Open a Swiss bank account

Written by HowToSwiss EditorialReviewed
Verified · Last updated March 2025
5 min readCHF 0–10/monthLast verified: March 2025RECOMMENDED

You'll need a Swiss IBAN to receive your salary, pay rent, and set up direct debits. Digital banks are the fastest option.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Decide: digital or traditional

    Digital (Neon, Yuh, Zak): free, app-only, opened in 10 minutes. Traditional (UBS, Raiffeisen, cantonal): branches, mortgages, broader services.

  2. 2

    Prepare your documents

    Passport, residence permit slip (or visa), proof of address (rental contract or Gemeinde confirmation).

  3. 3

    Open the account

    Digital: scan ID via app, video selfie. Traditional: book a branch appointment.

  4. 4

    Set up your salary deposit

    Send your IBAN to HR. First salary usually lands within one full payroll cycle.

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People also asked

Official sources for this guide

  1. FINMA — Authorised banks

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