Swiss Living Index

Foreign residents: all cantons compared

Foreign residents 2026: the highest value goes to the canton of Geneva (41.7%), the lowest to the canton of Appenzell Inner Rhodes (12.65%). The full ranking of all 26 cantons:

Share of residents who are foreign nationals (not Swiss citizens). A higher value means a more international population. (Source: BFS STATPOP)

#CantonValueYear
1Geneva41.7%2024
2Basel-Stadt38.68%2024
3Vaud33.98%2024
4Zug30.47%2024
5Ticino29.41%2024
6Zurich29.01%2024
7Schaffhausen28.94%2024
8Aargau27.83%2024
9Thurgau27.58%2024
10Neuchâtel27.07%2024
11St. Gallen26.96%2024
12Glarus26.68%2024
13Valais25.91%2024
14Solothurn25.6%2024
15Basel-Landschaft25.48%2024
16Fribourg25.31%2024
17Schwyz24.08%2024
18Lucerne21.53%2024
19Grisons21.04%2024
20Bern18.36%2024
21Appenzell Outer Rhodes18.15%2024
22Nidwalden17.81%2024
23Obwalden17.04%2024
24Jura16.21%2024
25Uri15.28%2024
26Appenzell Inner Rhodes12.65%2024

Frequently asked questions

Which canton has the lowest Foreign residents?

The canton of Appenzell Inner Rhodes, at 12.65%.

Which canton has the highest Foreign residents?

The canton of Geneva, at 41.7%.

Calculate your move — free, at commune level →