Statistics reveal sense of financial insecurity among over-65s

Some 813,400 Swiss nationals were living abroad at the end of 2023. This is an increase of 1.7 per cent on the previous year. The Federal Statistical Office published these new figures at the end of March. It is still the case that easily the biggest proportion of Swiss Abroad – around 64 per cent – live in Europe. France and Germany were again home to the largest Swiss expatriate populations in 2023. And the majority of Swiss Abroad – 56 per cent – are between 18 and 65, i.e. of employable age.

As in recent years, the over-65 age group grew faster than all the other expatriate age groups in 2023 – by almost four per cent. This is partly down to an ageing expatriate population, but emigration also plays a key role. Evidence suggests that financial insecurity is another reason why more Swiss are deciding to move abroad. In a survey conducted as part of the nccr – on the move research project at the University of Neuchâtel, respondents most frequently said that they had moved abroad because the cost of living in Switzerland was too high or because they wanted to maintain or improve their standard of living. State pension figures support this argument. In 2022, Swiss living in Switzerland received an average monthly OASI state pension of 1,919 Swiss francs. The average state pension payment for Swiss Abroad was much lower: 1,209 francs.

Retired Swiss Abroad now see political and media sentiment swinging against them. The National Council recently voted in favour of a motion to abolish child pensions. To compensate for the loss of child pensions, the motion proposed that individual supplementary benefits should increase if necessary. Given that residence abroad precludes you from receiving supplementary benefits, Swiss Abroad on low incomes would have their child pensions cancelled and not receive any benefits to offset this loss in income.

“Misguided and wrong”

Anyone following the debate surrounding state pensions for the Swiss Abroad may be forgiven for thinking that retired expats live a life of luxury. For most, the reality is different. Many Swiss Abroad would have needed supplementary benefits if they had stayed in Switzerland. “Swiss who emigrate after retirement are normally less of a burden on the Swiss welfare state,” says Filippo Lombardi, president of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, “which is why it is misguided and wrong to be chipping away at their pensions”.