#immigration #await #foreigners #Switzerland
Several proposals and changes are currently underway in Switzerland that could impact the lives of foreign nationals next year or beyond if they are implemented.
Let’s start with one that is arguably among the most divisive and contentious issues to emerge in Switzerland in recent years: the right-wing initiative called “No to 10 million people.”
Instigated by the populist Swiss People’s Party (SVP), the initiative will most likely be brought to the ballot box in 2026; if it wins voters’ approval, it will radically change not only Switzerland’s immigration policy as we know it, but also the country’s economy, labour market, and demographic development.
What is it about?
At its core, the initiative seeks to drastically reduce the influx of foreigners to Switzerland, so that the country’s population doesn’t exceed the 10-million mark, which the populist party says will overburden key infrastructure, such as housing, public transport, the health system, and schools.
READ ALSO: What exactly does the Swiss ‘no to 10 million’ anti immigration proposal aim to do?
One of the initiative’s supporters interviewed by The Local, SVP deputy Thomas Matter, pointed out that “uncontrolled and excessive immigration is the primary cause of the most pressing and significant problems facing Switzerland” – the reason why the influx of foreigners “must be managed according to the interests of the entire economy.”
However, Patrick Leisbach, migration and labour market expert at Avenir Suisse think tank told The Local that “the initiative would likely weaken Switzerland’s long-term growth, innovation, and prosperity.”
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Does this initiative have a chance of being accepted?
The government, all political parties other than the SVP, as well as business and economic circles, are urging voters to turn down the proposal.
It is far too early to venture a guess, but a nationwide poll carried out in September 2025 indicates that, far from being rejected outright, the proposal is likely to be accepted – even if by a very narrow majority of voters.
The poll, conducted on behalf of the Swiss Trade Union Federation (USS) by the Sotomo Research Institute, shows that 48 percent of participants are in favour, or somewhat in favour, of imposing such a limit on immigration, while 45 percent would vote against it, and 7 percent are undecided.
The fate of this referendum is therefore in the hands of that 7-percent segment of the population that is still unsure about how they will vote.
These figures are worrying because they show an “unusual level of support” for the right-wing issue, according to Michael Hermann, a political scientist who carried out the poll.
If that happens, Switzerland will have no choice but to go about implementing this measure and accept its far-reaching consequences – not only on the country’s economy, but also on its relations with the European Union, as the initiative’s victory would mean that the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Bern and Brussels would have to be renegotiated – or even scrapped altogether.
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Next: Shorter waiting period for naturalisation
A sufficient number of signatures has been collected on a petition seeking to allow all eligible foreigners to apply for Swiss citizenship after five years of residency, instead of the current ten.
The date for the referendum has not yet been set, but the Federal Council has urged voters to reject the proposal because such a measure “would constitute a significant infringement on the powers of the cantons,” which set their own rules in this regard.
The government does, however, recognise that “ordinary naturalisation is subject to very different conditions from one canton to another, so that equal opportunities [for all applicants] are not always guaranteed.”
And that brings us to the next point: Harmonisation of naturalisation rules
Regardless of whether voters approve or reject the move to shorten the waiting period for citizenship, the Federal Council has asked the cantons to “examine together how to simplify and harmonise the naturalisation procedure,” so that they are the same throughout Switzerland.
READ ALSO: Switzerland makes move to harmonise naturalisation rules
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Adopting EU’s ‘Citizens’ Rights Directive’
As part of the new package of agreement between Bern and Brussels, Switzerland would have to adopt EU’s Citizens’ Rights Directive, which allows EU/EFTA nationals to move freely within all contracting states (of which Switzerland is one) and grants them permanent residency rights after five years of living in the country.
Having a job – or, for that matter, being financially self-sufficient, and not receiving social aid – would no longer be a requirement.
As a result of this rule, more than half a million people from the EU as well as EFTA states (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), could obtain Swiss C permit after five years of residence – with no strings attached.
READ ALSO: Why 570,000 foreigners in Switzerland could suddenly get permanent residence
However, this would come to be only if the bilateral agreements end up being approved by the Swiss Parliament and voters – likely in 2027.
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New family reunification rules
The EU package also eases reunification regulations for registered same-sex couples – under the new agreement, they will have equal rights.
It also introduces the possibility of requesting family reunification for unmarried, but cohabiting, couples, as well as family members in need of care.
However, the conditions remain restrictive: serious health reasons and proof of a stable relationship are required.
On the other hand, the current requirement for “adequate” housing for family reunification will be scrapped, though cantons may still require a rental contract.
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