More than 800’000 Swiss citizens live abroad
Swiss citizens living abroad have reached a record number, with 810,500 people registered as of December 31, 2023, according to new data from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). This represents an increase of 1.7% compared to the previous year, showing that the Swiss diaspora continues to grow steadily.
The majority of these expatriates—62.7% or approximately 508,000 individuals—reside in European countries. France remains the most popular destination, hosting 203,900 Swiss nationals, followed by Germany with 96,600, and Italy with 50,500. Outside Europe, the United States attracts the largest Swiss community with 82,800 residents.
Regional Distribution and Growth Patterns
Looking closer at regional preferences, nearly three-quarters (74.5%) of Swiss abroad choose to settle in countries neighboring Switzerland or within the European Union. This geographical concentration demonstrates the continuing importance of proximity and cultural familiarity in emigration decisions.
The Swiss community in Asia saw the most significant growth last year, increasing by 3.1%, while the population in Oceania grew by 2.7%. Other regions showed more modest growth: 1.9% in the Americas, 1.6% in Europe, and 0.6% in Africa.
Age demographics reveal that 21.5% of Swiss nationals abroad are under 18 years old, 54% are between 18 and 64, and 24.5% are 65 or older. This suggests a balanced distribution across age groups, with a slightly higher proportion of seniors compared to the domestic population.
Regarding gender, the distribution is nearly equal, with women making up 53.8% of Swiss citizens living abroad. This slight female majority has been consistent over the years and reflects similar patterns seen in other expatriate communities.
Dual citizenship is common among Swiss abroad, with 75.5% holding nationality from at least one other country. This proportion has remained relatively stable in recent years, highlighting the international and multicultural nature of the Swiss diaspora.
Interestingly, if Swiss nationals abroad were considered as a canton, they would be the fourth most populous, surpassing all except Zurich, Bern, and Vaud. This “invisible canton” now represents approximately 9.2% of all Swiss citizens worldwide.
The continued growth of the Swiss expatriate community reflects several factors: increasing international mobility, career opportunities abroad, personal relationships spanning borders, and a general trend toward globalization. Many Swiss citizens abroad maintain strong connections to their homeland, participating in Swiss politics through voting rights and staying engaged with Swiss cultural institutions.
For those interested in learning more about Swiss communities worldwide, the Organization of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) provides resources and support services to connect expatriates with their homeland and with each other. The OSA also advocates for the interests of Swiss nationals living outside the confederation’s borders, ensuring their voices are heard in national policy discussions.