Integration in Switzerland: What does that actually mean?

Integration in Switzerland

1 Why integration is an important issue in Switzerland

Switzerland is a country of cultural diversity and immigration. With a foreign population of around 25%, it is one of the European countries with the highest proportion of migrants. Cultural diversity is particularly noticeable in urban centers such as Zurich and has a significant impact on the cityscape. This diversity enriches Swiss society on numerous levels - economically, culturally and socially.

But integration is not a one-way street. Switzerland has clear expectations of immigrants, but at the same time offers extensive support. Successful integration is based on mutual respect and understanding. While immigrants are expected to learn local languages and engage with Swiss values and norms, Switzerland provides numerous programs and resources to facilitate this process.

2 What does integration actually mean in Switzerland?

Integration in Switzerland encompasses several dimensions that intertwine and together describe the process of "arriving" in the new home country.

Legal integration

Legal integration refers to residence status and the associated rights and obligations. Depending on their status (residence permit B, settlement permit C, etc.), immigrants have different rights and opportunities. Legal integration is often the first step and forms the basis for further integration steps.

Linguistic integration

Learning at least one of the national languages - in Zurich and German-speaking Switzerland this is German or Swiss German - is considered a key element of successful integration. Without sufficient language skills, full participation in social, economic and cultural life is hardly possible.

Social integration

This dimension includes participation in social life, establishing social contacts and understanding the local culture and way of life. It also includes the acceptance of fundamental values such as democracy, the rule of law and equality.

Economic integration

Integration into the labor market and financial independence are key aspects of successful integration. Employment in line with one's own qualifications contributes significantly to self-esteem and social recognition.

A "removal order", on the other hand, refers to an official order that a foreign person must leave Switzerland. There can be various reasons for this, for example if they do not have a valid residence permit or if integration agreements have been breached.

Switzerland understands successful integration as a process in which immigrants actively participate in social life, speak the local language, are economically independent and respect the basic values and rules of the country - while at the same time preserving their cultural identity.

3 How does integration work in Switzerland?

Switzerland has a structured system for promoting the integration of immigrants, which operates at various levels and uses different instruments.

Cantonal integration programs (KIP)

Each canton in Switzerland has its own integration program, which is co-financed by the federal government. These programs include various measures in the following areas:

• Information and advice
• Education and work
• Understanding and social integration

The cantonal integration programs coordinate the integration measures and ensure that immigrants have access to the necessary resources.

Integration agreements

In many cantons, integration agreements are concluded with new immigrants. These specify which integration services are expected - usually the focus is on learning the local language. The agreements can be binding and have consequences for residence status if they are not fulfilled.

Integration courses

Integration courses are specialized educational courses which, in addition to language acquisition, also impart knowledge about Swiss society, the political system, rights and obligations as well as everyday skills. They are offered by various providers and are often part of integration agreements.

Responsibilities

Responsibility for integration in Switzerland is spread across various levels:

• Confederation: establishes the legal framework and supports the cantons financially
• Cantons: Implement the integration programs and coordinate the offers
• Municipalities: Are often responsible for practical implementation on site
• Private providers: Carry out integration courses and other measures on behalf of the public sector

At ILS-Zürich you can participate in recognized German courses in Zurich that will not only help you linguistically, but also in everyday life. The courses are tailored to the requirements of the cantonal integration programs and are taught by experienced teachers who are familiar with the specific challenges of integration in Switzerland.

Particularly valuable for the integration process are our German conversation courseswhich take place every six weeks. These courses offer an ideal platform to put into practice what has been learned and to improve speaking skills in everyday situations. Participants are divided into two groups according to their language level (A1-A2 and B1-C1) so that everyone can communicate in an appropriate environment. These conversation courses are free of charge for current ILS-Zürich course participants - a valuable contribution to language integration.

4 When is one "integrated" in Switzerland?

Integration is not a clearly defined state, but an ongoing process. Nevertheless, there are various indicators that suggest that a person has "arrived" in Swiss society.

Measurable factors of integration

• Language competence: command of at least one national language at a level that enables everyday communication and professional activity
• Economic integration: employment or training, financial independence
• Legal integration: secure residence status, knowledge of and respect for the legal system
• Social networking: contacts with locals, participation in social life
• Identification: developing a sense of belonging to Switzerland while at the same time preserving one's own cultural identity

Official criteria

From an official point of view, a person is considered integrated if they:

• Proficient in the local language (depending on context A2 to B1/B2)
• The Swiss legal system respects
• Familiar with the living conditions in Switzerland
• Participates in economic life or is in training
• Does not receive or repay social assistance
• Supporting the family with integration

These criteria are used in particular for residence decisions and naturalization.

Integration as an individual process

Beyond the measurable criteria, integration is a highly individual process that is influenced by many factors:

• Personal requirements (education, age, migration background)
• Receptiveness of the social environment
• Duration of stay
• Family situation
• Cultural proximity or distance to the culture of origin

Ultimately, integration is successful when a person can and wants to participate in social life without their origin being an obstacle.

Regular participation in German conversation coursessuch as those we offer at ILS-Zürich , can significantly accelerate this integration process. Through the practical use of the German language in a supportive environment, participants gain not only linguistic confidence but also valuable cultural knowledge. In our groups divided by language level (A1-A2 and B1-C1), learners can develop at their own pace while building a social network - another important aspect of successful integration.