The number of Swiss nationals living overseas continued to grow at the end of 2025, although at a slower pace than the previous year.

According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), nearly half of the 836,000 Swiss Abroad resided in neighbouring countries.

The population abroad rose by 1.4%, slightly below the 1.6% increase seen the year before, the FSO reported on Tuesday, attributing part of the slowdown to improved  reporting of deaths in certain countries.

Among Swiss citizens living overseas, 21% were under 18, over half were aged 18 to 64, and 24% were 65 or older, Swiss Info reports.

In addition, the number of Swiss nationals living abroad rose across all continents. Asia saw the fastest growth at 3%, followed by Europe at 1.5%. Increases were 1.1% in North America, 1% in Oceania, 0.6% in Africa, and 0.3% in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The FSO added that, in addition to migration, births, deaths, and naturalisations also contributed to these changes.

In 2025, 64% of Swiss nationals abroad, 538,600 people, resided in Europe. Nearly half of all Swiss Abroad (392,200 people) lived in neighbouring countries. France hosted the largest community with 212,400 people, followed by Germany (102,100), Italy (53,100), Austria (19,100), and Liechtenstein (5,600).

Other significant Swiss communities in Europe included the United Kingdom (41,400) and Spain (28,200). The fastest growth was seen in Liechtenstein (+6.4%), Spain (+3.1%), and Austria (+2.1%).

Outside Europe, around 300,000 Swiss nationals lived abroad, with the largest community in the United States at 85,900. Canada followed with 42,000, and Australia ranked third with 27,000 Swiss residents.

Among neighbouring countries, Swiss nationals tended to settle in regions near the border. The largest concentration was in France’s Haute-Savoie department, with 50,800 residents. Other popular areas included Ain (18,100), Haut-Rhin (17,000), Doubs (14,500), and Paris (11,800).

In Germany, 8,000 Swiss nationals lived in Berlin, while border areas such as Lörrach (5,100), Waldshut (4,300), and Constance (3,000), along with Munich (4,400) and Hamburg (3,100), were also popular.

Whereas in Italy, the province of Milan attracted the largest community, with 6,800 Swiss residents.