Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
Data collection on the residence permits (RESPER) statistics contains statistical information based on the principles stated in the Union legislation on migration Regulation (EC) No 862/2007 as amended by the Regulation (EU) 2020/851 and the Commission Regulation (EU) No 216/2010 implementing the categories of reasons for residence permits.
The main RESPER data collection based on Article 6 of the Migration Statistics Regulation
First residence permits,
Residence permits issued on the occasion of changing the immigration status or reason to stay,
Residence permits valid at the end of the year,
Long-term residence permits valid at the end of the year,
Long-term permits issued during the year.
Statistics collected on voluntary basis
Residence permits issued for family reunification with beneficiaries of protection status.
3.2. Classification system
See table 3.2. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
3.3. Coverage - sector
Migration and asylum – Residence permits statistics.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
See table 3.4. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
3.5. Statistical unit
Number of persons.
3.6. Statistical population
See table 3.6. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
3.7. Reference area
Switzerland
3.8. Coverage - Time
2023
3.9. Base period
Not applicable.
Number of persons.
Calendar year.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
The Ordinance on the execution of federal statistical surveys (Ordonnance sur les relevés statistiques) provides the comprehensive legal framework for the collection, processing, and dissemination of federal statistics in Switzerland. This ordinance regulates the execution of statistical surveys and the treatment of collected data, ensuring adherence to national and international statistical principles, including professional independence, objectivity, and confidentiality.
The Federal Statistical Office (FSO) is responsible for coordinating statistical cooperation between Switzerland and the European Union, including the implementation of the annual EU-Switzerland statistical program under the Agreement of 26 October 2004. In line with this framework, the FSO ensures that Switzerland adheres to EU statistical requirements, including those set forth in Regulation (EC) No 862/2007 on Community statistics on migration and international protection, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2020/851.
In Switzerland, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) bases its statistics on the methodology and standards established by the FSO, ensuring compliance with both national guidelines and the EU’s statistical requirements on migration data.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Data sharing is governed by the Ordinance concerning the execution of federal statistical surveys (RS 431.012.1). The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) collects data on migration according to uniform rules throughout Switzerland. This data is sent to the SEM, where it is controlled and verified monthly. The SEM coordinates with Eurostat in accordance with European Regulation (EC) No 862/2007, which outlines the rules for the collection and compilation of Community statistics on migration and international protection. This ensures that data sharing and exchange are consistent and comply with both national and European standards.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) ensures the confidentiality of data through legislative measures and formal procedures. According to the Ordinance concerning the execution of federal statistical surveys (Ordonnance sur les relevés statistiques, RS 431.012.1), Article 3a stipulates that responsible agencies must observe recognized national and international statistical principles, including professional independence, objectivity, and statistical confidentiality. Furthermore, Article 7 mandates that all persons and services involved in executing surveys must treat the collected data confidentially, ensuring data security and preventing unauthorized disclosure. Regarding demands for access to confidential data for scientific purposes, these are subject to European regulations ((EC) No 831/2002).
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
The SEM applies specific rules to treat data and ensure statistical confidentiality, which prevents unauthorized disclosure. For aggregate outputs, any data about persons (e.g., gender, sex, nationality, residence status) is not published if the total or an intermediate total contains only 1, 2, or 3 observations, thereby maintaining individual confidentiality.
8.1. Release calendar
The SEM does not maintain a formal release calendar. However, data is published regularly each month, usually at the start of the month for the previous month. For instance, data for August 2024 was published on September 6, 2024. There is no advance notice or public announcement regarding upcoming releases.
General release policy The SEM does not make formal announcements about its data releases. Data is made publicly accessible on the SEM website for the previous month without any prior notifications or press briefings. All users have equal access to the data upon publication, and no pre-release access is provided to any parties.
Release policy for the reported data For the RESPER data, the SEM publishes detailed statistics on the foreign resident population by type of permit, age, civil status, and duration of stay. This data is included in the broader monthly updates on the foreign resident population (e.g., Effectif de la population résidante permanente étrangère par type d’autorisation and Entrées population résidante permanente étrangère par motifs d'immigration).
