Can I open a Swiss bank account from abroad?

Yes. Swiss banks allow foreign individuals and non-resident companies to open bank accounts remotely, provided they meet all regulatory and compliance requirements. The process is well-structured and designed to accommodate international clients who need asset protection, multi-currency banking, or investment solutions.Requirements for opening a Swiss Bank Account from abroad:Proof of identity – Valid passport / national IDProof of address – Utility bill, bank statement, or official correspondenceSource of funds – Income verification, business papers or proof of investmentTax compliance – FATCA (for U.S. persons) and CRS declarationsDue diligence – Background checks and potential video identificationMinimum deposit – Basic accounts may start from CHF 10,000, while private banking often requires CHF 250,000+.Some banks may require notarized documents or an in-person visit, but many leading institutions now offer remote onboarding through secure digital verification processes.But, some Tier-1 banks (like UBS or Julius Baer) may still require a relationship manager meeting or certified onboarding via a partner.Applicants from high-risk jurisdictions or using complex structures may face enhanced due diligence or rejection.Types of Accounts Available:Private personal accounts – For savings, wealth protection, or global transfersInvestment and wealth management accounts – For portfolio diversificationCorporate accounts – For international business operations or holding companiesMulti-currency accounts – Convenient for global banking and foreign exchangeOffshore Company Corp specializes in assisting international clients to open Swiss bank accounts efficiently and in full compliance. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or corporation, we handle the entire process securely and professionally.

Can I open a Swiss bank account as a foreigner?

Yes, foreigners, including individuals and non-resident companies, are eligible to open bank accounts in Switzerland. Swiss banks offer various account types such as personal accounts, corporate accounts, and investment portfolios designed to serve international clients.

Key Requirements for Foreigners

Proof of Identity: Valid passport or national ID card
Proof of Address: Recent utility bill or official correspondence
Source of Funds: Documents showing the origin of your income or capital (e.g., business income, property sale, inheritance)
Tax Compliance: Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be required to declare the account in your home country
In-Person or Remote Onboarding: Some banks require an in-person visit, while others allow remote account opening through certified documents and video verification

Additionally, Large banks (Tier-1) such as UBS, Julius Baer, and Credit Suisse (now part of UBS) usually only accept customers with large assets or clear, transparent legal records.

Types of Accounts Available

Personal or Private Bank Accounts – For savings, investments, or asset protection
Corporate Accounts – For businesses conducting international transactions or operating holding structures
Numbered Accounts – Offering additional layers of confidentiality (but not anonymity)

Numbered accounts today offer account-holder discretion from front-line staff, but full KYC is required and subject to international reporting standards.

Benefits of Swiss Banking

Political and economic stability
Strong privacy protection (within legal limits)
World-class asset management and investment advisory
Multicurrency options and global reach

Note: Switzerland ended strict banking secrecy for tax purposes in 2018 and now participates in the OECD’s Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and FATCA (for US persons)

While Switzerland no longer guarantees full banking secrecy due to global transparency standards (e.g., CRS, FATCA), it remains a trusted jurisdiction for secure and compliant international banking.

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