Welcome to the FAQ page of the Swiss Alliance Australia.
Here, you’ll find answers and practical insights from CSA Delegate Carmen Trochsler on key topics for Swiss nationals living in Australia, including old-age pensions, identity documents, banking services, and military service.
Our goal is to make navigating these topics easier and connect you with the right resources.
This information has been compiled based on inquiries the delegates frequently receive. If you have suggestions or valuable experience related to these or other topics, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Frequent Asked Questions
Information on the OASI/IV scheme (AHV) can be found on the websites of the Consulate General of Switzerland in Sydney, the Swiss Compensation Office and the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad. You will find answers to questions such as:
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how to maintain insurance cover in Switzerland by paying into the voluntary OASI/IV scheme
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how to receive the OASI/IV rent
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how to claim a deduction from the ATO for contributions paid
Practical insight, specifically for Australia, can be found here:
A few banks offer Swiss Abroad the opportunity to keep respectively open a bank account. The fees and conditions vary greatly, and some require minimal deposits. Terms and conditions apply. A list is available on the website of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad .
ZKB and BCGE have partnered with OSA to serve Swiss abroad in most countries (Australia included). These banks don’t ask for a minimum deposit for a private account and charge reasonable fees. T&C apply.
Please note: An appointment in person is required to open an account and documents will need to be provided beforehand. You need to get in touch with the bank early, ideally before you leave for Switzerland.
Cantonal Bank of Geneva BCGE
(also with branches in Basel & Zürich)
Email: Auslandschweizer@bcge.ch
Website / Phone: +41 44 224 65 34
Zürcher Kantonalbank ZKB
Email: neukundeninfo@zkb.ch
Website / Phone: +41 0844 830 850
You may exercise your political rights from abroad if you
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are at least 18 years old and
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are registered with a Swiss embassy or consulate general in your new country of residence
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and have separately registered to vote.
More information and the form to apply to exercise your political rights can be found on the website of the Consulate General here.
Many Swiss in Australia have expressed frustration and disappointment over the delayed or non-arrival of voting materials sent by regular mail from Switzerland, particularly during the COVID pandemic. While arrival times have somewhat improved—partly due to earlier dispatch by the Swiss authorities following actions by the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad—the situation remains unsatisfactory. Concerns persist about whether votes make it back on time and the high postage costs.* The Australian CSA delegates are calling for earlier dispatch of voting material and the broad introduction of e-voting. Carmen Trochsler has also been interviewed on this topic by Swiss Post.
E-voting is currently an option for Swiss registered in the cantons of TG, SG, BS and GR. The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad's efforts are directed at having more cantons joining this list as soon as possible. We keep you updated.
*Call your canton (list here) to inquire about options for saving money when returning your envelope. For example, Canton of SG accepts the use of your own return (smaller) envelope as long as the voting ballot is in the ballot envelope (voting secrecy). This way you can reduce the postage costs from currently $14.30 to $4.10.
Everything that relates to identity documents is the responsibility of the Swiss representation where the Swiss citizen is registered.
Detailed information on ID cards and passports for Swiss citizens abroad is available on the website Consulate General of Switzerland in Sydney, including:
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Temporary Passports
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Schedule Mobile Passport station
Consulate General of Switzerland in Sydney
You can also get your biometric data taken whilst in Switzerland. The application process remains the same, however you need to add a comment in which city you would like to get the data taken. The finished passport can then be delivered to an address in Switzerland or to your home address in Australia (via the Consulate General in Sydney).
Educationsuisse is a partner of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad. They advise and supports both young Swiss Abroad and students from Swiss schools abroad, who wish to pursue or complete their education or training in Switzerland.
Educationsuisse, Alpenstrasse 26, 3006 Bern CH
E: info@educationsuisse.ch
Website / Phone: +41 (0)31 356 61 04
In October 2022, the CSA Delegates & the Swiss Alliance Australia, in collaboration with Educationsuisse and the Embassy, organised an information event, aimed specifically at Australian students. Unfortunately, admission requirements have changed drastically a few months later for those with an Australian High school leaving certificate. Amongst other criteria, direct entry to most Swiss Universities requires now two years of University level studies here, unless you have done the International Baccalaureate (IB). Special conditions apply to universities such as ETH & EPFL. Interested students are encouraged to get in touch with Educationsuisse for further clarification and assistance.
Australian Year 12 student Jannik Trochsler has explored the complex topic as part of a research project in 2024 and created a helpful guide including links Download here
As a general rule, male Swiss Abroad who are returning to Switzerland are recruited up until the end of their 24th year.
If you are planning to study or work in Switzerland we recommend you seek advice from the competent authority within the Swiss Armed Forces directly:
Kommando Ausbildung
Personelles der Armee (Pers A)
Tel. 058 464 20 63
personelles.persa@vtg.admin.ch
Via the websites of the Consulate General of Switzerland and the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, you will find more information on:
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Swiss nationality from birth by being born to a Swiss parent
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cases in which an application for simplified naturalisation can be submitted
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when a reinstatement of citizenship is possible
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information on how and when it is possible to apply for Swiss citizenship by marriage
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as well as information on dual citizenship.
Links:
