To ensure harmonious co-existence of all national groups with each other and with the Swiss population as a whole, Zurich authorities have established integration policy goals for the next few years.
“Zurich is diverse and shaped by migration: Almost 45 percent of the population was born abroad, and around 17,000 people move to Zurich directly from other countries each year,” the municipality said on October 1st.
“Coexistence works well and is fostered by an active integration policy, guided by strategic goals established by the City Council.”
It added that its objectives for 2026–2030 include, for the first time, “a dedicated strategic focus on preventing discrimination.”
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What integration goals has Zurich devised for the next four years?
They comprise 20 objectives grouped into these five strategic areas:
Preventing discrimination
Municipal authorities “actively combat exclusion and disadvantage, while promoting conditions that support both individual and societal integration.”
Enabling access
This means that all residents “benefit equally from Zurich’s programmes and services.”
Strengthening participation
“Residents of Zurich participate in economic, political, and social life to the best of their ability.”
(It is worth noting though, that unlike nearly 600 other municipalities in Switzerland, Zurich doesn’t grant its foreign residents the right to vote, so it is not clear how the city expects immigrants to be involved in local politics).
READ MORE: Where in Switzerland do foreigners have the right to vote?
Fostering a culture of welcome and recognition
“All residents of Zurich are part of the city’s community, and their personal ways of life are respected in accordance with fundamental rights and the applicable legal framework.”
Addressing challenges
Zurich is committed to social harmony, so “challenges and difficulties regarding coexistence are addressed proactively.”
Integration contract?
While the city’s announcement doesn’t mention it, In 2025, several local MPs had submitted a motion in the cantonal Parliament – where it still remains in limbo at this time – seeking to obligate all refugees and asylum seekers coming to Zurich to sign an integration agreement.
Concretely, the motion calls on the Parliament “to introduce a binding integration contract that sets out the rights, obligations, as well norms and values of our society.”
READ MORE: Immigrants in Zurich could be obliged to sign an ‘integration contract’
Part of the national strategy
Zurich’s announcement coincides with integration goals established by the federal government only days before.
The Federal Council vowed to spend 334.5 million francs for this purpose between 2028 and 2032.
These funds, which will be distributed to the cantons to be used for their integration programmes, “will be used primarily for language support, information and counselling services, as well as integration into education or the labour market.”
READ MORE: Switzerland to invest 334.5 million francs in help for integration of foreigners
