Question

I would like to found a Swiss association together with several persons who are residing abroad. May these persons be founding members and may they be elected to an office? 

Answer

Persons with residence in a foreign country may be founding members, committee members and/or future members of an association domiciled in Switzerland. An association domiciled in Switzerland is governed by Art. 60 ff. of the Swiss Civil Code; it can be founded as such if it has any relation to Switzerland: area of activity (also) in Switzerland, open (also) to members from Switzerland. For associations with an international background it makes sense to have at least one committee member who is a Swiss resident.

If a Swiss association has (committee) members with residence in a foreign country, it must ensure that these members are able to assume their rights and duties. To this end, it can hold the committee meetings/general meetings via an online conference room (e.g. via Skype) provided all members are invited in time, receive the necessary documents and access data, etc. The articles of association must provide for general meetings (and/or committee meetings) to be held online.