Wikimedia Chapters Association/Place of registration/comparison

Belgium Geneva Netherlands
Position Western Europe Western Europe Western Europe
Presence of chapters There is no chapter in Belgium yet. Pro: it would be a more neutral choice. Wikimedia CH is one of the oldest and biggest chapters and is willing to help. Wikimedia Nederland is one of the oldest and biggest chapters and is willing to help.
Time for registration Short time required for the registration. Depending on the legal form, to obtain legal personality there may be a longer process, but the organization can start its work before that. Under Swiss law, an association is created as soon their members write a bylaws including some specific points. For an association with complete responsibility: two people go to a notary with a charter ('statuten') of the new association. Notification to the local chamber of commerce. For an association without complete responsibility (responsibility for the board members): no charter, no notary and no local chamber of commerce necessary.
Other organizations Brussels is one of the "capital cities" of EU. Interesting if we will interact with EU. A large number of international organizations and NGO are based in Geneva. Interesting if we will interact with them. A number of NGO (UN, EU and other). Interesting if we will interact with them.
Public support A local government agency, the CAGI, will help set up new organizations. The agency also provides support for the international community in Geneva.[1] It is not necessary to get support from the public.
Cost of living (in the capital city) Similar to other European cities.[2] Approximately 40-70% more than Belgium or the Netherlands, depending on the source.[3] Similar to other European cities.[4]
Tax deduction of donations[5] The organization has to obtain the tax deductible status. Any registered NGO has the tax deduction of donations [1]. Tax are deductible, transfer is easy as the WMF is recognized as tax deductible according to Dutch law.
Taxation The most likely sources of income are not taxed; there is a small (0.17%) annual tax on assets. An association like the WCA can obtain a tax exempt status as long as at least one board member resides in Switzerland. This member could be the Council Member appointed by the Swiss chapter. No
Social costs for employees 50% 20-30% ?
Visa General Schengen Area rules apply. General Schengen Area rules apply. Moreover, the local government agency will help with the visa requests. General Schengen Area rules apply.
Nationality issues In order to obtain a tax-exempt status, one member of the board must reside in Switzerland[6]. This member could be the Council Member appointed by the Swiss chapter.
International Money transfer - According to WMCH experience, NGOs in switzerland should have no problem to send and receive money from all chapters or affiliated entities, without any limit (as compared to some countries who require that 50% of the donations stay in the country of regisration) -

References edit