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SWISS GOVERNMENT

Switzerland is one of the oldest States in the world. More than 700 years ago, the inhabitants of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden signed a contract of mutual aid and protection, the “Federal Charter”, which has since been considered to be Switzerland’s deed of foundation. This solemn oath, taken on 1 August 1291 on the legendary Rütli meadow overlooking Lake Lucerne, was mainly an act of rebellion against the Habsburgs, the rulers of the kingdom of Austria, who at the time were planning to extend their sphere of influence as far as the territories bordering the St Gotthard.

So every 1 August, Switzerland and Swiss abroad around the world celebrate Swiss National day by proudly flying the Swiss flag, a symbol of national identity par excellence. For the occasion the Swiss flag so loved by the Swiss people is flown outside people’s homes and public buildings, and many people wear red and white for the occasion, commemorating the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291.

Following you will find useful Swiss Government related links

Website of Switzerland's Federal Authorities

By clicking on www.admin.ch, you've come to just the right place for all the information you need on Switzerland's federal authorities and the way in which they function. You will also find direct links to the seven government departments and their affiliated federal offices, to the Federal Chancellery, to parliament and to the federal courts
http://www.admin.ch

Eidgenössisches Departement für auswärtige Angelegenheiten (EDA)

The EDA is the federal department coordinating Swiss foreign policy. The website offers a wide array of information and publications for Swiss people living abroad.

FDFA HELPLINE

Practical advice for the Swiss Abroad; the FDFA helpline is there for you 24/7 all year round; phone: +41 (0) 800 24-7-365 and 0 800 24 7 365.

General Information for Swiss people in the U.S.:
EDA - Swiss Abroad - General Info
EDA - Online desk for Swiss nationals rescuing abroad

Great guide by the EDA for living & working in the U.S.A.

EDA - Living abroad - Emigrating

AHV/IV Information

Contains valuable information about the Swiss AHV/IV. Website in German/French and Italian.
AHV-IV

Switzerlands Official Web Portal

The Swiss portal ch.ch is the national gateway to Switzerland. It is Switzerland’s electronic business card and the main point of access to online information from the federal government, the cantons and local authorities in German, French, Italian, Romansh and English.
www.ch.ch

Consulate of Switzerland in Miami

The Consulate in Miami is represented by an Honorary Consul and belongs to the consular district of Atlanta. The primary function of the local Consulate is to engage and support the Swiss Colony in Southern Florida, represent Switzerland towards local authorities in the greater Miami area and promote bi-lateral trade as well as Swiss cultural activities and events.

Important: the Consulate in Miami does not provide consular services relating to passports, visas, registrations etc. However, please do not hesitate to contact the local Consulate when assistance is needed.

Address
Consulate of Switzerland
1111 Brickell Ave. # 2200
Miami, FL 33131
United States of America

Contact
Rene Riedi
Honorary Consul

Phone:
+1 305 898 5008

E-Mail:
miami@honrep.ch

Consulate General of Switzerland in Atlanta

Swiss citizens in Florida fall under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General in Atlanta. Their website offers convenient information about passport renewal, registration, marriage, visas and more.

1349 West Peachtree Street NW

Address
Consulate General of Switzerland
Two Midtown Plaza, Suite 1000
Atlanta, GA 30309
United States of America

Phone
+1 404 870 2000

Web
www.eda.admin.ch/atlanta

E-Mail
atl.vertretung@eda.admin.ch

Swiss Passport Information

How to apply for a new passport? It’s simple: just visit www.schweizerpass.ch where the application can be done in German, French, Italian, English or Spanish.

Swiss Embassy in Washington

Offers general information on Swiss matters in the USA, like culture & education, communication & public affairs, and much more.

Address
Embassy of Switzerland
2900 Cathedral Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20008
United States of America

Phone
+1 202 745 7900

Fax
+1 202 387 2564

Web
www.swissemb.org

E-Mail
was.vertretung@eda.admin.ch