30,166 People Became Swiss Citizens in 2021, Data Shows

According to data from the authority, foreign nationals living in Switzerland for ten years and who hold a residence permit are eligible to apply for ordinary naturalisation at their canton of residence – representing the most used process for acquisition in 2021, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.

In addition, under the simplified naturalisation, which represents the citizenship acquisition of the husband or wife of a Swiss citizen, a total of 6,656 people became Swiss citizens, while 80 people were reintegrated into the country. Moreover, 79 people received a confirmation of their Swiss nationality.

Data from 2021 shows that the Swiss population is experiencing a surge, mainly due to immigrants coming into the country, which could work in the hosting country’s favour as it enriches the labour market.

More specifically, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) previously revealed that the total number of migrants reaching the country in the first half of the year had peaked at 37,816 – up by 45.4 per cent compared to the previous year when 26,008 newcomers were recorded.

“The developments in the first half of 2022 reflect the pronounced labour market-oriented immigration to Switzerland. This is to be seen in connection with the positive economic development following the lifting of the pandemic-related measures and the associated increase in demand for labour,” the press release issued by SEM reads.

This declaration followed reports that the Swiss resident population will soon reach almost nine million this year, experiencing a 0.8 per cent increase compared to 2020.

Moreover, the largest share of the Swiss population is estimated to be seniors, with every fifth woman and every sixth man being older than 64 years. This indicates that the majority of the Swiss population is older, which creates more work opportunities for youngsters, especially seasonal workers from third countries.

During this time, the Swiss unemployment rate fell to merely two per cent, while the number of open vacancies reached an all-time high.

“The number of short-term residents subject to registration was 155,329 (prior-year period: 116,924). Reportable short stays include short-term employment with Swiss employers (60 per cent), posted employees (31 per cent), and self-employed service providers (nine per cent) who stay in Switzerland for a maximum of three months or 90 working days per calendar year,” the press release reads.

In addition, 1.7 per cent more third country nationals left Switzerland between June and January, compared to the previous year, which was up by 33,801 people. This shows that the emigration of EU/EFTA nationals in Switzerland has surged by 6.6 per cent, accounting for 1,600 people.