Welcome to the FAQ page of the Swiss Alliance Australia.
Here, you’ll find answers and guidance on important topics for Swiss nationals in Australia, including old age pensions, identity documents, banking services, and military service.
This information has been compiled by Australian CSA delegates Carmen Trochsler and Roland Isler.
Their goal is to help you navigate these topics and connect you with the right resources.
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
Further helpful information, 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 and don’t ask for a minimum deposit for a private account.
Please note: An appointment in person is required to open an account and documents will need to be provided beforehand. We recommend getting in touch with the bank early.
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.
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.
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
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 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 since then for those with an Australian High school leaving certificate. Interested students are encouraged to get in touch with Educationsuisse.
Australian Year 12 student Jannik Trochsler has explored the complex topic as part of a research project and created a helpful guide. 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:
