Guide
Founding an association in Switzerland
In Switzerland an association (Verein) comes into being without a notary and without a fee: with written articles of association and a founding meeting. Here is what it takes – and what comes next.
Seven steps to your association
- 1
Decide on purpose and name
An association pursues a non-commercial purpose – sport, culture, social life, charity or the shared interests of its members, for example in trade (Art. 60 Swiss Civil Code). Write down in one sentence why you exist, and choose a name no other association in your region uses yet.
- 2
Write the articles of association
The articles must be in writing and state at least the association's purpose, resources and organisation. They usually also cover: name and seat, joining and leaving, membership fees (fees may only be charged if the articles provide for them, Art. 71 Civil Code), the governing bodies, liability limited to the association's assets, and dissolution. Many umbrella organisations and municipalities offer model articles.
- 3
Hold the founding meeting
Invite everyone who wants to become a member. The meeting approves the articles, elects the board and – if provided for – the auditors, and sets the first annual fee. With the decision on the articles the association is founded; record everything in minutes signed by the chair.
- 4
Check the commercial register
Registration is only required if the association runs a business in a commercial manner or is subject to an audit (Art. 61 Civil Code). For most associations it is optional.
- 5
Open a bank account
Banks usually ask for the articles, the signed minutes of the founding meeting and details of the board members authorised to sign. Decide who signs alone and who signs jointly.
- 6
Clarify taxes and VAT
Non-profit associations can apply to the cantonal tax administration for tax exemption. Volunteer-run, non-profit sports and cultural associations only become liable for VAT from a turnover of CHF 250,000 a year.
- 7
Set up members, fees and website
Now the association needs a member list, an overview of fees, a way to reach everyone and a website where people find you. ONME offers all of this for free in one place.
Checklist: the documents you need
- Articles of association, approved at the founding meeting
- Minutes of the founding meeting, signed
- List of board members with role and address
- List of founding members
- For the bank account: ID of the people authorised to sign
This overview is not legal advice. Articles 60 to 79 of the Swiss Civil Code apply. Civil Code on fedlex.admin.ch ↗
Founded? Then let's get started.
With ONME you have everything a new association needs from day one – free forever, with no limit on the number of members.
- Member list with categories, import from Excel
- Membership fees: open and paid at a glance
- Club website that fills itself from your posts and events
- Member area in the ME App with events, sign-ups and documents
- Notifications and push messages to all members