Zwitterionic polymers possessing both anionic and cationic groups in the same molecular chain show antipolyelectrolyte effect. Owing to its excellent thermal and chemical stability, hydrophilic, biocompatibility and superior antifouling properties, it was broadly utilized in the areas as petrochemical, medical equipment, separation materials and so on. In this review, the preparation and performances of zwitterionic polymers were discussed, then the approaches to incorporate the zwitterionic polymers into the separation membranes to improve their antifouling performances in recent years were emphatically elaborated, including surface grafting, surface segregation, chemical vapor deposition, biomimetic adhesion and interfacial polymerization and so on. The suggestions for future research directions were also presented in this review.