The Swiss community around the globe

Around 750,000 Swiss citizens live outside the country's borders, making up about 10% of the total population. Most expats reside in neighbouring European countries. There is also a considerable Swiss abroad community in North America.

Registered expatriates have had the right to take part in votes and elections since 1992. The introduction of e-voting and concerns about the network of embassies and consulates are among the key concerns of the Swiss Abroad.

News and background

Supercentenarian Oldest Swiss Abroad dies at age 110

Rodolphe Buxcel, who was born in 1908, passed away last month in Michigan, United States.

By Olivier Grivat

Cantonal votes Ticino’s expat Swiss lose local voting rights

Voters in Ticino have approved a reform of the political rights, including restrictions for some expatriate Swiss.

Swiss in France Outcry as Geneva keeps banning crossborder pupils

Canton Geneva wants to stop crossborder pupils from attending its schools. The move has angered many Swiss living in neighbouring France.

By Samuel Jaberg

Profiles

#WeAreSwissAbroad What makes Germany different from Switzerland?

It was romance that enticed David Schaffner, 25, to leave Switzerland and move to Germany. But there’s more to like about Germany than just love.

By Christian Raaflaub

#WeAreSwissAbroad – Eva Hefti ‘No worries’ for Swiss family in New Zealand

Even though she’d never been there before, Eva Hefti took the chance and moved with her family to New Zealand.

By Christian Raaflaub

#WeAreSwissAbroad – François Schwalb ‘Being Swiss is an essential part of my identity’

Even as a child, François Schwalb, who was born in South Africa, was interested in his father’s homeland.

By Christian Raaflaub

E-voting

E-governance Study reveals huge demand for e-voting in Switzerland

Over two-thirds of Swiss people believe all citizens should be able to vote online, a national survey has revealed.

Intrusion test Hackers wanted for Swiss e-voting system

Now open: Registration for anyone who wants to help reveal cracks in Switzerland’s future e-voting system – and maybe earn a cash bounty.

By Susan Misicka

Swiss schools abroad

Schools abroad Swiss school in China celebrates opening

The Swiss School in Beijing – the first of its kind in China - has celebrated its official opening.

Difficulties Swiss school in Milan causes media uproar

The Swiss school in Milan has been asked to amend its statutes following an outcry over its recommendations against pupils with learning difficulties.

Global education How Swiss schools abroad stand out in a competitive market

Switzerland has a network of 18 schools abroad, all over the world, but not evenly distributed.

By Isobel Leybold-Johnson

Young Swiss abroad

100 Years of Young Swiss Abroad "So that every child can get to know their roots"

For a century, the Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad has enabled children with Swiss roots to spend holidays in Switzerland.

By Christian Raaflaub, Hergiswil LU

Opinion Should Switzerland have a parliament for young people?

Moves are afoot to create a new national youth parliament in Switzerland. The time has come to empower young people in politics, argues Jonas ...

By Jonas Hirschi

Congress of the Swiss Abroad, Basel 2017

Swiss Abroad Congress Martha Neidecker-Cabrera, US

Mexican-Swiss Martha Neidecker-Cabrera really likes the concept of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad.

By Susan Misicka, Basel

Swiss Abroad Congress Monika Tiffany, US

First-time congress attendee Monika Tiffany feels Swiss banks should make banking less of a hassle for Swiss citizens living abroad.

By Susan Misicka, Basel

Swiss Abroad Congress Franz Boos, US

Besides e-voting and pension reform, Swiss expatriate Franz Boos is concerned about banking services.

By Susan Misicka, Basel

Swiss Abroad Congress Nicolas Szita, England

London-based Nicolas Szita thinks Swiss living abroad should be more bold regarding certain issues.

By Susan Misicka, Basel

Swiss Abroad Congress Cecilia Scherrer, Australia

For Basel native Cecilia Scherrer, it's important to bring a touch of Swissness to Australia.

By Susan Misicka, Basel

Swiss Abroad Congress Franz Muheim, Scotland

Originally from St Gallen, Franz Muheim now lives in Schotland, where he teaches particle physics at the University of Edinburgh. He serves as ...

By Susan Misicka, Basel

Forum Are you a Swiss expat? What kind of expo would you like?

In Switzerland, ideas for the next national exhibition are percolating. What role should the Swiss living around the world play? Join the discussion!

By Philipp Meier

#WeAreSwissAbroad Dear Swiss living abroad…

We’re on Instagram! Please share your pictures using the hashtag #WeAreSwissAbroad.

By Philipp Meier

Making the move What Swiss abroad must consider before heading home

Some 24,000 Swiss living abroad move home every year. Are there enough resources available to help them make the transition?

By Veronica DeVore

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The Swiss community around the globe

News and background

Supercentenarian Oldest Swiss Abroad dies at age 110

Cantonal votes Ticino’s expat Swiss lose local voting rights

Swiss in France Outcry as Geneva keeps banning crossborder pupils

Profiles

#WeAreSwissAbroad What makes Germany different from Switzerland?

#WeAreSwissAbroad – Eva Hefti ‘No worries’ for Swiss family in New Zealand

#WeAreSwissAbroad – François Schwalb ‘Being Swiss is an essential part of my identity’

E-voting

E-governance Study reveals huge demand for e-voting in Switzerland

Intrusion test Hackers wanted for Swiss e-voting system

Swiss schools abroad

Schools abroad Swiss school in China celebrates opening

Difficulties Swiss school in Milan causes media uproar

Global education How Swiss schools abroad stand out in a competitive market

Young Swiss abroad

100 Years of Young Swiss Abroad "So that every child can get to know their roots"

Opinion Should Switzerland have a parliament for young people?

Congress of the Swiss Abroad, Basel 2017

Swiss Abroad Congress Martha Neidecker-Cabrera, US

Swiss Abroad Congress Monika Tiffany, US

Swiss Abroad Congress Franz Boos, US

Swiss Abroad Congress Nicolas Szita, England

Swiss Abroad Congress Cecilia Scherrer, Australia

Swiss Abroad Congress Franz Muheim, Scotland

Additional content about the topic

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Forum Are you a Swiss expat? What kind of expo would you like?

#WeAreSwissAbroad Dear Swiss living abroad…

Making the move What Swiss abroad must consider before heading home

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