Open a Swiss Bank Account for Your Company

A Swiss corporate bank account gives your business credibility, stability, and access to one of the world's most trusted financial systems. We manage the entire process — from bank selection to account activation.

Why Open a Corporate Account in Switzerland?

Switzerland remains one of the most important financial centers in the world. Swiss banks are known for their stability, strict regulatory oversight by FINMA, and high levels of depositor protection. For a company operating internationally, a Swiss bank account provides access to multi-currency facilities, competitive foreign exchange rates, and seamless SEPA and SWIFT transactions.

Beyond the practical benefits, a Swiss bank account signals trustworthiness to clients, suppliers, and partners. Swiss banking law provides strong confidentiality protections, while fully complying with international standards such as the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and FATCA.

For newly formed or acquired companies, a bank account is essential — you cannot operate without one. The share capital of an AG (CHF 100,000) or GmbH (CHF 20,000) must be deposited at a Swiss bank during the incorporation process.

How We Help You Open a Bank Account

1

Bank Selection

We assess your business profile and recommend the most suitable bank. Options range from major banks (UBS, Credit Suisse/UBS, ZKB) to specialized institutions and neo-banks (Amnis, Alpian). The right choice depends on your industry, transaction volume, and whether you need trade finance, FX, or simple payment processing.

2

Documentation Preparation

Swiss banks require extensive Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation: certified copies of passports, proof of address, company documents, a business plan, and evidence of the source of funds. We prepare the complete dossier to bank standards, reducing the risk of delays or rejections.

3

Application & Follow-Up

We submit the application on your behalf, liaise with the bank's compliance team, and handle any follow-up questions. In many cases, we can arrange a video identification so you do not need to travel to Switzerland.

4

Account Activation

Once approved, we help you set up e-banking, configure signatory rights, and ensure everything is ready for operations. The process typically takes 2-6 weeks depending on the bank and the complexity of your corporate structure.

Compliance and What Banks Look For

Swiss banks have become increasingly selective about which clients they onboard. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, the Swiss Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), and international compliance obligations (CRS, FATCA) mean that banks scrutinize every application thoroughly.

Key factors that banks evaluate include: the beneficial owner's background and nationality, the source of the company's funds, the nature of the business activity, and the expected transaction patterns. Certain industries — such as cryptocurrency, gambling, or businesses involving sanctioned jurisdictions — face heightened scrutiny.

Having a professional advisor introduce your application significantly increases the approval rate. Banks trust established intermediaries who have already pre-vetted the client and prepared compliant documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Swiss bank account without visiting Switzerland?
In many cases, yes. Several Swiss banks now accept video identification as an alternative to in-person visits. However, some traditional banks still require a face-to-face meeting, particularly for larger accounts or complex structures. We will advise you on which banks offer remote onboarding for your specific situation.
How long does it take to open a corporate bank account?
From submission to account activation, expect 2-6 weeks. The timeline depends on the bank, the complexity of your ownership structure, and how quickly you can provide the required documentation. Having a well-prepared dossier from the start significantly reduces delays.
What are the minimum balance requirements?
Minimum balance requirements vary by bank. Some banks have no minimum, while others require CHF 10,000-50,000 for corporate accounts. Neo-banks and fintech-oriented banks typically have lower or no minimums. Monthly account maintenance fees range from CHF 20 to CHF 200 depending on the bank and services included.
What if my application is rejected?
Rejections happen, especially for certain nationalities or industries. If one bank declines, we approach alternative institutions. We maintain relationships with multiple banks and know which ones are more open to specific business profiles. In most cases, we can find a suitable bank even after an initial rejection elsewhere.

Learn More

Guide

Opening a Business Bank Account in Switzerland

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Your Expert

ALEX ROHRER.

Founder & Managing Partner of Rohrer Consulting. Corporate and tax lawyer with Big Four experience. Alex personally oversees every client engagement, providing direct expert counsel from initial consultation through to completion.

Background

Corporate & Tax Law, Big Four International Consulting

Location

Seefeldstrasse 69, 8008 Zurich

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AR
Founder

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