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Open your Swiss bank account as a non resident 

by | Sep 5, 2022 | Bank account

Damalion guides international clients to open a Swiss bank account to benefit from excellent private banking services.

Minimum deposit required is CHF500,000.

Switzerland is popular for being one of the richest countries in the world and if you want to share in that wealth, you’ll need your own Swiss bank account

You deserve to benefit from Swiss private banking

Swiss banks offer economic insurance, privacy, and asset protection. Apart from being the most popular and safest, swiss banks offer accounts in all primary currencies, and they include minimum levels of financial risk. The Swiss economy is known for its strength and neutrality when it comes to conflicts. 

These advantages make swiss banks the most economically safe and secure place where you can save your money. Considering that, a Swiss bank account opening may seem a bit complicated at first, but once you get the essence of the necessary requirements, it will ease up. 

How to Open a Bank Account in Switzerland?

It is reasonably easy to open a Swiss bank account as an ex-pat. Swiss banks take dignity in the ease with which a new customer can open a bank account. The Swiss banking industry gives a quality of services that mark the excellence of safe and flexible business transaction moves. However, it is highly recommended to compare prices and services before obliging to sign with a bank. The process to open a Swiss bank account are as follows: 

Eligibility 

If you’re moving to Switzerland or you are a non resident who is interested in owning a bank account in Switzerland, you might want to tackle the account opening issue head-on. Wherever you’re trying to open an account, this undertaking is bound to meet you with its challenges. 

First, in accordance with Swiss law, non-residents who want to open a Swiss bank account must be at least 18 years old. Other than that, there aren’t a lot of limitations. 

In addition, there are some countries Switzerland won’t do business with. Whether that arose due to the Embargo Act or other political exclusions, that automatically forfeits your eligibility. 

Say this isn’t one of your issues, you can still be rated as politically exposed, and that virtually means they think of you as vague or you have some public scandals behind you. In this case, your legitimate income and nationality won’t do much for you, and you’d still be unqualified to open a Swiss bank account. 

Make sure you have nothing of the sort in your background, and you can commence with your account. 

Select the Swiss Bank that Meets Your Needs 

One of the most important factors in deducing which bank to select is what you’re looking for in a bank. Correlating policies and investment opportunities at a variety of top-rated banks can help you evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each bank and find one that’s right for you. 

Selecting the right bank for you is a significant step that will save you time and cut the chances of you having to go through numerous banks. 

Choose the type of Swiss bank account 

There are various types of accounts through which one can begin their transaction, and they all serve specific purposes. 

Below are the Types of Bank Accounts in Switzerland

  • Current accounts: a current account is the easiest type of bank account you can open in Swiss banks. You can receive your salary, pay your charges, save money, and invest through this account. 
  • Joint accounts: joint accounts can be used by two parties, and both have complete access to any funds. 
  • Savings and investment accounts: if you’re looking to save money or even invest them, saving and investment accounts are the ideal choice for you. 
  • Numbered Swiss bank accounts: numbered accounts are high-security accounts that some Swiss banks give so that the account holder, and it has an extra layer of privacy. 

Specific Swiss banks also require you to pay a minimum amount for the first deposit, a minimum account balance, and other qualifying factors. 

Visit the Swiss Bank and Meet the Representative 

If you have selected the bank and the type of account you are interested in making transactions through, the next standard step is to meet that bank’s agent and tell them your requirements. They will tell you all the advantages, and do’s and don’ts and acquaint you with the documents that must be submitted. Follow the steps given accordingly. 

Documentation 

Like any other bank in the world, Swiss banks assign a certain amount of documentation. This serves for the validation of identity and sources of income, whose goal is segregating them from any illegal work their potential client might have in their portfolio. If you’re looking to open a bank account in Switzerland, the documentation you’ll require is: 

  • a valid passport 
  • proof of the origin of your income 
  • confirmation of the address you listed 

But, if you’re looking to open a Swiss account from abroad, you’ll have to get your documents approved. You can do this by getting notarized copies or an Apostille stamp, or you can visit a local branch of your Swiss account bank. 

Documents Required for opening a swiss Business Bank Account 

  • identity proof of the company shareholders and investors 
  • certificate of incorporation 
  • duly filled bank account opening form 
  • residency status 
  • proof of address 
  • address proof of the company shareholders and investors 

Currently, business investors choose to open a Swiss bank account along with the company incorporation process as it takes less time and is relatively easy. 

Cards

Request a Maestro card

Non-residents usually don’t usually use swiss banks for daily activities. Swiss accounts’ major advantages are their privacy and stability, however, you may get a debit or credit card for spending. 

