In general, the population shows openness towards foreigners living in Switzerland. More than three quarter disagree with the idea that foreigners make the streets seem unsafe, but also with the idea that, at school, foreign children have a negative effect on the education of Swiss children.

The Swiss attitude toward foreigners is characterized by a blend of pragmatic economic reliance and a deep-seated desire to preserve national identity and "Swissness" (Suissitude). Switzerland has one of the highest percentages of foreign residents in Europe (around 25-30%), and while the country is highly globalized, social integration can be a slow process. Generally, Swiss people are polite and respectful but value privacy and order; they expect foreigners to adhere strictly to local norms, such as noise ordinances and recycling rules. There is often a distinction in perception between "Expats"—highly skilled workers in sectors like finance or pharma who are seen as vital to the economy—and broader "immigrants," which can occasionally be a point of political friction, particularly regarding the perceived strain on infrastructure and housing. In rural cantons, attitudes may be more conservative and traditional, whereas international hubs like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel are melting pots where being a foreigner is the norm. Overall, the relationship is one of "functional integration," where mutual respect is earned through following the rules of the community.