Services for NGOs
The CAGI assists international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) already established or seeking to do so in the Geneva region.
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- Set up a foundation
Set up a foundation
The foundation is a legal person whose essential element is property that is assigned to a special purpose. Rules on foundations are governed by articles 80 et seq. of the Swiss Civil Code.
The foundation must be constituted by an authentic deed signed before a notary. It is created by the allocation of assets for a special purpose and must be placed under the supervision of the corporation governed by public law (Confederation, canton or municipality) to which it belongs by virtue of its purpose. This oversight body ensures that the foundation’s resources are used in accordance with its objectives.
This is a relatively rigid legal structure. Once the objectives have been adopted at the time of incorporation, they cannot be changed without the approval of the oversight authority.
According to the practice of the Swiss Federal Supervisory Board for Foundations, the minimum initial capital is CHF 50,000.
The foundation counts as taxed bodies:
- a Foundation Board,
- an auditor.
The constitution of a foundation ( art. 80 et seq. of the Civil Code ) requires registration in the Commercial Register (principle of compulsory registration). By entering it in the commercial register, the foundation acquires legal status.
For more information, please consult the website of the Swiss Foundation Supervisory Authority .
It is also possible to register it with the CAGI in order to benefit from our services.
MORE INFORMATION
- Updates on the Legislative and Regulatory Environment for Swiss Foundations and Associations (October 1st, 2026)
- NERI-CASTRACANE, Giulia, PFAMMATTER, Vincent. Swiss foundations and associations law: 2023/2024 Legal Update. In: Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Wirtschafts- und Finanzmarktrecht, 2024, vol. 96, n° 5, p. 601–618
- Federal Foundation Supervisory Authority
- Cantonal Supervisory Authority for Foundations and Provident Institutions (ASFIP Geneva)
- Geneva Chamber of Notaries
- Directory of foundations of the Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations (FR)
- FAQ of the Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations (FR)
- Model deed and founding regulations (ASF, FR)
Other useful information
to create your NGO
Creating an association
Opening a representative office
Template of statutes of association
CAGI services
for NGOs and Permanent Missions
Contact
By appointment only: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 pm / 2 pm to 4:30 pm
Access by public transports (TPG) – lines 5, 8, 20, 22, 60, 61: arrêt Appia.
No parking on site.
Founded by the Swiss Confederation and the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the International Geneva Welcome Centre is the single entry point for the support and integration of employees of International Geneva and their families, NGOs and visiting delegates.