When they reach legal age, young Swiss Abroad are called upon to confirm their individual registration with their competent Swiss representation (embassy or consulate). This process, which is essential if they are to retain the entirety of their rights, is too often neglected, which can have serious consequences in the long term.
When someone entered in the register of the Swiss Abroad as a minor reaches legal age under Swiss law, the competent representation (embassy or consulate) will ask them to confirm their entry in the register, in accordance with Article 12(3) of the Swiss Abroad Act (SAA). To this end, they will receive an official letter asking them to confirm their registration, either by post or directly via the FDFA’s online office. Before they reach legal age, the young Swiss Abroad are registered under their parents’ names.
Young Swiss Abroad, at an OSA holiday camp, visiting the Federal Palace and meeting representatives of the Consular Directorate. Photo provided
An essential step that is often neglected
This step is crucial to ensure that young people can avail themselves fully of their rights, including their political rights. More broadly, being registered with a representation grants access to a wide array of official information, consular services and opportunities connected with Switzerland. This includes the ability to participate in federal elections, receive the “Swiss Review” and carry out certain administrative processes remotely. Every year, however, many young Swiss Abroad fail to confirm their registration in time and are struck off the official registers.
The consequences should not be underestimated
In some circumstances, the consequences can be serious: a child born abroad to a Swiss parent and who holds another nationality will automatically lose their Swiss nationality once they reach 25, unless they have been declared or they declare themselves to a Swiss authority abroad or within Switzerland or if they have stated in writing that they wish to retain their Swiss nationality.
In this situation, the role of the parents is key. They are often the ones who take care of their children’s formalities, even when their children have grown up, and who remind them of the important deadlines.
Every year many young Swiss Abroad fail to confirm their personal registration and are struck off the register. Confirming your registration is more than a simple administrative formality: it is a way of staying connected to Switzerland.
“Young Swiss Abroad” project
In light of this observation, providing greater information and support for the young people concerned seems essential. With this in mind, the Consular Directorate of the FDFA has launched the “Young Swiss Abroad” project. Making the young Swiss Abroad aware of their rights and obligations is one of the goals of consular strategy for 2026-2029 as adopted by the Federal Council.
This project forms part of the mandates defined by the Swiss Abroad Act and designed to strengthen the ties that bind the Swiss Abroad to each other and with Switzerland, and to facilitate international mobility for Swiss nationals (Art. 2). It is also designed to promote dialogue among the young Swiss Abroad, both with each other and with Switzerland (Art. 9(3)).
The “Young Swiss Abroad” project is structured around three axes: identifying the needs of young people and representations; developing innovative communication media; and providing greater support for embassies and consulates to facilitate their work in the field.
Two surveys were conducted to identify the needs of young people and the challenges encountered by representations. The former of the two gathered information from 23 Swiss representations located in the 10 countries hosting the largest number of young Swiss Abroad. The latter, addressed to young people aged 15-30, attempted to gain a better understanding of their wishes and their needs.
By confirming their entry in the register of the Swiss Abroad, young people can make sure they will still be able to exercise their political rights as well as have access to all the consular services.
The results emphasise the strong connection felt by young people with Switzerland and their pronounced interest in the specific possibilities the country offers, whether in terms of study, apprenticeships, employment or even entering into dialogue with other young Swiss Abroad. The survey did show, however, that young people are still reluctant to make contact proactively with embassies and consulates. This is in spite of the fact that representations play a key role in upholding and reinforcing the link with Switzerland. Over and above the consular services they provide, they act as an initial point of contact for guidance and information and create opportunities to meet people at events and through initiatives aimed at the younger generations. Get in touch with them today!
Staying in touch with Switzerland: much more than a formality
The young Swiss Abroad enjoy plenty of opportunities: they can study and travel in Switzerland without needing a permit. Abroad, embassies and consulates organise activities aimed at young people, especially when those people come of age. Moreover, initiatives such as the OSA or SJAS summer camps are a chance to discover Switzerland, strengthen one’s feeling of belonging and make long-lasting ties. At the end of the day, confirming your personal registration as a young Swiss Abroad is so much more than an administrative formality: it is a call to stay connected with Switzerland, its values, its institutions and the numerous opportunities it offers.
Are you a young Swiss Abroad?
Check out the new “Young Swiss Abroad” page, which contains some key information on your rights, your obligations and the opportunities for working and studying in Switzerland.
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