule of law may acquire Swiss citizenship through regular naturalisation.
- Simplified naturalisation: Foreign spouses of Swiss nationals living in Switzerland or abroad can obtain Swiss citizenship in a simplified procedure. Foreign children with a Swiss parent also qualify for simplified naturalisation.
- Reinstatement of Swiss citizenship Individuals who have lost their Swiss citizenship may apply to have it reinstated insofar as they can provide proof that they have ties to Switzerland.
Under the revised Swiss Citizenship Act, a person may be naturalised if they hold a permanent residence permit, have resided in Switzerland for at least ten years, and are well integrated. A person is considered well integrated if they command one of the national languages, show respect for public security and order, respect the values of the Federal Constitution, participate in economic life or in gaining an education, and support the integration of their family. Persons wishing to become naturalised must furthermore be familiar with the Swiss way of life and not pose a risk to Switzerland’s internal or external security.
