In this article, we’re exploring if a tourist can open a bank account in Switzerland. We’ll share the specific steps you need to follow to unlock tailored financial services with personal banking in Switzerland as a tourist and answer common questions we receive from people exploring this topic.
This article is part of our free series on personal bank accounts in Switzerland. You can access this series right now by using the link above.
In addition to detailed account opening guides, this free series on Swiss banking also discusses the largest banks in Switzerland, Switzerland’s opening requirements, the costs of banking in Switzerland, and much more. Use the link above to start exploring all of your free Swiss banking content right now.
Alternatively, use the table of contents to continue exploring more information on whether a tourist can open a bank account in Switzerland.
Table of Contents
- Can a Tourist Open a Bank Account in Switzerland?
- How Do I Open a Bank Account in Switzerland as a Tourist?
- Frequently Asked Switzerland Banking Questions
- Do You Want to Open a Switzerland Bank Account?
Can a Tourist Open a Bank Account in Switzerland?
Yes, a tourist can open a bank account in Switzerland as long as they can meet the bank’s opening requirements, overcome the strict onboarding process, and support the minimum deposit amount.
There are various factors to consider when choosing where to open a bank account in Switzerland as a tourist. These factors include your country of citizenship, country of residence, banking needs, and deposit level. This is because, depending on your client profile, the banks available to you will vary.
Based on our team’s experience, it’s best to confirm the requirements and how to open a bank account in Switzerland as a foreigner before applying.
We share how you can open a bank account in Switzerland as a tourist in the next section below.
How Do I Open a Bank Account in Switzerland as a Tourist?
You can open a bank account in Switzerland as a tourist by completing the eight following steps.
Steps to Open a Bank Account in Switzerland:
- Identify a Swizterland bank that will accept your client profile
- Review the account opening requirements and application form
- Prepare all of the necessary supporting documents and proofs
- Wait for compliance to review your application
- Respond to any outstanding questions from the Swiss bank
- Receive notice whether your bank account in Switzerland is approved
- If denied: Start the process over again with a different bank in Switzerland
- If approved: Send your qualifying deposit to your new Swiss bank account
These are the normal steps that most tourists will need to overcome to open a bank account in Switzerland.
The process of opening a bank account in Switzerland will vary between banks. That said, the most common requirements for tourists include a completed application form, government-issued identification, proof of income or source of wealth, a bank reference letter, and a qualifying deposit.
It’s also important to note that not all banks in Switzerland accept tourists, so bank selection will be an important factor to consider when choosing where to open an account.
If you are interested in learning more about banking in Switzerland, don’t forget to visit our comprehensive guide on banking in Switzerland, available in the link above.
Alternatively, if you would like to explore all of your offshore banking options, download our free guide and compare Switzerland to some of the top banking jurisdictions available.
Do You Want to Explore All Your Offshore Banking Options?
Frequently Asked Switzerland Banking Questions
Below are a few of the most common questions we receive from people exploring if a tourist can open a bank account in Switzerland. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Is It Worth Opening a Bank Account in Switzerland?
Opening a bank account in Switzerland can be worth it, depending on your banking profile. Banking in Switzerland is often reserved for high-net-worth individuals seeking sophisticated private banking services, such as wealth and asset management. Opening accounts with Swiss banks involve meeting strict requirements and submitting a sizeable deposit.
Do You Need a Swiss Address to Open a Swiss Bank Account?
No, you do not need a Swiss address to open a Swiss bank account. You will however need to provide proof of residency, proof of income, proof of identification, and meet other account opening requirements. The specific requirements your profile will need to meet will ultimately depend on the bank you choose to apply with.
Which Swiss Bank Is Best for Non-Residents?
The Swiss bank that is best for non-residents will ultimately depend on the person applying for the account. More specifically, their citizenship, residency, banking needs, and deposit level. This is because not all banks in Switzerland are suitable for every non-resident client. It’s important to choose banks that accept similar client types, have requirements you can meet, and offer the services you are after.
Do You Want to Open a Switzerland Bank Account?
If so, you can access GlobalBanks IQ and start the process of applying in Switzerland in a few clicks.
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+ Plus, get YOUR most pressing bank account opening questions answered by our team!
And “yes!” GlobalBanks IQ helps foreigners and non-resident individuals open bank accounts.
In fact, GlobalBanks IQ even helps non-resident, foreign & offshore entities open bank accounts.
To learn more about opening accounts with GlobalBanks IQ, use the link in the top menu. Or, contact us directly with any questions!