At the national level, residence permit statistics covered by the RESPER data are disseminated monthly by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
For Eurostat, these statistics are provided on a yearly basis.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
There are no regular or ad-hoc press releases specifically linked to the resident permits data. However, the SEM publishes an annual report titled Les étrangers en Suisse, which provides an overview of trends, key statistics, and analysis related to the foreign population in Switzerland, including resident permits. This publication is the closest format to a press release. Beyond this, data is made available monthly in Excel format without any formal announcements.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
Data related to resident permits is published monthly in the form of Excel files on the SEM website. These datasets cover various aspects of the foreign resident population, such as the number of permits issued, demographic breakdowns, and reasons for immigration. Available at: Auslaender statistik.
No subscriptions or purchases are required, as all publications are freely accessible online.
No subscriptions or purchases are required, as all publications are freely accessible online.
Nationally, residence permit statistics are disseminated by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and are freely accessible online at: SEM Foreign Nationals Statistics.
At the EU level, residence permit data submitted annually by Switzerland are available through Eurostat’s online database, where they can be accessed in alignment with European dissemination standards.
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
Not applicable.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
Not applicable.
10.5. Dissemination format - other
Not applicable.
10.5.1. Metadata - consultations
Not applicable.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) compiles statistics in alignment with Eurostat guidelines.
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
Not applicable.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
Not available.
11.1. Quality assurance
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) ensures data quality through a systematic process involving the collection, verification, and correction of data. Data are collected according to uniform rules throughout Switzerland by the police and then sent to the SEM. The SEM conducts monthly controls and verifications of these data. If any discrepancies are identified, the data are sent back to the source for correction. Each person has a Personal Identification Number (PIN), which allows for the linkage of data within our database. This continuous monitoring, correction mechanism, and data linkage ensure the integrity and reliability of the statistical data.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
The data validation process at the SEM includes several key procedures to maintain data quality. Totals are checked for consistency to ensure that the figures match across different data sets. Visual validation techniques are employed to verify the accuracy of tables and graphs, allowing for the identification of any anomalies. Each step of data processing includes checks to maintain data integrity, ensuring that errors are prevented. Additionally, procedures are in place to exclude any double counting, ensuring that the final data are accurate and reliable. The use of PINs for data linkage further enhances the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the data. These validation processes confirm that the data collected and processed by the SEM meet high standards of quality.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
The statistics produced by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) are used by a wide range of users at national, European, and international levels.
National Level: The main users are national administrations, academic researchers, civil society groups, and the media. These users rely on the statistics for various purposes, including the integration of immigrants, the development and monitoring of national asylum and immigration procedures, and the projection of future population and labor force. Politicians and cantonal authorities also frequently request specific statistics, which SEM provides as much as possible to meet their needs.
European and International Level: The primary users include Eurostat, the European Commission, and international organizations such as UNHCR and OECD. These organizations use the statistics in several publications, regular reports, policy proposals, and analyses.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
No information available.
12.3. Completeness
See table 12.3. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Not applicable.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Overall low accuracy due to technical reasons : difficulty to differentiate between new permits and renewed permits, also some individuals seem to have an incorrect date in ZEMIS.
13.2. Sampling error
Not applicable.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Not applicable.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Not applicable.
13.3.1. Coverage error
Not applicable.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not applicable.
13.3.2. Measurement error
Not applicable.
13.3.3. Non response error
Not applicable.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.4. Processing error
Not applicable.
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
Data are loaded into the data warehouse daily, allowing access to up-to-date information for internal purposes. For public and official purposes, we use “historized data,” which are finalized and validated monthly to ensure accuracy and consistency. This structured approach results in a time lag of one day for internal use and approximately one month for external monthly data releases. This process ensures reliable data and cannot be reduced further due to technical constraints.
