Most Swiss who leave to live abroad today do so only temporarily. In 2012 the total number of Swiss nationals registered as living outside the country was 715,710, 62% of whom were based in Europe. The largest Swiss expat communities are in France, Germany and the US.

Swiss citizens resident abroad are known as the "Fifth Switzerland" - the other four being the language regions. Switzerland funds numerous services and facilities for them to keep in touch with their homeland, including cultural centres and 17 Swiss schools.