Table of Contents
Switzerland has long stood as a “safe harbor” for entrepreneurs, lawyers, and global investors.
A Swiss bank account is no longer about secrecy but about reputation, regulation, and service quality.
For foreign professionals considering opening accounts in Zurich, Geneva, or Lugano, the choice between institutions such as UBS, Bank J. Safra Sarasin, Union Bancaire Privée (UBP), and cantonal banks defines how they manage liquidity, compliance, and investments.
This article offers a comprehensive guide for those who want to keep capital in Switzerland — not hidden, but secure, diversified, and internationally respected.
Why Is a Swiss Bank Account Still Attractive?
The allure of Switzerland rests on three pillars:
- Political neutrality and the independence of the Swiss National Bank (SNB).
- Legal certainty under FINMA supervision.
- Tradition of private banking, with names like Julius Baer, UBS, and Safra Sarasin.
For entrepreneurs and legal professionals, keeping funds in a Swiss bank account means ensuring continuity regardless of geopolitical risks.
What Types of Swiss Bank Accounts Exist?
| Account Type | Typical Clients | Advantages | Limitations |
| Retail (PostFinance, Migros Bank) | SMEs, residents, and some foreigners | Easy daily use, cards, and online | Higher fees for non-residents |
| Cantonal (ZKB, BCGE) | Local businesses, professionals | Backed by cantonal guarantees, stable | Often require Swiss ties |
| Private Banking (UBS, Julius Baer, UBP, Safra Sarasin) | High-net-worth individuals | Wealth planning, international services | Swiss bank account minimum balance of CHF 500,000 |
| Corporate Accounts | Foreign subsidiaries, holding companies | Multi-currency, trade finance | Strict AML, documents required |
How Did Swiss Banks Build Their Reputation?
The history of Swiss banking explains its status as a global brand:
- 1934 Banking Law codified confidentiality.
- 1970s–2000s: Switzerland attracted global capital with neutrality and currency stability.
- 2009–2015: CRS and FATCA transformed the industry, ending absolute secrecy.
- 2023 UBS acquisition of Credit Suisse proved resilience, consolidating Switzerland’s role in wealth management.
Today, banks like UBS, Safra Sarasin, and UBP compete globally not on secrecy, but on service, ESG, digital platforms, and private wealth solutions.
How to Open a Swiss Bank Account?
Foreign professionals often ask: How to open a Swiss bank account? The procedure is standard:
- Select institution and account type.
- Provide a notarised passport copy and proof of residence.
- Supply corporate documents if opening a company.
- Disclose the source of funds and tax compliance certificates.
- Transfer initial funds (often CHF 10,000 for retail, CHF 500,000+ for private banking).
Swiss bank account opening online exists (PostFinance, Dukascopy, UBP digital desk), but major banks like UBS usually require in-person meetings.
Minimum Balance Requirements
| Bank | Minimum Balance (Foreign Clients) | Service Focus |
| UBS | CHF 500,000 (private banking) | International wealth management |
| J. Safra Sarasin | CHF 250,000–1,000,000 | Sustainable investments, private clients |
| Union Bancaire Privée (UBP) | CHF 500,000 | Boutique wealth planning |
| Julius Baer | CHF 1,000,000 | Global private banking |
| Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) | CHF 100,000 | Regional strength with global access |
| PostFinance | None (but fees for non-residents) | Retail and SME accounts |
Expert Tip 1: Choose a Bank Matching Your Profile
Expert Tip from Axel Springer, Associate: “Do not approach UBS or UBP with deposits below CHF 500,000. Clients with smaller amounts are better served at PostFinance or cantonal banks like ZKB, avoiding unnecessary rejection or high fees.”
Interest Rates on Swiss Bank Accounts
Swiss banks remain conservative. Typical Swiss bank account interest rates in 2025:
| Account Type | Interest Rate (2025) |
| Retail CHF savings | 0.5–0.75% |
| Corporate CHF current account | 0.3–0.5% |
| EUR/USD deposits | 1–1.5% |
| Time deposits | 1.5–2.0% |
Private banking clients may negotiate better terms depending on assets under management.