For Eurostat, residence permit data are compiled and transmitted annually. The 2023 data were submitted with a four-month delay due to internal adjustments within the SEM, including team restructuring and updates to statistical concepts.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
Not applicable.
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
Not applicable.
14.2. Punctuality
See table 14.2. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
Not applicable.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
Statistics are comparable between all regions of Switzerland. State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is in charge of accumulating and processing data related to migration for the national territory.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not applicable.
15.2. Comparability - over time
See table 15.2. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
Not applicable.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Not applicable.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
General coherence between the monthly data published by SEM and the annual data transmitted to Eurostat, with a minor methodological difference.
For Eurostat, a new permit is recorded only if more than six months have passed since the expiration of the previous permit.
By contrast, in data published SEM considers a permit as "new" if an individual re-enters Switzerland and applies for a permit after their prior permit expires, regardless of the time gap.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Not applicable.
15.4. Coherence - internal
Statistics are consistent within a given dataset.
Not available.
17.1. Data revision - policy
Data beeing revised if necessary.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Data beeing revised if necessary.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not applicable.
18.1. Source data
Database ZEMIS.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Compilations of the data for Eurostat are made on an annual basis.
18.3. Data collection
All data are collected and processed by local authorities, and processed by SEM. The SEM checks if different data sources match together.
18.4. Data validation
The following checks are performed to ensure data validity:
Checks of totals consistency
Using visual validation (visual verification of the tables or the graphs generated)
Checking the data integrity over each processing step
Checking if the double counting cases are excluded
Checking the consistency between flow and stock data
Checking the consistency between statistics by "reason" and statistics by "age" and "sex" categories
In addition, a specific software is used to support data validation.
18.5. Data compilation
Not applicable.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Not applicable.
18.6. Adjustment
Not applicable.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
No statistical technique applied.
The following classification is used for data availability at Eurostat level:
The term "not applicable" related to the categories of permits which do not exist in national legislation/administrative procedures and therefore such statistics cannot be issued.
The term "not available" relates to categories of data that exist in the national legal/administrative system but cannot be delivered under Residence permits statistics data collection for various reasons (e.g. data cannot exist, data exist but are not collected, data are unreliable, etc.).
The term "Not available information" means not available metadata information.
Data collection on the residence permits (RESPER) statistics contains statistical information based on the principles stated in the Union legislation on migration Regulation (EC) No 862/2007 as amended by the Regulation (EU) 2020/851 and the Commission Regulation (EU) No 216/2010 implementing the categories of reasons for residence permits.
The main RESPER data collection based on Article 6 of the Migration Statistics Regulation
First residence permits,
Residence permits issued on the occasion of changing the immigration status or reason to stay,
Residence permits valid at the end of the year,
Long-term residence permits valid at the end of the year,
Long-term permits issued during the year.
Statistics collected on voluntary basis
Residence permits issued for family reunification with beneficiaries of protection status.
25 October 2024
See table 3.4. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
Number of persons.
See table 3.6. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
Switzerland
Calendar year.
Overall low accuracy due to technical reasons : difficulty to differentiate between new permits and renewed permits, also some individuals seem to have an incorrect date in ZEMIS.
Number of persons.
Not applicable.
Database ZEMIS.
At the national level, residence permit statistics covered by the RESPER data are disseminated monthly by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
For Eurostat, these statistics are provided on a yearly basis.
Data are loaded into the data warehouse daily, allowing access to up-to-date information for internal purposes. For public and official purposes, we use “historized data,” which are finalized and validated monthly to ensure accuracy and consistency. This structured approach results in a time lag of one day for internal use and approximately one month for external monthly data releases. This process ensures reliable data and cannot be reduced further due to technical constraints.
For Eurostat, residence permit data are compiled and transmitted annually. The 2023 data were submitted with a four-month delay due to internal adjustments within the SEM, including team restructuring and updates to statistical concepts.
Statistics are comparable between all regions of Switzerland. State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is in charge of accumulating and processing data related to migration for the national territory.
See table 15.2. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
