Leave a legacy of humanity
If you include the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) in your will once loved ones are taken care of, you will be helping generations of vulnerable people after you. Worldwide, wherever help is most needed. Any contribution from your estate will support our work. We will be happy to answer any questions you have about estate planning.
GOOD TO KNOW
The most important changes to succession law in 2023
Swiss succession law has changed. Now, assets can be disposed of more freely. On 1 January 2023, some new provisions will come into force, including:
No compulsory share for the parents
The compulsory share for the descendants is reduced to 50%
Unmarried couples without descendants can bequeath their estate in full to a charitable organization
Anyone wishing to take advantage of these new opportunities must draw up a will or a contract of succession.
Interview with succession law expert Birgit Biedermann
Why should I include the SRC in my will?
The SRC is the oldest charity in Switzerland. It will carry on being there for people in need. Climate change is causing more and more natural disasters. Extreme weather events are leading to food shortages in the poorest regions of the world. Any amount from your estate will support the SRC’s work helping future generations. Inheritances and bequests to the SRC are exempt from inheritance tax.
Sigrid Joss-Arnd has included the SRC in her will. She explains why:
How much of my estate can I bequeath freely in Switzerland?
Find out here, with the statutory entitlement calculator, who your heirs are if you don’t write a will. You will also see how much of your estate you are free to dispose of.
Essential elements of a legally valid will
To ensure your will is valid, write it out in your own hand from beginning to end. Use a ballpoint pen. At the top, write ‘My will’, ‘Last will and testament’, or ‘Last will’. Make sure your will is clear and unambiguous. Most importantly, at the bottom, sign the will with the date and place.
You can find more templates and examples with important information on our advice page.
Example of a testament in German
- DownloadExample of a testament in GermanPDF – 0.04 MBOpens a new window
Free advice pack from the SRC
The free SRC advice pack shows you step by step how to write a valid last will and testament. Our advice pack contains the following:
How to write a legally valid will
Information about the contract of succession
Various templates
Handy checklists for your estate planning
Instructions on how to include the SRC in your will
Contact me for a private discussion.
Marianne Dätwyler, Responsible estate planning
