Founding an association in Switzerland is surprisingly straightforward: no minimum capital, and usually no state permit. This guide walks you through founding step by step — practical for volunteers, not legal advice.
The legal basis is Art. 60 ff. of the Swiss Civil Code (ZGB) — often called Vereinsgesetz Schweiz in everyday language. An association pursuing a non-economic purpose gains legal personality once written statutes show the will to exist as a corporate body. Statutes must set out purpose, means and organisation. In practice, two people are enough to found. This overview is not a substitute for individual review — for special cases (property, staff, commercial trade) check official sources or get professional advice.
State the association’s purpose clearly and for the long term — sports, culture, social or socialising. Choose a name that is not misleading and stands apart from existing associations. The seat must be in Switzerland; it later decides which commercial registry you contact if needed.
Without written statutes there is no association under the ZGB. Required content: purpose, means (e.g. membership fees, donations) and organisation (general meeting, board, auditors if any). Use our statutes template as a starting point, adapt it, then have it reviewed before the founding meeting adopts it.
Invite the founding members, set place and time, and prepare the statutes plus a draft minutes template. Agree in advance who chairs and who takes minutes — that keeps the meeting calm.
At the founding meeting you resolve to form the association, adopt the statutes and have founding members sign them. From that act the association exists as a legal person — provided the legal requirements are met.
Elect at least the board so the association can act. Typical roles: president, secretary (Aktuar) and treasurer — depending on your statutes. You only need auditors if law or statutes require them.
The minutes record attendees, the will to found, adoption of statutes and elections. Have them signed and store them safely with the adopted statutes. Those are your founding documents.
For most ideal associations, registration is optional. It becomes mandatory especially if the association runs a commercial trade or is subject to audit requirements. Voluntary registration can boost credibility and name protection, but also brings duties and costs. When unsure, check with your cantonal commercial registry or official guidance.
Once the association exists, everyday work begins: member lists, fees, invitations to the first AGM. Instead of spreadsheet chaos, use central member management — the whole board sees the same list. With Membear you start free: add members or import via CSV, set membership types, and later collect fees with QR bills and TWINT.
This text is a practical overview for volunteers, not legal advice. Law and practice can differ by canton and association type. If unsure, check the current rules (Art. 60 ff. ZGB) and official sources, or seek professional advice.
Short and practical — not a complete legal guide.
Create your member list, invite the board and run fees cleanly from day one. Start free — no credit card required.