Services for NGOs

The CAGI assists international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) already established or seeking to do so in the Geneva region.

Opening a representative office

A representative office can be opened freely in Geneva:

  • the NGO will keep the statutes under foreign law,
  • this office will be responsible to the foreign headquarters.

At the European level, Switzerland has ratified the European Convention on the Recognition of the Legal Personality of International Non-Governmental Organisations of the Council of Europe.

European NGOs with a legal personality recognized in one of the signatory countries automatically have a recognized legal personality in Switzerland.

For organizations incorporated in other geographic regions, the organization must have:

  • an official address in Switzerland,
  • a permanent representative, and goals, statutes and activities that comply with Swiss law and attest to the pursuit of a non-profit purpose.

Other useful information
to create your NGO

Creating a foundation
Creating an association
Template of statutes of association

CAGI services
for NGOs and Permanent Missions

Contact

By appointment only: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

La Pastorale: Route de Ferney 106, 1202 Genève
Access by public transports (TPG): Line 5: stop Intercontinental; lines 8, 20, 22, 60: 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.