Over 820,000 Swiss nationals live abroad. That’s around 11% of people who hold a Swiss passport. And the number is growing. In terms of population, if the Swiss Abroad made up a canton, it would be the fourth-largest canton in Switzerland.
At SWI swissinfo.ch you will find everything that concerns the Swiss Abroad in one place.
Our selection for you
More
Why some Swiss Abroad struggle to renew their passports
This content was published on
Health problems, distance, travel costs: renewing your Swiss passport abroad can be challenging, and there are few solutions.
Adopted daughter of Swiss Abroad faces deportation from Switzerland
This content was published on
Gabriela Purtschert studied, graduated and is integrated in Switzerland – yet the adopted daughter of a Swiss Abroad has been told to leave.
Ian’s parents left him in Africa. Will he ever get Swiss citizenship?
This content was published on
Ian van Rooyen was born to Swiss parents in Rhodesia in 1977 and given up for adoption. Today, legal hurdles are blocking him from returning to Switzerland.
This content was published on
The number of Swiss people living abroad continues to increase. Five charts explain their characteristics and geographic distribution.
With Isabella Kocum, all that glitters really is gold
This content was published on
Isabella Kocum works in London as a gilder at the National Gallery and is an artist in her own right. But originally she had other plans.
This content was published on
Swiss researcher Achille Capelli has found an open-air laboratory in Alaska. He is studying the polar ice shelf and is worried to see the impact of climate change.
Swiss engineer in Antarctica prepares for tough winter months
This content was published on
Operations engineer Thomas Schenk ensures the Neumayer III polar station makes it through winter. The challenges are enormous.
Swiss-born artiste Neda Cainero carves her own path abroad
This content was published on
Singer, actor and acrobat Neda Cainero is forging a creative path outside Switzerland – free from the reputation of being the daughter of well-known artist parents.
Swiss marine scientist dives into paradise in the Seychelles
This content was published on
Swiss marine scientist Henriette Grimmel lives on a remote island in the Seychelles. She spends her days studying life in the ocean.
How a Swiss musician is lending a hand to people in Ukraine
This content was published on
Originally travelling to Ukraine because of the Maidan protests, Bänz Margot has been setting up an aid organisation there since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
Swiss distiller creates world’s best vodka in Cape Verde
This content was published on
From Appenzell to an island in the Atlantic: how José Steiner shifted careers to become an award-winning vodka distiller.
How Swiss-designed wigs make their way from Bali to the big screen
This content was published on
In Bali, Swiss expat Orlando Bassi makes handmade wigs for Hollywood and Broadway – so successfully that he can afford to pay two butlers.
Adopted illegally in Switzerland, tracing her roots in Colombia
This content was published on
Born in Colombia, Nathalie Favre was adopted by Swiss parents when she was seven months old. She describes her return to her native country.
This content was published on
Living outside Switzerland doesn’t mean losing your right to vote. Yet only a small percentage of Swiss citizens living abroad actually cast their ballots. Here’s a short guide on how to vote from abroad.
Emigrating with family: what to do if a child doesn’t want to move
This content was published on
New surroundings, new school, new friends – emigration can be a daunting prospect for children. Two experts share their tips.
Tax information when emigrating from Switzerland: what you need to know
This content was published on
Tax liability in Switzerland does not always end at the country’s border – here’s what you should bear in mind when moving abroad.
Voting from abroad: How to register for Swiss elections
This content was published on
Switzerland grants voting rights to its citizens living abroad. If you want to exercise your voting rights, you must first get on the electoral register.
Emigration and pension benefits: how to save on taxes
This content was published on
Taxes are due when withdrawing pension fund capital. Swiss citizens living abroad may, under certain circumstances, reclaim a portion of these taxes.
This content was published on
Got a Swiss passport and dreaming of working abroad? We’ll show you how to get started in under 90 seconds – the countdown is on!
Swiss abroad health insurance – what are the options?
This content was published on
Should you take out insurance abroad? Or with a health insurance company in Switzerland? Is that even possible? We explain.
Emigration: what steps should I take to leave Switzerland?
This content was published on
This article, along with a practical checklist, will guide you step by step through the emigration process – supplemented with further helpful articles and links.
Bringing a pet to Switzerland requires meticulous preparation
This content was published on
Whether visiting Switzerland on holiday or arriving to live permanently, entering the country with a pet involves a number of steps and formalities. Here’s what you need to know.
Five things to know about your Swiss bank account before emigrating
This content was published on
Swiss Abroad frequently pay significantly higher fees at Swiss banks than their compatriots in Switzerland. You can find an overview of prices here.
Swiss state pensions abroad and what you need to know
This content was published on
How can I claim my state pension abroad? Can I still make voluntary contributions from outside Switzerland? Answers to some FAQs.
This content was published on
Moving abroad is an exciting but often challenging experience. Many emigrants experience different phases between culture shock and assimilation.
