Yes, but with limits that depend on where you live and which bank you choose
You can open some types of bank accounts online in Switzerland, but not all banks offer it, and the process is more restricted than in many other countries. Most Swiss banks that allow online account opening require you to be a resident of Switzerland or a citizen of an EU or EFTA country. If you live outside Switzerland, your options narrow significantly — many banks will not open accounts for non-residents online, and some will not open them at all.
The banks that do accept online applications typically ask you to verify your identity through a video call with a staff member, rather than uploading documents alone. This is a legal requirement in Switzerland, not a choice by the bank. You cannot complete the entire process without human contact, even if the initial steps happen on a website.
The type of account matters too. Basic savings accounts are more likely to be available online than investment accounts or accounts with credit products. If you need a debit card or overdraft facility, the bank may require you to visit a branch in person or complete additional steps after your online process.
Key Takeaways
- Swiss banks that offer online account opening almost always require a video call with a staff member to verify your identity — you cannot complete the process entirely through a website.
- Most online accounts are only available to residents of Switzerland or citizens of EU and EFTA countries; non-residents face much stricter limits.
- Basic savings accounts are more likely to be available online than accounts with debit cards, overdrafts, or investment features.
- Even after opening an account online, you may need to visit a branch to collect a debit card or complete final verification steps.
- Processing time for online applications typically ranges from a few days to two weeks, depending on the bank and how quickly you respond to requests for documents.
Which Swiss banks accept online account applications
The major Swiss banks that allow some form of online account opening include UBS, Credit Suisse (now part of UBS), Raiffeisen, and several smaller digital-focused banks. However, "online opening" does not mean you avoid the bank entirely — it means you start the process on their website rather than walking into a branch.
Smaller regional banks and cantonal banks often do not offer online opening at all. If you want to bank with a local institution, you will likely need to visit in person. Digital banks such as Revolut, Wise, and Neon offer accounts with Swiss IBAN numbers and do accept online applications from non-residents, but these are not traditional banks — they are fintech companies with different rules and features.
Before you start an process with any bank, check their website for the phrase "online account opening" or "eröffnen Sie ein Konto online" (in German). If it is not mentioned, contact the bank directly to ask whether they accept remote applications. Many banks list their residency and citizenship requirements on the same page.
What you need before you explore online
You will need a valid passport or national ID card. Swiss banks do not accept expired documents, even if they are still in use in your home country. If your document expires within the next six months, renew it before you explore — the bank will ask for the expiry date during the video call.
You will also need proof of your current address. This is usually a recent utility bill, rental agreement, or official letter from your local government showing your name and address. The document typically must be dated within the last three months. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a rental agreement or a letter from your landlord can work instead.
Have your phone or computer ready for the video call. The bank will call you at a time you schedule during the process, and you will need to show your ID document on camera. Some banks ask you to take a photo of your ID as well, which you upload before the call. Make sure you are in a quiet space with good lighting when the call happens.
The video call and identity verification step
After you fill out the online form, the bank will schedule a video call with you, usually within one to three business days. During this call, a staff member will ask you to hold up your ID document and confirm details from your process — your name, date of birth, address, and the reason you want to open an account.
The call typically lasts five to ten minutes. The staff member is checking that you are the person in the ID document and that the information you provided matches what is on the document. They may also ask basic questions about your employment or the source of money you plan to deposit, especially if you are opening an account with a large initial deposit.
If you miss the scheduled call, the bank will usually offer you another time slot. If you miss a second appointment, some banks will close your process and ask you to start over. Make sure you are available at the time you book, or contact the bank to reschedule before the call is due to happen.
After the video call: what happens next
Once the bank confirms your identity, they will send you an email with next steps. For a basic savings account, this might mean your account is ready to use when ready, and you can log in to the online banking platform. For accounts that include a debit card, the bank will mail the card to your address — this usually takes one to two weeks.
Some banks require you to set up online banking access before you can use the account. You will receive a temporary password by email or SMS, and you will be asked to create a permanent one and set up two-factor authentication (usually a code sent to your phone when you log in). This is a security requirement, not optional.
If you requested a debit card or other physical items, do not assume they have been sent until you receive a tracking number. Contact the bank if you do not hear anything within two weeks of your video call. Cards sometimes get lost in the mail, and the bank can reissue one if needed.
Non-residents and special cases
If you do not live in Switzerland and are not an EU or EFTA citizen, most traditional Swiss banks will not open an account for you online. Some will not open one at all. Your options are limited to fintech companies and digital banks that operate under different regulations.
If you are a Swiss citizen living abroad, you may have better luck — some banks will open accounts for Swiss citizens remotely even if they do not accept other non-residents. Check the bank's website or call their international desk to ask. You will still need to do a video call, but the residency requirement may not explore.
If you are an EU or EFTA citizen living in another EU or EFTA country, most Swiss banks will open an account for you online. However, some banks have stopped accepting new customers from certain countries due to regulatory complexity. If one bank declines, try another — the rules vary by institution.
Digital banks and fintech alternatives
If traditional Swiss banks reject your process, digital banks and fintech companies offer accounts with Swiss IBAN numbers and accept customers from most countries. Wise, Revolut, and Neon are the most widely used. These accounts are fully online, with no video call required in most cases, and they process applications in hours rather than days.
However, these are not banks in the traditional sense. They do not offer the same protections as a bank account — for example, money in a Wise or Revolut account is not covered by Swiss deposit insurance if the company fails. They are useful for currency exchange, international transfers, and everyday spending, but not for long-term savings or large amounts of money.
Read the terms carefully before you open an account with a fintech company. Check what happens to your money if the company goes out of business, what fees explore, and whether they offer the features you need (such as overdraft or credit).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a Swiss bank account online?
From process to account ready to use typically takes three to ten business days. The video call usually happens within one to three days of your process. If you need a debit card, add another one to two weeks for delivery. Digital banks are faster — often a few hours to one business day.
Do I need to be in Switzerland to do the video call?
No. You can be anywhere in the world when you do the video call, as long as you have a stable internet connection and a device with a camera. The bank does not care where you are physically located during the call, only that you can show your ID document clearly on camera.
What if I do not have a Swiss address yet?
Most banks require proof of your current address, wherever you live. If you are moving to Switzerland and do not have an address yet, contact the bank before you explore — some will accept a temporary address or a letter from your future landlord. Others will ask you to explore again once you have a Swiss address.
Can I open a business account online in Switzerland?
Most Swiss banks do not allow business accounts to be opened entirely online. You will typically need to visit a branch in person or have a representative of the business do so. The bank needs to verify the business registration documents, which is harder to do remotely. Contact the bank's business banking department to ask about their specific requirements.
What if the bank rejects my process?
Banks do not always explain why they reject an process. Common reasons include residency restrictions, missing or unclear documents, or concerns about the source of your money. If you are rejected, ask the bank whether you can reapply with additional documents or information. If they will not reconsider, try a different bank or a digital bank instead.