Can You Open a Swiss Bank Account Without Visiting?
Foreign professionals often ask how to get a Swiss bank account remotely. Some banks, such as PostFinance and Dukascopy, support video identification. However, private banks like Safra Sarasin or UBP nearly always demand a face-to-face meeting in Zurich, Geneva, or Lugano.
Best Options for Business and Legal Professionals
- UBS: Global platform, strong for multinational entrepreneurs.
- Safra Sarasin: Attractive for those seeking ESG investments and family office services.
- UBP: Niche wealth planning, dynamic for corporate lawyers and boutique investors.
- ZKB: Reliable for regional corporate accounts with CHF 100,000+ deposits.
- PostFinance: A Functional option for SMEs needing Swiss bank account opening online with low barriers.
Expert Tip 2: Compliance First
Expert Tip from Axel Springer, Associate: “Swiss banks will not compromise on compliance. Foreign professionals must prepare audited financial statements, tax returns, and proof of business activity. Attempting to hide structures only delays the process.”
Swiss Banks Compared: UBS, Safra Sarasin, and UBP
| Bank | Strengths | Weaknesses |
| UBS | Largest Swiss bank, worldwide network, corporate services | Very high Swiss bank account opening minimum balance |
| Safra Sarasin | Sustainability, private banking expertise | Smaller global footprint |
| UBP | Boutique, strong in wealth planning | Less accessible for small accounts |
| ZKB | Government guarantee, stable | Limited prestige compared to UBS |
| PostFinance | No balance requirement, online | Not suitable for HNWI private banking |
Opening a Swiss Corporate Account
Foreign businesses may open Swiss bank accounts for subsidiaries, holding companies, or investment vehicles. Requirements:
- Certified trade register extract (apostilled)
- Articles of incorporation
- Identification of directors and beneficial owners
- Swiss correspondence address
Corporate accounts typically require CHF 50,000–100,000 minimum deposit. Banks such as UBS and UBP are most experienced in handling cross-border corporate structures.
Expert Tip 3: Think Beyond the Account
Expert Tip from Axel Springer, Associate: “Foreign companies should not view the Swiss bank account as isolated. Consider combining it with a Swiss entity (AG or GmbH) for easier compliance, lower fees, and better acceptance by banks.”
Evolution of Swiss Banks Over Time
| Year | Number of Licensed Banks |
| 2019 | 248 |
| 2020 | 246 |
| 2021 | 243 |
| 2022 | 241 |
| 2024 | 230 |
Despite a decline, core institutions like UBS, UBP, and Safra Sarasin dominate global wealth management.
Why Do Professionals Still Open Swiss Bank Accounts?
A Swiss bank account offers:
- Diversification into CHF and multiple currencies.
- Access to global investment markets.
- Prestige when dealing with counterparties.
- Strong legal protection and a regulated environment.
Whether through UBS, UBP, or Safra Sarasin, Switzerland remains the quiet harbour professionals look for when they want to park capital in a stable and reputable jurisdiction.
Author Profile
- Blogger and Educator by Passion | Senior Online Media & PR Strategist at ClickDo Ltd. | Contributor to many Education, Business & Lifestyle Blogs in the United Kingdom & Germany | Summer Course Student at the London School of Journalism and Course Instructor at the SeekaHost University.
Latest entries
BusinessAugust 21, 2025A Swiss Bank Account for Foreigners: Stability, Tradition, and Options for International Clients
GamingAugust 7, 2025The 7 Best Streaming Game Services in 2025
Local Business MarketingAugust 6, 2025Why Monitoring Your SERP Position Matters for SEO Success
Startup NewsJuly 31, 2025How Airport Taxi Businesses are Becoming Famous in the UK
