The Economic Performance of Reunited Families in Switzerland, 2013–2018

TL;DR

This study examines how reunited families in Switzerland fare economically over five years, showing they generally achieve good living conditions.

Contribution

The study uses novel data from population registers and social security contributions to evaluate the economic performance of reunited families in Switzerland.

Findings

Reunited families show economic convergence despite initial income differences.

Most reunited families achieve satisfactory living conditions within five years.

Swiss-headed families transition from non-EU/EFTA to EU/EFTA economic patterns over time.

Abstract

Family migration has gained prominence as one of the main reasons for international mobility in both Switzerland and the rest of western European countries. However, research aimed at evaluating the economic performance of reunited families has been constrained by the unavailability of individual income and/or household composition data. The joint use of population registers and information about individuals’ social security contributions has allowed us to overcome this limitation. Using transition matrices and logistic models, we assess the economic performance of reunited families at the household level and evaluate differences based on the region of birth of the person initiating the process, as well as the financial situation of these families 5 years after the reunion. The results show a process of economic convergence between the three groups under analysis despite the initial differences in the income level of families, and that most reunited families achieve satisfactory living conditions. They also highlight the hybrid nature of Swiss-headed reunited families, which initially resemble those headed by a non-EU/EFTA person, in terms of the contributions their members make to the household income, but after 5 years they contribute similarly to EU/EFTA headed reunited families.

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