Soliswiss - existential protection
The Safety Net for Swiss Abroad
Soliswiss is a self-help organization based in Bern. This cooperative of Swiss abroad serves as an important point of contact for Swiss abroad, emigrants, globetrotters, and returnees.
1. Core Task: Securing Livelihoods
Soliswiss was founded to protect Swiss citizens abroad from existential risks. A unique selling point is the lump-sum compensation: members receive financial support if they lose their economic livelihood due to political events (e.g., war, unrest, expropriation, or nationalization).
2. Advice & Support
The cooperative offers comprehensive advice on all phases of life abroad:
Emigration: Planning, insurance questions, and administrative hurdles.
Stay abroad: Help with local problems, advice on health insurance and pension plans.
Return: Support for reintegration in Switzerland.
3. Services & Network
Through its subsidiary Soliswiss AG and partner organizations, it provides specific products:
International health insurance.
Life and annuity insurance as well as asset management.
Legal and psychological counseling.
Access to a global network of Swiss institutions.
4. Structure & Membership
Legal form: Cooperative (independent of the federal government, but works closely with the FDFA).
Target group: All Swiss citizens worldwide (at home and abroad) as well as persons with a strong connection to Switzerland.
Costs: Membership is subject to a fee (approx. 90 CHF for individuals, as of 2026). Members benefit from free consultations and the solidarity benefits of the relief fund.
In summary: Soliswiss is something like a "safety net" for Swiss who leave their homeland. While the FDFA (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs) is responsible for consular matters, Soliswiss primarily takes care of the private and financial security of its members.