Switzerland net migration declines in first half of 2026

Net migration to Switzerland declined by 12.5 percent in the first half of 2026, falling to 29,884 people compared to the same period in 2025. Total immigration to the permanent foreign resident population reached 74,112 people, a decrease of 2.9 percent from the previous year. This decline was driven by a reduction in arrivals from both EU/EFTA countries and third-state nationals, alongside a continuous increase in emigration since 2023.

In the Canton of Ticino, the number of cross-border commuters decreased by 0.6 percent. While the total number of cross-border workers in Switzerland saw a slight annual increase of 1.3 percent, specific regions like Ticino and Zurich experienced declines. In Ticino, the decrease in workers coming from Italy is noted, with experts suggesting factors such as the 2023 tax agreement between Switzerland and Italy and improved working conditions in Italy as potential drivers. The labor market remains the primary factor influencing Swiss immigration trends.