User:Otherthinker/SwissVerein

A Swiss Verein is a form of legal association under Swiss law. The Verein (German for "association" or "club") is commonly found as a small domestic social organisation in German-speaking communities but has gained recognition in the English-speaking world because the Swiss Verein has increasingly been the form of incorporation for transnational organisations including notable non-government organisations and global businesses carrying on nationally regulated professional activities such as accounting and law firms.

Verein as club or association
The Verein is a feature of German-speaking communities. In 2006 there were some 600,000 such clubs in Germany alone catering for for almost every hobby and interest. Having its origin in the Enlightenment when Vereine were founded as voluntary associations by the philosophes, they emerged in the nineteenth century as small local social organisations. The Verein is also a feature of modern Swiss life with many local clubs.

Legal form
A Swiss Verein is governed by articles 60-79 of the Swiss Civil Code.

Unlike clubs in common law jurisdictions, the Verein has a legal personality distinct from its members, it becomes an independent legal entity. As a result, the Verein members are not individually liable for the association debts unless, by Article 75 of the Swiss Civil Code, the Verein statutes (articles of association) otherwise provide.

Notable Swiss Vereine

 * FIFA
 * International Olympic Committee