The Swiss community around the globe

Around 760,000 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

Migration history How people on the move have shaped Switzerland

A new exhibition traces the population movements that have shaped the Alpine territory, and includes those who have left to seek fortunes elsewhere.

By Marie Vuilleumier

ELECTIONS 2019 Swiss abroad voted differently – but many could not

Swiss citizens abroad had the right to take part in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, but many could not. Their frustration is palpable.

By Philipp Meier, Balz Rigendinger

#SWIonTour Swiss in Boston discuss value of being heard in Bern

For the mobile Swiss community, should official voting materials be issued in English, too?

By Michele Andina (videographer) and Susan Misicka (moderator) in Boston

Profiles

#SWIonTour Swiss circus performer brings her passion to New Orleans

At a young age, Meret Ryhiner moved to the United States to study circus arts. An accident changed everything.

By Michele Andina and Susan Misicka in New Orleans

Generation global This Swiss start-up wants to help us empathise

What if you could beam people into your world, not using futuristic equipment, but a smartphone?

#SWIonTour What does an honorary consul do?

Meet the man bridging the distance between Switzerland and its people in Colorado, USA.

By Susan Misicka in Denver

E-voting

#SWIonTour Swiss in New Orleans say 2019 is the year to vote

Should Swiss living abroad have a say on the issues and elections back home?

By Michele Andina (videographer) and Susan Misicka (moderator) in New Orleans

Interview: Remo Gysin Expat Swiss lament government’s ‘lack of leadership’ on e-voting

E-voting is no longer an option for the parliamentary elections in October. What does this mean for the expatriate Swiss community?

By Urs Geiser

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

International education Swiss schools abroad are adapting amid competition

Is there room for Swiss education in the crowded international schools market? Yes, says the Swiss schools abroad body educationsuisse.

Your education questions answered Is it possible to study in Switzerland as a returning expat Swiss?

You asked: “What options do young Swiss Abroad have if they want to continue their education in Switzerland?”

By Isobel Leybold-Johnson

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

Emigration Where do the Swiss go, when they live abroad?

More than one in ten Swiss lives abroad. This graphic illustrates that the Swiss don’t like to stray too far from home.

By Kai Reusser and Luigi Jorio

Special reports

Escaping the golden cage

Portraits of Swiss living abroad

Totally Swiss

A visit to the Swiss Country Club in Johannesburg. The Swiss Society Helvetia Johannesburg was founded in 1890. A new clubhouse was built in ...

By Christoph Balsiger

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The Swiss community around the globe

News and background

Migration history How people on the move have shaped Switzerland

ELECTIONS 2019 Swiss abroad voted differently – but many could not

#SWIonTour Swiss in Boston discuss value of being heard in Bern

Profiles

#SWIonTour Swiss circus performer brings her passion to New Orleans

Generation global This Swiss start-up wants to help us empathise

#SWIonTour What does an honorary consul do?

E-voting

#SWIonTour Swiss in New Orleans say 2019 is the year to vote

Interview: Remo Gysin Expat Swiss lament government’s ‘lack of leadership’ on e-voting

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

International education Swiss schools abroad are adapting amid competition

Your education questions answered Is it possible to study in Switzerland as a returning expat Swiss?

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

Content about the topic

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

Emigration Where do the Swiss go, when they live abroad?

Escaping the golden cage

Totally Swiss

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