People migrate for many reasons: the causes can be political, economic, social, cultural or climate-related, etc. In addition, the causes are often closely intertwined. For this reason, it is important to understand the reasons why populations undertake international migrations in order to work on the causes.
In 2017, 43% of the permanent resident population aged 15 to 74 and born abroad said that they immigrated to Switzerland for family reasons. 32% of the above-mentioned population came to Switzerland for professional reasons. The next two reasons most mentioned are asylum (6%) and studies (5%). There are no significant differences between these two reasons. 12% mentioned other reasons.
Sex
Nationality
The main reason given by men for their latest migration are professional reasons (41% compared with 33% for family reasons). The opposite holds true for women. 54% of women mention family reasons compared with 24% for professional reasons.
The reasons for coming to Switzerland vary by nationality. Citizens from EU-28 and EFTA countries mainly come to Switzerland for professional reasons (47%), whereas other immigrants tend to come to Switzerland for family reasons (roughly 56%).
Further information
Tables
Methodologies
Percentage of the population aged 15 to 74 born abroad who immigrated to Switzerland by main reason for their latest migration:
- Professional reasons;
- Family reasons;
- Asylum;
- Studies;
- Other reasons: quality of health/care system, tax reasons, social network in Switzerland (without relatives), other reasons.
Publications
Sources
Contact
Federal Statistical Office Section Demography and MigrationEspace de l'Europe 10
CH-2010 Neuchâtel
Switzerland