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

Vote November 25 Social sleuths to snoop on Swiss Abroad too?

Surveillance of social insurance clients abroad may take place only if provided for by international treaties, according to the Swiss authorities.

By Andrea Tognina

Survey Dear Swiss Abroad, tell us what you think

If you’re a Swiss living abroad, we want to know what you think about us. So we’re doing a survey to find out how we can best meet your needs.

OSA Congress Mixed messages about future Swiss-EU relations

This year's Congress of the Swiss Abroad gets an update on the importance of Swiss-EU relations and the difficulties of finding common ground.

By Urs Geiser in Visp

Profiles

#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. Today the 30-year-old, who works in the ...

By Christian Raaflaub

#WeAreSwissAbroad ‘Our traditions keep us united and define us’

Twenty-seven-year-old Heidi Amstalden Albertin lives in Helvetia, Brazil – a Swiss colony that her ancestors helped to found.

By Christian Raaflaub

#WeAreSwissAbroad – Claudio Ghizzo ‘Switzerland is the model I always refer to’

Claudio Ghizzo was born in Italy to a Swiss mother. The 32-year-old nurse believes his Swiss origins have influenced his civic spirit.

By Christian Raaflaub

E-voting

Next step Swiss abroad submit petition over e-voting

The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) has handed in a petition calling for electronic voting to be made available to all overseas Swiss by 2021.

Expat voting Swiss e-voting system to undergo ‘hacker test’

Next year, Swiss authorities will put one of the country’s two e-voting systems up for attack by hackers – with a prize on offer for breaking it.

By Christian Raaflaub

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

Vote November 25 Social sleuths to snoop on Swiss Abroad too?

Survey Dear Swiss Abroad, tell us what you think

OSA Congress Mixed messages about future Swiss-EU relations

Profiles

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

#WeAreSwissAbroad ‘Our traditions keep us united and define us’

#WeAreSwissAbroad – Claudio Ghizzo ‘Switzerland is the model I always refer to’

E-voting

Next step Swiss abroad submit petition over e-voting

Expat voting Swiss e-voting system to undergo ‘hacker test’

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

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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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