Are The Swiss Abroad A Drain Or A Gain For Switzerland?

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) How do Swiss nationals living abroad contribute to the good of Switzerland? This is a question that often arises. Those concerned say they ease the burden on public finances and act as unofficial ambassadors for the country. In Switzerland, however, some voices question the legitimacy of the political rights of fellow citizens who live far away and pay no direct taxes. This content was published on September 15, 2026 - 09:00 7 minutes

Emigration, returning to Switzerland, family, education, pensions, banking, insurance... I care about Swiss people living abroad and inform them about the issues that concern them. Passionate about languages and cultures, my career path took a short turn through marketing and assistant work before crossing the road into journalism, in a job that allows me to converse with people from all over the world.

More from this aut French Departm

Deutsch de Auslandschweizer: Bürde oder Bereicherung für die Schweiz? Read more: Auslandschweizer: Bürde oder Bereicherung für die Sch Français fr Les Suisses de l'étranger, atouts ou citoyens à sens unique? Original Read more: Les Suisses de l'étranger, atouts ou citoyens à sens un Italiano it Svizzeri e svizzere all'estero, una risorsa o una cittadinanza a senso unico? Read more: Svizzeri e svizzere all'estero, una risorsa o una cittadinanza a senso u

More than 838,000 Swiss nationals live outside the country's borders. They nevertheless retain certain rights, in particular the right to vote. Around 231,000 people are listed in the Register of the Swiss Abroad. As such, they are eligible to take part in referendums and elections in Switzerland.

Yet the Swiss diaspora does not always get good press in Switzerland. Citizens living abroad are regularly labelled as freeloaders who make no contribution to Switzerland“in exchange” for their rights.

Those concerned broadly refute this, as shown by their contributions to our debate on the matter.

A relief for public finances

This is one argument that comes up repeatedly in our discussion forum: expatriates, especially pensioners, say they represent a source of substantial savings for the Swiss state. By living abroad,“many Swiss people receiving the state old-age pension (OASI) relieve the government of having to pay supplementary benefits (SBExternal link ) and individual health insurance premium reductions (premium subsidiesExternal link ) for the rest of their lives”, argues C.L.D.

By being obliged to forgo these benefits when leaving Switzerland, these retirees directly ease the strain on public finances, they say. One reader comments wryly:“Switzerland should rejoice at each voluntary departure”. Another contributor, R.T., meanwhile suggests“calculating how many millions Switzerland saves by not paying supplementary benefits to Swiss citizens living abroad”.

>> The Council of the Swiss Abroad recently discussed the financial contribution made by Swiss citizens living abroad:

More More Swiss Abroad Community Council of the Swiss Abroad campaigns for clear objectives and more respect

This content was published on Aug 24, 2026 During a marathon session the Council discussed issues including the diaspora's contribution to Switzerland.

Read more: Council of the Swiss Abroad campaigns for clear objectives and more re

MENAFN15092026000210011054ID1111669206