Notes from the Federal Palace The consequences should not be underestimated In some circumstances, the consequences can be serious: a child born abroad to a Swiss parent and who holds another nationality will automatically lose their Swiss nationality once they reach 25, unless they have been declared or they declare themselves to a Swiss authority abroad or within Switzerland or if they have stated in writing that they wish to retain their Swiss nationality. In this situation, the role of the parents is key. They are often the ones who take care of their children’s formalities, even when their children have grown up, and who remind them of the important deadlines. “Young Swiss Abroad” project In light of this observation, providing greater information and support for the young people concerned seems essential. With this in mind, the Consular Directorate of the FDFA has launched the “Young Swiss Abroad” project. Making the young Swiss Abroad aware of their rights and obligations is one of the goals of consular strategy for 2026-2029 as adopted by the Federal Council. This project forms part of the mandates defined by the Swiss Abroad Act and designed to strengthen the ties that bind the Swiss Abroad to each other and with Switzerland, and to facilitate international mobility for Swiss nationals (Art. 2). It is also designed to promote dialogue among the young Swiss Abroad, both with each other and with Switzerland (Art. 9(3)). The “Young Swiss Abroad” project is structured around three axes: identifying the needs of young people and representations; developing innovative communication media; and providing greater support for embassies and consulates to facilitate their work in the field. Two surveys were conducted to identify the needs of young people and the challenges encountered by representations. The former of the two gathered information from 23 Swiss representations located in the 10 countries hosting the largest number of young Swiss Abroad. The latter, addressed to young people aged 15-30, attempted to gain a better understanding of their wishes and their needs. The results emphasise the strong connection felt by young people with Switzerland and their pronounced interest in the specific possibilities the country offers, whether in terms of study, apprenticeships, employment or even entering into dialogue with other young Swiss Abroad. The survey did show, however, that young people are still reluctant to make contact proactively with embassies and consulates. This is in spite of the fact that representations play a key role in upholding and reinforcing the link with Switzerland. Over and above the consular services they provide, they act as an initial point of contact for guidance and information and create opportunities to meet people at events and through initiatives aimed at the younger generations. Get in touch with them today! Staying in touch with Switzerland: much more than a formality The young Swiss Abroad enjoy plenty of opportunities: they can study and travel in Switzerland without needing a permit. Abroad, embassies and consulates organise activities aimed at young people, especially when those people come of age. Moreover, initiatives such as the OSA or SJAS summer camps are a chance to discover Switzerland, strengthen one’s feeling of belonging and make long-lasting ties. At the end of the day, confirming your personal registration as a young Swiss Abroad is so much more than an administrative formality: it is a call to stay connected with Switzerland, its values, its institutions and the numerous opportunities it offers. Are you a young Swiss Abroad? Check out the new “Young Swiss Abroad” page, which contains some key information on your rights, your obligations and the opportunities for working and studying in Switzerland. QR code or link Young Swiss Abroad www.revue.link/youngswissd SwissInTouch www.swissintouch.ch Some other useful online links: www.revue.link/young By confirming their entry in the register of the Swiss Abroad, young people can make sure they will still be able to exercise their political rights as well as have access to all the consular services. 31 Swiss Review / July 2026 / No. 3
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