Top 3 Destinations for Switzerland Expats (2023 Data via 2025 OECD Report)
The report estimates that 9,700 Swiss citizens left for other OECD countries in 2023, down 5% from the year before.
| Country of Origin | Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Spain | ~2,134 (22% of overall Swiss outflow) |
| Switzerland | Germany | ~1,940 (20% of overall Swiss outflow) |
| Switzerland | Netherlands | ~679 (7% of overall Swiss outflow) |
Small total. Even with some of the highest wages in Europe, the Swiss still emigrate, and when they do, they go to Spain. Germany at #2 makes sense given the shared language. The Netherlands at #3 is a pattern that shows up across several European countries.
Where are those destination countries sending their people?
Emigration of Spanish citizens (to OECD countries) was 80,000 in 2023. ~18% went to Germany, 13% to the Netherlands, and 12% to France.
Emigration of German citizens (to OECD countries) was 145,000 in 2023. ~18% went to Switzerland, 14% to Austria, and 13% to Poland.
Emigration of Dutch citizens (to OECD countries) was 42,000 in 2023. ~21% went to Spain, 18% to Belgium, and 13% to Germany.
| Country of Origin | Top Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | Germany | ~14,400 |
| Germany | Switzerland | ~26,100 |
| Netherlands | Spain | ~8,820 |