The Swiss voice in the world since 1935
Top stories
Stay in touch with Switzerland

Sharp rise in number of Swiss multimillionaires

Rich woman wearing fur coat
Since 2000, average wealth per adult in Switzerland has risen by 130%, largely due to the appreciation of the Swiss franc against the US dollar between 2001 and 2013, according to the Swiss bank Credit Suisse Keystone

The number of multimillionaires in Switzerland – people with net assets of over $5 million (CHF4.7 million) – rose by 13% in 2017 compared with the previous year, a new report has found. 

The KnightFrank 2018 Wealth ReportExternal link published on Tuesday said there were 52,950 multimillionaires in Switzerland last year, up from 47,000 the year before. By 2022, this figure is expected to rise to 64,000. Worldwide there are thought to be around 2.5 million multimillionaires. The biggest rise last year was in Russia.

+ Read why Switzerland is attractive to wealthy foreigners

The number of Swiss residents with net assets of over $50 million also increased by +13% to 3,710, and there are an estimated 250 people in Switzerland with net assets of over $500 million. Globally, there are around 6,900 such high-net-worth individuals. Russia and neighbouring countries again saw the biggest growth in this segment. 

According to a 2017 report by the German-language business magazine Bilanz, the 300 richest residents of Switzerland have assets totalling CHF674 billion. 


PLACEHOLDER

 

Popular Stories

News

Industrial production down slightly in the second quarter

More

Workplace

Swiss industrial production slips in Q2 2025

This content was published on Production in Switzerland's secondary sector fell in the second quarter of 2025. The decline was more pronounced in the construction sector than for industry.

Read more: Swiss industrial production slips in Q2 2025
Swiss grenadier recruits take part in an urban warfare exercise in Isone, canton Ticino, in 2013.

More

Swiss Politics

Swiss army recruits remain in hospital after gruelling test exercise

This content was published on Four potential recruits for the elite Swiss grenadier unit were hospitalised last week after taking part in a gruelling exercise in hot weather. Three remain in hospital with one placed temporarily in an artificial coma.

Read more: Swiss army recruits remain in hospital after gruelling test exercise
Swiss brands seek a response to customs duties

More

Workplace

Trump tariffs: Swiss brands struggle to adapt to 39% tariff

This content was published on Swiss brands like Victorinox, the manufacturer of the iconic pocket knife, are struggling to adapt to the 39% tariff imposed by the United States on imports of Swiss goods.

Read more: Trump tariffs: Swiss brands struggle to adapt to 39% tariff
Swatch withdraws "gook" advert after outrage in China

More

Workplace

Swatch withdraws ‘slanted eyes’ ad after China uproar

This content was published on The Swiss watch manufacturer Swatch has apologised and withdrawn an advertising campaign worldwide following accusations of racism in China. The ad features a model pulling the corners of his eyes.

Read more: Swatch withdraws ‘slanted eyes’ ad after China uproar
Bern exhibition reunites pair of Kirchner paintings after 92 years

More

Culture

Bern exhibition reunites Kirchner paintings after 92 years

This content was published on The painting Sonntag der Bergbauern (Alpsonntag) [Sunday of the Mountain Farmers (Alp Sunday) by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880-1938) is being transferred from Berlin to Bern to feature in an upcoming exhibition at Kunstmuseum Bern.

Read more: Bern exhibition reunites Kirchner paintings after 92 years
The population of the Upper Engadine approves the extension of its airport

More

Voters approve extension of Engadine Airport in Switzerland

This content was published on Residents in the Upper Engadine region gave the greenlight on Sunday to the expansion of the regional airport at Samedan, one of Europe’s highest airports (1,707 metres) that serves the nearby resorts of St Moritz and Davos.

Read more: Voters approve extension of Engadine Airport in Switzerland

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR