Swiss Abroad Act (SAA)
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Art. 1 Subject
1 This Act governs: a. measures aimed at supporting, informing and promoting links between the Swiss Abroad, their political rights, social assistance that may be granted to them and support for specific institutions; b. consular protection and other consular services granted by Switzerland. 2 It does not govern diplomatic protection. 3 Deviating provisions in international treaties applicable in Switzerland continue to apply.
Art. 2 Purpose
With this Act, the Confederation aims to: a. regulate in a uniform and coherent manner the rights and obligations of Swiss persons and institutions abroad and the services it offers such persons and institutions; b. promote relations among the Swiss Abroad and their ties to Switzerland; c. facilitate international mobility for Swiss nationals; d. promote Switzerland's presence and links abroad.
Art. 3 Definitions
In this Act: a. the Swiss Abroad means Swiss citizens who are not domiciled in Switzerland and who are entered in the Register of the Swiss Abroad; b. Register of the Swiss Abroad means the Networked Administration of the Swiss Abroad (E-VERA) information system of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the paper files; c. receiving state means the foreign country in which a representation is established or recognised or in which the person concerned is residing; d. representation means a diplomatic mission, consular post or any other representation of Switzerland abroad that may perform consular functions.
let. b — This name was modified as of 1 Sept. 2016 pursuant to Art. 12 para. 2 of the Publications Act of 18 June 2004 (SR 170.512).
Art. 4 Legal provisions of the receiving state
The Swiss authorities and representations shall comply with the legal provisions of the relevant receiving state.
Art. 5 Personal responsibility
Every individual shall exercise personal responsibility when planning or undertaking a stay abroad or when working abroad.
Art. 6 Recommendations
The FDFA may publish information and recommendations, in particular travel advice.
Art. 7 Guichet unique
1 The FDFA is the central point of contact for concerns affecting Swiss persons and institutions abroad. 2 It generally provides consular services through its network of representations. 3 It coordinates incoming requests with the competent administrative bodies of the Confederation and cantons to which tasks are assigned under this Act.
Art. 8 Foreign policy strategy
The Federal Council shall consider the interests of Swiss persons and institutions abroad when defining its foreign policy strategy.