What is the procedure for setting up a new Swiss society?

The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) aims to foster good relations among the Swiss Abroad and to strengthen their ties with Switzerland. The OSA is supported by its recognised Swiss societies abroad. However, what does a society need to do to obtain recognition from the OSA? It must meet all the following requirements:

• The purpose of the society is to foster good relations among the Swiss Abroad and to strengthen their ties to their home country.
• More than 50 per cent of the active members are Swiss citizens.
• The majority of the board of directors are Swiss citizens.
• The steering committee is headed by a Swiss citizen.
• At least seven Swiss citizens belong to the society.
• The society convenes a members’ meeting at least once a year and has an executive board that is re-elected periodically.
• The society is affiliated to the umbrella organisation responsible for its country if such an organisation exists (France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain-Portugal, Austria-Liechtenstein-Slovenia, Netherlands, Canada, Argentina).
• The society expressly undertakes to inform the OSA if any of the requirements are no longer met.

Upon obtaining recognition from the OSA, societies are accepted into the worldwide network of the Swiss Abroad societies and institutions. They automatically receive communications and newsletters from the OSA and are listed on the www.swisscommunity.org website. Societies that do not fulfil all the above-mentioned conditions may be recognised as associate societies. This allows them to also benefit from the information and services of the OSA.

Societies that are interested in obtaining recognition from the OSA can complete the application form. It is available on the OSA’s website, swisscommunity.org > Swiss clubs

The OSA’s Legal Service provides general legal information on Swiss law, particularly in areas which concern the Swiss abroad. It does not provide information on foreign law or intervene in disputes between private parties.