Set Up Your Foundation in Geneva

Establishing a foundation in Geneva provides a lasting framework for charitable work.
The canton offers a favourable environment, renowned for its philanthropic tradition, specialist institutions and support services.
Before you begin the process, take the time to define your project, your goal and the resources you wish to devote to it: this is the basis for a solid and effective foundation.

For each step of the process, clear instructions will help you complete the necessary steps.

For more details or information on how a foundation works, there are also many external resources available. 

What is the foundation’s purpose?

➡️Reflect on what it is you want to change in society. Your purpose may be charitable, cultural, scientific, social, environmental, or educational, for example. This purpose must be clearly stated in the statutes (by-laws), as it will guide all the future actions of your foundation.

Who will benefit from your foundation’s programmes/donations?

➡️Identify your foundation’s beneficiaries: a specific population (such as children, students, or the elderly), a vulnerable group, a cause, or a sector. The more precisely the target group is defined, the more effective and coherent your project will be.

Do you have sufficient starting capital?

➡️You must either provide a minimum capital of CHF 10,000 or demonstrate that, after its creation, the foundation will receive sufficient financial contributions. However, it is strongly recommended to aim for an initial capital of around CHF 50,000 in order to cover administrative costs, governance, the first activities, and to demonstrate a serious and long-term commitment.

The legal basis of your foundation

The deed of foundation is the legal basis for your foundation. It contains the statutes, i.e. the foundation’s rules of operation: its purpose, registered office, capital, organisation, management structure, etc.

To be accepted, it must be:

• complete,
• legally sound
• and compliant with legal requirements.

Seek expert guidance

It is recommended that you have your deed of foundation reviewed by a notary, lawyer, or the Cantonal Supervisory Authority for Foundations and Pension Funds (ASFIP Geneva) before signing.
This prior review helps avoid mistakes or omissions. ASFIP offers free, informal support to ensure that your project meets the required conditions, particularly for tax exemption purposes.
 

Notarised form of the deed

Signing the deed in the presence of a notary is a legal requirement for creating a foundation. The notary certifies the deed, registers the documents, and can also take care of the procedures with the Commercial Register.

Registering with the Commercial Register

Your official registration with the Commercial Register is what gives your foundation legal existence. From this point onwards, it can hold a bank account, sign contracts, and receive donations.  In most cases, the notary handles the submission of the deed of foundation, the statutes, and any other necessary documents. Once registered, the foundation appears in the public register.
 

Transmission to the competent authority

Once your foundation has been registered, the Commercial Register forwards your file to the relevant authority. Depending on its purposes, your foundation will be subject either to ASFIP (if its activities are canton-wide) or to the Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations (ASF) if it operates across Switzerland or internationally. This decision is not yours to make; it is determined by the authorities based on the statutes.

Decision from the competent authority 

This official decision means the foundation is now under the supervision of the competent authority. This guarantees compliance with the legal framework and ensures that funds are used in accordance with the purpose set out in the statutes.
 

To check eligibility, the cantonal tax administration reviews the statutes.

Exemption clauses

To be granted tax exemption, the foundation must, among other conditions:

• have a public-interest purpose,
• be managed on a not-for-profit basis,
• and include a clause stating that funds can never revert to the founder.

In the event of dissolution, assets must be transferred to another public-interest foundation.

Foundation board

The foundation board is the supreme governing body of your foundation: it sets the strategic direction, exercises overall oversight and ensures that the statutory purpose is respected. Its institutional and decision-making role is distinct from that of any operational management, which may be appointed to handle day-to-day affairs. In principle composed of at least three members, the board is appointed at the time of incorporation and its renewal procedures are set out in the statutes. In addition, the law requires that the foundation be validly represented in Switzerland by at least one person domiciled in the country with signing authority, whether this is a board member or another representative (for example, a managing director or an external representative).

Auditing body

A licensed auditor must review the accounts annually and submit a report to the supervisory authority. Exceptions are possible for small foundations, subject to certain conditions. The auditing body’s role is essential for ensuring financial transparency.
 

Philanthropy portal

Geneva’s philanthropy portal is a strategic entry point for all foundations, whether already in existence or in the planning stages. It brings together news from the sector, highlights events and networking opportunities, and provides a robust set of legal, practical, and institutional resources. Designed as a live tool, it actively supports foundations in their initiatives and helps them develop within the Geneva region.