Statutes are the rulebook of your association. In Switzerland they need purpose, means and organisation — in writing. This guide explains at a high level what statutes must cover, where to start with a template, and how to run the association calmly afterwards. Not legal advice — practical guidance for volunteers.
Statutes are the written foundation of the association: they show the will to exist as a corporate body and set out what you exist for and how you decide. Without suitable statutes, you lack the basis for legal personality under Art. 60 ff. of the Swiss Civil Code (ZGB). For you on the board that means clear rules for membership, bodies and resolutions — instead of arguing from memory before every general meeting.
At a high level the ZGB requires three things: the association’s purpose, the means to pursue it, and the organisation. Purpose: why the association exists — sports, culture, social or socialising. Means: where resources come from, such as membership fees, donations or event income. Organisation: who decides — typically the general meeting and the board, plus auditors if required. These three building blocks must emerge from the statutes. Quorums, terms of office or fee amounts often follow, but they are not the legal core in one sentence.
Beyond purpose, means and organisation, workable statutes usually cover membership (admission, resignation, expulsion), bodies and representation, the general meeting (invitation, quorum, majorities), finances and fees, and dissolution. That way the board knows who can vote, how statutes are amended and where assets go on dissolution. Keep wording clear and lasting — and have uncertainties reviewed before the general meeting adopts them.
At founding, the founding meeting adopts the statutes and has them signed. Afterwards you usually amend statutes only through the general meeting — often with a higher majority if the statutes say so. Start from a template, adapt name, seat, purpose and articles to your association, and review the draft before adoption. The full founding flow is in the guide «Found an association in Switzerland». Open the free statutes template as your next step.
Once the statutes are in place, everyday work begins: member lists, fees, invitations to the AGM. Central member management saves the board spreadsheet chaos and duplicate work. With Membear you start free — add or import members, set membership types, and later collect fees with QR bills and TWINT. Get the rules in writing first, then keep administration calm.
Short and practical — not legal advice.
Create your member list, invite the board and run fees cleanly. Start free — no credit card required.