A Maestro card is virtually a debit card that is issued by your bank. It can be used to withdraw cash or make purchases in most shops, although merchants in smaller towns and villages may have cash-only policies. 

If you’ve set up the account, getting this card should be relatively easy. 

Closing down your account or collecting your investments is also possible without any restrictions or fees. This gives many customers assurance, knowing that investments are available in case of an emergency. 

Why Damalion? 

Opening a bank account in Switzerland has become more complicated despite online banking. Swiss banks have become very formal and their client onboarding method has become very selective. 

It can seem burdensome to go through this process alone without any initial knowledge, and you might need to get help from an advisor. In other words, to simplify the process of opening a bank account in Switzerland, let’s go ahead together and contact your Damalion expert now

Damalion – Luxembourg

Open your Swiss bank account as a non-resident: who qualifies, which documents matter, how remote onboarding works, and how to keep payments smooth once the account is live.

For individuals, entrepreneurs, family offices, holding companies, SPVs, and international groups • We align your file with bank expectations so KYC and activation are efficient.

Last updated:

What is the fastest way to open a Swiss bank account as a non-resident?

Pick the right account (private/wealth or corporate), document source of funds with clear proofs, and compile a bank-ready pack: valid ID, address, tax status, company papers (if any), and expected payments (volumes, currencies, countries, counterparties). When the bank sees a clear profile and purpose, KYC/AML moves faster and the account activates after compliance and first funding. We help you structure the file and set user rights and payment controls.

Which documents do Swiss banks usually require?

  • Valid passport/ID and proof of address (recent utility bill or bank/credit statement).
  • Tax residency and status (TIN/US indicia when relevant).
  • Proof of source of funds: salary, business sale, dividends, capital gains, inheritance — with traceable documentation.
  • For companies: certificate of incorporation, articles, register extract, org chart/UBO, signatory powers, business description.
  • Expected use: incoming/outgoing amounts, currencies, countries, typical counterparties over 12 months.
  • Optional: certified translations/apostilles where the bank requests them.

Which account type fits your situation?

Topic Private / Wealth Corporate
Use Savings, portfolio, custody Operations, suppliers, payroll, clients
Documents ID, address, tax, source of funds As private + registration, org chart, signatory rules
Minimums Varies; private banking often higher Monthly fees and evidence of genuine activity
Timeline Fast if profile is clearly documented Depends on sector, countries and payment pattern

How does the process work step by step?

  1. Choose bank and account type. Match purpose, minimums and fees to your needs.
  2. Assemble the document pack. ID, address, tax status, source of funds; add company papers if corporate.
  3. Explain payment flows. Volumes, currencies, countries, counterparties — concise and consistent.
  4. Compliance review. KYC/AML with follow-up questions answered promptly.
  5. Activation and first deposit. IBAN issued, test payments cleared, then go live.

What costs and timelines should you expect?

  • Setup, monthly account fees, payment and card fees (vary by bank and tier).
  • Minimum funding often applies for wealth accounts; corporates see ongoing fees.
  • From complete file to active account: a few days to a few weeks, depending on profile.

Frequently asked questions

Can non-residents open accounts in Switzerland?
Yes, when the file is complete and the profile and purpose are clearly explained.
Which documents do banks ask for?
ID, proof of address, tax status and source-of-funds proofs; companies add registration, org chart and signatory powers.
How long does it take?
Usually from a few days to a few weeks after submitting a complete pack.
Is remote onboarding possible?
Many banks accept remote onboarding; some may require a physical meeting before activation.
Are minimum deposits required?
Often for wealth accounts; corporate accounts typically have ongoing fees.
Are foreign companies accepted?
Yes, provided genuine activity and ownership are documented.
What does “source of funds” mean?
Traceable documentation of how funds were earned and moved (salary, business sale, dividends, gains, inheritance).
Which sectors receive extra scrutiny?
Higher-risk sectors, exposure to higher-risk countries, and complex cash flows.
Can a bank decline without detailed explanations?
Yes, within its risk framework. Damalion may suggest you another bank.
How are taxes handled?
Banks expect correct tax classification and reporting by the client; seek independent tax advice where needed.
How are PEP or sanctions hits treated?
With enhanced due diligence and extra documentation; approval is case-by-case.
Do I need translations or apostilles?
Only when the bank requires them; certified translations/apostilles may be requested.
What controls should corporates set?
User rights, payment limits, dual approvals and clear signatory rules to keep operations safe and auditable.
Can I hold multiple currencies?
Yes, multi-currency accounts and sub-accounts are common in Swiss banking.
What happens after activation?
Perform your payments, monitor statements, respond to periodic KYC refresh requests and keep documents current.

  • Graphic – Luxembourg
  • Graphic – Luxembourg

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