Bequests & inheritances
Through your legacy you can set an example for the next generation and make a lasting contribution to a sustainable future!
Why draft a will?
Writing a will does not mean that you have given up on life. A will provides clarity – for your loved ones and about the things that are important to you. It expresses your personal philosophy of life, your values and your feelings. And it ensures that your estate is divided up according to your wishes.
With a will, you leave your mark by supporting a cause beyond your lifetime – for example, through a bequest to a foundation that shares your values.
Without a will, regardless of your financial situation, the statutory inheritance rules apply – often not as you would wish.
How do you go about making a will?
In Switzerland, there are two ways of drawing up a legally valid will.
A public will is drafted by a notary or certifying official and is signed in the presence of two witnesses. This generally happens when the testator can no longer write or does not want to write their own will, or when the bequests are complex.
A holographic will is written by the testator in their own hand and must include the year, month, day and signature. The signature must identify the testator beyond any doubt. We recommend that you add your first names and surname to your signature.
What basic rules apply to an estate?
As a rule, the law of the country of domicile determines the inheritance law that is applied. That means that the rules applicable to the drafting of a will may differ from those mentioned above. You do, though, have the option of specifying in your will that your estate is to be subject to Swiss law. Not all countries recognise this type of clause, however. Check first in your country of domicile whether you have the option of making your estate subject to Swiss law.
Please note: It is generally not possible to make a bequest of a building or plot of land subject to Swiss law if it is located outside Switzerland.
You can find important information on Swiss inheritance law here: www.ch.ch/en/inheritance
Why support nonprofit organisations?
More and more people are choosing to include a charitable organization in their will. This allows them to dedicate their estate to a meaningful and lasting cause.
Especially in areas where government support reaches its limits, organizations like the Organization of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) make a vital contribution. To ensure that this work can continue in the future, we – like other NGOs – rely on donations and bequests.
How is the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad funded and how does it use the funds at its disposal?
The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) is a non-political, non-denominational and independent non-governmental organisation. It is primarily funded by income from the private sector, such as sponsorship contributions from enterprises, and support from the federal government. It also relies on donations and bequests from private individuals. Find out more in our annual report.
The OSA’s objectives are to defend and represent the interests of Swiss citizens abroad and at the highest political level in the federal capital Berne, where it is considered the mouthpiece of the Fifth Switzerland.
It is an independent competence centre providing advice and information to the over 800 000 Swiss Abroad, who make up more than 11% of Swiss citizens.
We have a special commitment to the younger generation: the youth camps organised by the OSA enable many young people to enjoy unforgettable experiences in their homeland – often for the first time.
The OSA needs your support if it is to continue to carry out all these tasks and projects on behalf of the Swiss Abroad.
How can you support the OSA?
1. Bequest
By means of a legacy (bequest), you can leave the OSA either a fixed sum of money or specific assets (such as property, works of art, etc.). Legacies are always received before the inheritance is shared out.
2. Inheritance
By making it an heir, you can leave the OSA all of your estate or a specific part of it. As a rule, the inheritance is managed by the heirs themselves, who are responsible for sharing it out and for the delivery of legacies, provided no executor has been appointed.
3. Insurance beneficiary
By making it the beneficiary of an insurance policy, you can leave the OSA some of the money you have accumulated through pension, death benefits or pension insurance. You can arrange this with any current insurance policy. We advise you to tell the beneficiaries yourself (e.g. by copying them in), as the insurer is not obliged to inform them.
4. Donation or promise of donation
By a donation or the promise of a donation, you can provide the OSA with a specified sum of money at a time of your choosing. You can do this during your lifetime. The amount donated may be partially deducted from your taxable assets.
A plan is important and provides clarity
It is advisable to get an overview of your assets at an early stage and consider who you would like to leave your assets to.
If you live abroad, you should also clarify what inheritance laws apply in your country of residence. It is advisable to seek advice from a specialist in this area.
If you would like to include the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad in your will, we will be happy to provide you with more detailed information. On request, we can also put you in touch with an expert from our network, such as a lawyer specialising in international inheritance law.
We would be happy to assist you with a non-binding initial assessment and answer any questions you may have in a confidential meeting.
