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 analyze the movements.
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 (43%), whereas other immigrants tend to come to Switzerland for family reasons (roughly 55%).
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