People on the square in front of the Zurich opera house
Guide Poland → Switzerland · community · checked 1 Nov 2026

The Polish community in Switzerland

How many Polish people live in Switzerland, where Polish Mass and schools are, and how to keep a piece of home close.

Photo: Pexels
In numbers

How many Polish people live in Switzerland?

According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (BFS), 49,846 Polish citizens lived permanently in Switzerland at the end of 2025. Switzerland is not in the EU, but thanks to the free movement agreement Polish people can live and work here.

49,846Polish citizens (2025)
14 daysto register
3 monthsto get health insurance
3 monthsdeposit at most
CHF 335TV fee a year

Swiss Federal Statistical Office BFS (permanent residents, end of 2025).

Where people live

Where Polish people live in Switzerland

Polish people live all over Switzerland: the largest group (about a quarter) in and around Zurich, and many in the cantons of Aargau, Bern, St Gallen, Thurgau and Vaud.

ZRH
ZurichThe most jobs and Polish people.
BRN
BernThe capital; the Polish embassy is here.
GVA
Geneva and LausanneThe French-speaking part of Switzerland.
Community life

A piece of home, close by

Mass
The Polish Catholic Mission in ZurichThe mission for the cantons of Zurich and Glarus has Mass every Sunday at 12:15 at Herz Jesu church in Zurich-Wiedikon, and also gathers in Winterthur. It runs a Polish school too.
Sch
Three Polish schoolsPolish schools at the embassy in Bern, in Zurich, and in Geneva at Poland's mission to the UN. The Zurich school teaches on Saturdays.
PL
The embassy in BernPassports and official matters. You apply for a passport in person after booking on e-Konsulat; an adult passport costs CHF 131, paid in cash.
Shop
Polish shopsIn many towns, and Polish food in the big supermarket chains too.
1870
The Polish Museum in RapperswilOpened in Rapperswil castle on 23 October 1870. It is moving to the Burghof on the main square; renovation was due to start in October 2026.
1941
The Ładoś Group in BernDuring the Second World War Polish diplomats at the legation in Bern worked with Jewish organisations to rescue Jews, issuing Latin American passports from 1941 to 1943.
2011
Free movement since 2011Since 1 May 2011 Polish citizens have had full free movement of persons in Switzerland.
TV
Polish TVThe channels from home, live in Switzerland.Read the TV guide →
A cosy living room in the evening with a TV and warm shelf lights
Miss home?

The channels you grew up with, here

The news from home, your series, the big matches and the kids' cartoons in Polish. Live in Switzerland, on your TV.

How to watch Polish TV in Switzerland →
Advertisement: almost 400 Polish channels live with VOLTIX →
Photo: Pexels
Online

Where Polish people in Switzerland meet online

Much of the community talks on Facebook: jobs, flats, advice and events, in Polish.

FB
Your town's groupSearch Facebook groups for “Polacy w Szwajcarii” or “Polacy w Zurychu”.
PL
The embassy's pageThe Polish embassy in Bern.gov.pl →

Stay safe: groups are great for jobs and flats, but never send money or photos of your ID to someone you only know from a group.

Quick answers

Questions people ask

How many Polish people live in Switzerland?

49,846 Polish citizens lived here permanently at the end of 2025 (BFS).

Where do most Polish people in Switzerland live?

In and around Zurich, and in Geneva, Lausanne and Basel.

Is there Mass in Polish in Switzerland?

Mass in Polish is held in many towns, such as Zurich, Geneva and Basel. The embassy's page (gov.pl) has the details.

Are there Facebook groups for Polish people in Switzerland?

Yes. Search Facebook groups for “Polacy w Szwajcarii” or “Polacy w Zurychu”.

Is there Mass in Polish in Zurich?

Yes. The Polish Catholic Mission has Mass every Sunday at 12:15 in the upper church of Herz Jesu, Aemtlerstrasse 43, Zurich-Wiedikon, and also gathers in Winterthur.

Where do I get a Polish passport in Switzerland?

At the embassy in Bern or any other Polish consular office, in person, after booking on e-Konsulat. The fee is CHF 131, cash only.

Can I get a Polish ID card at the embassy in Switzerland?

No. Consulates do not issue Polish ID cards: you apply in Poland, at any municipal office (urząd gminy).

Can I watch Polish TV in Switzerland?

Yes. Our Polish TV in Switzerland guide shows every option, from the free TVP Polonia channel to all-in-one subscriptions.

More for Polish people in Switzerland

Guides for you

Polish TV in SwitzerlandEvery Polish channel, live, and how the official apps compare.The Polish community in SwitzerlandHow many, where people live, Polish Mass and schools, and where people meet online.Moving from Poland to SwitzerlandA plain checklist: before you go and your first weeks.
Sources