Can I open an account online?
Who is eligible to open a Swiss bank account?
Swiss banks provide services to foreign residents.
Accounts can be opened in Swiss Francs or other currencies.
Each bank stipulates a minimum deposit required to open an account, which must be matched by available funds.
Which files are required?
Identity verification requires an official document, usually a passport, which is a prerequisite for all banks.
If you are unable to go to Switzerland in person to open an account, mailing is also acceptable and you will need to provide a notarized copy of your passport.
Swiss banks are not allowed to accept funds suspected of or originating from illegal activities. Therefore, documentary evidence verifying the source of funds is mandatory when opening an account.
Acceptable evidence might include bank statements verifying wages or documents proving the sale of a property.
For those interested in opening a corporate bank account in Switzerland, our team at is ready to help. Drawing on our extensive network of partners in the European financial services industry, we offer tailor-made, cost-effective solutions designed to improve operational efficiency for the businesses we serve.
7 advantages of opening a bank account in Switzerland
For many people, "Switzerland" is almost synonymous with "reliability". Usually, the task of opening a Swiss bank account, whether doing it yourself or seeking professional help, is accompanied by an understanding of why it is necessary to do so. If the latter has not yet been achieved, then our article will be of help to you.
Surprisingly, for a country located between large nations and with few natural resources, Switzerland has been able to become one of the most prosperous countries in the world. This is due to effective public administration and investments in the economy:
We will not discuss each aspect in detail, we will only point out the fact that even seemingly small things such as chocolate or watches have made a significant contribution to the development of the country. This is not accidental, since 95% of watches are sold abroad, and chocolate is loved all over the world.
Banking is also a hallmark of this jurisdiction. Those who decide to make a deposit, get a bank card or open other products can enjoy the following 7 advantages:
the stability of the banking system;
High level of service;
Very strict observance of banking secrecy;
Minimal financial risk;
The possibility to open accounts in multiple currencies, including accounts denominated in rubles;
Personalized service to each bank customer;
A diverse selection of banking institutions with a long history and a high reputation on the international stage.
Behind this beauty, there is a frustrating fact – if you are a foreigner without a European residence permit, or own an overseas company (for example, an offshore company in the UAE), not all banks will open their doors to you.
How well do Swiss banks respect confidentiality?
Swiss bank employees are prohibited from disclosing any information about client accounts.
This confidentiality is the cornerstone of the success of Swiss banking, so you can be assured of absolute confidentiality.
However, it is worth noting that in recent years Switzerland has signed a number of agreements with several countries, including the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom, aimed at combating tax evasion.
This means that, despite Switzerland's strict privacy protections, banks are obliged to cooperate with foreign authorities in certain circumstances.
How to open an anonymous account?
In reality, there are no completely anonymous accounts in Switzerland and banks must confirm your identity before opening an account.
However, if you are looking for a bank with the highest level of confidentiality, you might be interested in opening an anonymous account.
You will still need to provide your ID, but transactions on your account will not be associated with your name, but with your account number.
If you are looking to open a corporate bank account in Switzerland, our team here at will be happy to assist you. We have eight years of experience in helping clients open bank accounts in Europe. We draw on our extensive network of partners in the European financial services industry to provide the businesses we serve with the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions to improve business operations.
| Opening an account in Switzerland | €2,000 |
