What you need to know about opening a Swiss bank account remotely
You can open a Swiss bank account online, but the process is more restricted than in many other countries. Most Swiss banks will not open accounts for non-residents or people outside Switzerland without visiting a branch in person. A few banks do offer online account opening to international customers, but they typically require you to be a citizen of certain countries, have a minimum deposit that can be substantial, or both.
The main barrier is Swiss banking regulation. Banks must verify your identity and the source of your money under anti-money-laundering rules. In-person verification at a branch is the standard way to do this. Online verification exists, but Swiss banks use it selectively and often only for their own existing customers or people referred by a Swiss resident.
If you are a Swiss resident or citizen, opening an account online is straightforward with most banks. If you are abroad, your options narrow significantly, and the timeline stretches from days to weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Most Swiss banks require you to visit a branch in person to open an account, even if you are a Swiss citizen living abroad.
- A small number of banks offer online account opening to non-residents, but usually only to citizens of specific countries or with minimum deposits of several thousand Swiss francs.
- If you are a Swiss resident, you can open an account online with major banks like UBS, Credit Suisse, and Raiffeisen, though the process still involves identity verification steps that take several days.
- Online banks and fintech companies operating in Switzerland have looser restrictions than traditional banks, but they may offer fewer services or higher fees.
- The fastest route for non-residents is often to open an account in your home country first, then contact a Swiss bank about transferring or linking it.
Which Swiss banks accept online account opening for non-residents
Very few major Swiss banks open accounts online for people living outside Switzerland. UBS and Credit Suisse historically required in-person visits for non-residents, though policies change. Smaller regional banks like Raiffeisen and Cantonal banks are even more restrictive.
Some banks that do accept online applications from abroad include Wise (formerly TransferWise), which operates in Switzerland and focuses on international transfers rather than traditional banking. Revolut and N26 also operate in Switzerland and allow online account opening, though they are digital-only banks with limited services compared to traditional banks.
Before you start an process, contact the bank directly and ask whether they accept online account opening for your citizenship and country of residence. Bank websites often do not state this clearly, and policies vary by canton (Switzerland's regional divisions). A phone call to the international customer service line will save you time.
What documents and information you will need
All Swiss banks require proof of identity, proof of address, and information about the source of your money. The exact documents depend on the bank and your situation, but here is what to expect.
For identity, you will need a valid passport or national ID card. Some banks accept a driver's license if it is current and includes your photo. For address, you will need a recent utility bill, rental agreement, or official letter from your government showing your name and current address. The document usually must be dated within the last three months.
For source of funds, banks ask questions about your employment, business, or investments. You may need to provide a recent payslip, tax return, or letter from an employer. If you are self-employed or a business owner, expect to provide business registration documents or tax filings. Banks are not asking this to judge you — they are required by law to document where money in the account comes from.
If you are opening an account online, the bank will ask you to upload scans or photos of these documents. Use a clear, well-lit photo or scan. Make sure all four corners of the document are visible and the text is readable. Blurry or cropped images will be rejected and delay your account opening.
How the online verification process works
If a Swiss bank accepts your online process, the next step is identity verification. Most banks use one of two methods: video call verification or third-party verification services.
In a video call, a bank employee will ask you to show your passport or ID, answer questions about your personal details, and confirm that you are explore voluntarily. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will need a device with a camera and microphone, a quiet space, and good lighting. The bank will schedule the call at a time that works for both of you.
Some banks use third-party verification services like Onfido or Jumio. You will be directed to a website or app, take a photo of your ID, and sometimes a selfie. The service uses facial recognition and document scanning to verify you are who you say you are. This process is faster — often 5 to 10 minutes — but it requires your device to have a good camera and stable internet.
After verification, the bank reviews your process and documents. This review can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks, depending on the bank and how busy they are. You will receive an email or letter with the decision. If approved, the bank will send you login details and instructions for funding your account.
Minimum deposits and account fees
Swiss banks that accept online account opening from abroad often require a minimum deposit. This amount varies widely. Some digital banks have no minimum or a minimum of a few hundred Swiss francs. Traditional banks often require several thousand francs — sometimes 10,000 CHF or more — to open an account online.
Account fees also vary. Some banks charge a monthly or annual maintenance fee, while others charge only when you perform certain transactions like international transfers. Digital banks and fintech companies tend to have lower or no monthly fees, but they may charge more per transaction. Traditional banks may have higher monthly fees but offer more services included in the account.
Before you commit to an process, ask the bank for a full fee schedule. Request information about monthly maintenance fees, transfer fees, currency conversion fees, and any other charges. Some banks publish this on their website; others will send it to you by email if you ask.
What happens if you cannot open an account online
If the banks you contact will not open an account online, you have a few alternatives. The most straightforward is to visit Switzerland in person and open an account at a branch. You will need to bring your passport, proof of address, and documentation about your source of funds. The process takes about an hour, and you can usually fund the account the same day.
Another option is to ask a Swiss resident or citizen to help you. Some banks allow existing customers to refer friends or family members, which can speed up the process or make online opening possible. This is not may provide, but it is worth asking if you know someone in Switzerland.
A third option is to open an account in your home country first, then contact Swiss banks about international account opening. Some banks will open accounts for people who already have banking relationships elsewhere, especially if you can show a history of responsible banking.
If you need a Swiss bank account primarily for international transfers, consider opening an account with Wise, Revolut, or a similar service instead. These are not traditional banks, but they allow you to hold and transfer money in Swiss francs and other currencies, and they are much easier to open online from abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a Swiss bank account online?
If the bank accepts your process, expect 5 to 15 minutes for video or automated identity verification, then 3 to 14 days for the bank to review your documents and make a decision. Once approved, you can usually access your account within 24 hours. The total timeline is typically one to three weeks from process to first use.
Do I need to be a Swiss citizen to open an account online?
No, but being a Swiss citizen makes it easier. Non-citizens can open accounts online with some banks, but the banks are more selective about which countries they accept applications from. Contact the bank directly to ask whether they accept applications from your country of residence.
What if the bank rejects my process?
Banks rarely explain rejections in detail, but common reasons include not meeting minimum deposit requirements, living in a country the bank does not serve, or incomplete documentation. If rejected, ask the bank whether you can reapply with additional documents or whether visiting a branch in person is an option.
Can I open a Swiss bank account if I do not have a permanent address?
Most banks require proof of address, which is difficult without a permanent home. If you are traveling or between addresses, you may be able to use a mail forwarding service address or a letter from a shelter or organization confirming your situation. Contact the bank first to ask what they will accept.
Is it safe to send my passport and personal documents online?
Banks use encrypted websites and find document upload systems. Your documents are safer with a regulated bank than sending them by email or unencrypted messaging. Still, only upload documents to the bank's official website or app — never to a link sent in an email, even if it appears to come from the bank.