Opening a bank account

You will need to open a postal or bank account to take out insurance, pay the rent for your accommodation, receive your salary or money transfers. The main bank used by expats (and employees of international organisations and missions, due to their experience with holders of legitimation cards) is UBS. Postfinance is also a good option. 

You need to provide proof of identity (e.g. passport) and Swiss residence permit (or legitimation card). You might also be asked to provide a copy of employment contract and perhaps more documents depending on your situation and their requirements. You can obtain information directly from the post office or bank of your choice. 

• UBS: ubs.com/ch/en/swissbank/private/pay-and-save/accounts.html  
  • Note: you have to make an appointment with the UBS customer service. You might be able to open a bank account with UBS even if you don’t have your residence permit yet but if you present your working contract (and show a valid ID).  
• Post office (Postfinance): postfinance.ch/en/private/products/accounts.html  
  • Note: it is possible to open an account at the post office without the residence permit, by either presenting the tax identification number or confirmation of Swiss domicile (obtained from the immigration office, OCPM).  

There is generally no minimum deposit amount required to open a bank account in Switzerland. By law, banks in Switzerland are not allowed to accept funds which they know or suspect have been obtained through criminal activities. Therefore, it’s normal to be asked for the proof or origin when transferring funds to the bank. 

Important: a phone number is generally required in order to open a bank account.