The tasks of the embassy

Services and visa

All consular services and visa support for residents of the countries listed below are provided by the Regional Consular Centre Benelux The Hague. Information can be found on the websites concerned:

Netherlands
Belgium
Luxembourg

EU/EFTA country dossier

Comprehensive information on living and working in an EU/EFTA member state

Services

Contact the responsible Swiss representation or consulate when you want to register or unregister as a resident, when you need a new passport, have moved or wish to apply for citizenship. The entire selection of services offered can be found in the dropdown menu to the right. The contact details of the responsible Swiss representation are shown on the corresponding page.

Swiss citizens who get into difficulties abroad, also can ask for advice and help from the Swiss representative.

The magazine for the Swiss Abroad appears six times a year and provides information about what is happening at home and the activities of Swiss associations abroad. It also answers administrative questions.

Online desk FDFA

Using the FDFA’s online consular services while abroad.

The relevant Swiss representation abroad can answer any questions concerning the FDFA’s online desk.

As the official representation of Switzerland, the embassy covers all matters concerning diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Switzerland. It represents Swiss interests in the areas of political, economic and financial affairs, legal arrangements, science, education and culture.

The embassy supports cooperation between the authorities in Switzerland and the Netherlands. In this respect, close contact with the respective ministries is important. Bilateral meetings organised by the embassy are used to strengthen relations between Switzerland and the host country.

The embassy promotes the Swiss economy in the host country, as well as Swiss exports and tourism. It establishes contacts with Swiss businesses and provides them with general information and legal advice concerning the economy of the host country in order to facilitate contacts with the Dutch authorities. The embassy monitors the economic and political situation in the country and communicates developments that are of interest to Switzerland.

The embassy fosters collaboration in the areas of science, technology and education with the aim of strengthening cooperation between the two countries in terms of research and innovation. It promotes the exchange of ideas between scientific institutions, universities and decision-makers from the scientific community.

In terms of culture, the embassy aims to promote mutual understanding in its work to implement Swiss cultural policy. It strengthens contacts with relevant cultural institutions of Switzerland and the Netherlands, and also with artists, for example supporting Swiss artists who would like to show their work abroad. Events organised or supported by the embassy should highlight Switzerland's commitment to culture and help build bridges between different cultures.

With regard to the media, the embassy acts as an interface between the Swiss government and the national and international media in the host country. It supports the work of journalists working for Swiss media.