Swiss nationals living abroad

Publication

The dossier is intended for people who leave Switzerland to take up permanent residence in another country and work abroad.

Vivre et travailler en Nouvelle Zélande (PDF, Number of pages 33, 1.2 MB, French)

Other languages

Dossier: Leben und Arbeiten in Neuseeland
Dossier: Vivere e Lavorare in Nuova Zelanda

Services

Contact the responsible Swiss representation or consulate when you want to register or unregister as a resident, when you need a new passport, have moved or wish to apply for citizenship. The entire selection of services offered can be found in the dropdown menu to the right. The contact details of the responsible Swiss representation are shown on the corresponding page.

Swiss citizens who get into difficulties abroad, also can ask for advice and help from the Swiss representative.

The magazine for the Swiss Abroad appears six times a year and provides information about what is happening at home and the activities of Swiss associations abroad. It also answers administrative questions.

Online desk FDFA

Using the FDFA’s online consular services while abroad.

The relevant Swiss representation abroad can answer any questions concerning the FDFA’s online desk.

Image of people celebrating the Swiss national holiday abroad — Celebrating the Swiss national holiday in the UK in 2012. © FDFA, Presence Switzerland

According to the Statistics on the Swiss Abroad compiled by the Federal Statistical Office, in 2020 around 776,300 Swiss citizens were registered with Swiss representations abroad. The Swiss community abroad has grown in recent years. If it were a canton it would be Switzerland's fourth largest in terms of population.

Alongside various Swiss associations abroad, the OSA promotes relations among Swiss nationals and between the latter and their home country. It represents their interests in Switzerland, publishes the periodical «Swiss Review» and provides a broad range of services (e.g. youth exchange programmes, emergency assistance fund).

Organisation of the Swiss Abroad

CSA Oceania is part of the Organization of the Swiss Abroad (OSA). The CSA Oceania consists of a team of six elected council members. Together they work on behalf of the Swiss Abroad in Oceania and defend their interests.

CSA Oceania – the Council of the Swiss Abroad representing the Swiss community of Oceania