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Open a bank account in Switzerland

Open a bank account in Switzerland

A Swiss account is essential to receive your salary and manage your daily life.

Opening a bank account is an essential step in your installation. Your salary will be paid in Swiss francs, your bills (rent, insurance, telecom) will be collected in Switzerland, and you will need a debit card for your daily purchases. The Swiss banking landscape mixes large traditional banks, cantonal banks and digital neobanks.

What's Included

  • Personalized advice on choosing the bank
  • Support at the opening meeting
  • Explanation of the Swiss payment system (BVR/QR, LSV, e-banking)
  • Setting up standing orders (rent, insurance)
  • Advice on savings accounts and pillar 3a

Steps and Timeline

1

Choice of bank

We compare the offers (fees, services, branch network) and recommend the bank suited to your profile.

2

Making an appointment

We organize the meeting with the bank or guide you through the online opening process.

3

Account opening

We will accompany you to the appointment with the required documents (passport, license, employment contract, proof of address).

4

Commissioning

We help you configure e-banking, set up automatic payments and order the bank card.

Common Mistakes

  • Open an account at a bank without a branch network if you need in-person advice
  • Do not anticipate account management fees (sometimes CHF 5 to 25 per month)
  • Forgetting to communicate your IBAN to your employer before your first salary
  • Ignoring pillar 3a offers from banks or insurers (significant tax benefit)

Related Services

Service Municipal Registration in Switzerland Service LAMal Health Insurance in Switzerland Service Telecom and Internet in Switzerland Service Household and Liability Insurance in Switzerland

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are needed to open an account?
You will need your passport, your residence permit (or certificate of deposit), proof of address (certificate from the municipality) and an employment contract or proof of income. Some banks accept opening upon submission of the permit application.
Which bank should I choose as an expat?
The major banks (UBS, Credit Suisse) offer an international and multilingual service. Cantonal banks (BCGE, BCV, ZKB) often offer advantageous conditions in their canton. Neobanks (Yuh, Neon, Zak) offer low fees and quick online opening. The choice depends on your priorities.
Can you open an account before having a license?
This is possible in certain banks, notably neobanks and certain cantonal banks, upon presentation of the certificate of submission of the permit application and the employment contract. Others require a physical license. We direct you to the available options.

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