Opening an account in Switzerland as a French expat: banks, procedures, and required documents

Opening a bank account in Switzerland and managing it may sound like something out of a spy movie. But if you frequently travel to Switzerland, work across the border, or plan to relocate there, it’s worth understanding how the Swiss banking system really works.

For everyday banking, most Swiss accounts function similarly to those in other European countries.

Why and how should you open a bank account in Switzerland? Here’s a guide to help you understand your options before getting started.

If you’re looking for an easy and more affordable way to make international money transfers (for example, from euros to Swiss francs), consider opening a Wise account.

All currency conversions are made at the mid-market rate, without hidden markups.

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Can I open an account in Switzerland online?

Yes, it’s possible to open an account in Switzerland remotely, though you may be required to send your documents by post (not email). Some banks also allow you to open an account through an appointed representative who can handle the paperwork on your behalf.

If this option is more convenient, check whether your chosen bank supports it.

Opening an account in person upon arrival is usually easiest, but preparing in advance can be very helpful. Some banks won’t open an account without a local address, while landlords may require one for the first rent payment — a classic catch-22 situation for newcomers. Setting things up ahead of time can save you trouble.

Once you’ve chosen your bank, ask for an application pack explaining the full process. It will list the required documents and give you instructions for remote applications.

Keep in mind that new accounts may take two to four weeks to activate, and your debit or credit card may arrive later.

Opening a Swiss bank account for French residents: which bank to choose?

With so many banks in Switzerland, choosing the right one can be tricky.

If you just need a standard current account, private or investment banks aren’t ideal — instead, look at cantonal (regional) or national institutions.

Cantonal banks serve residents of specific cantons. While they are large and reliable, you may need to switch banks if you move to another canton.

If you expect to move frequently, a national bank like UBS, Credit Suisse, or Raiffeisen may be a better choice.

PostFinance

• Operated by Swiss Post.
• Offers private accounts in CHF and other currencies.
• Known for offering student packages with low fees and competitive interest rates.¹

UBS

• A national bank with branches throughout Switzerland.
• Offers online and mobile banking in four languages, including French.

Credit Suisse

• A major Swiss bank experienced in working with expatriates.
• Allows you to open an account once you’re registered in Switzerland and offers personalized advice.
• Provides a full range of services, from mortgages to pensions, with online tools to help you compare products.

Once settled, the Swiss banking system is quite straightforward.

Most national banks offer information in French and can assign you a French-speaking advisor if needed.

Online banking is standard, allowing you to manage almost everything remotely and focus on your new life.

With its high standard of living, cosmopolitan cities, and (of course) world-famous chocolate, Switzerland is an attractive destination for expats. Opening your account early will make it easier to settle in and manage your finances.

How to open a bank account in Switzerland: required documents

Swiss banks are known for their strict compliance standards. When opening an account, you’ll be asked to provide several documents, all of which must be authenticated.

Authentication can be done in person at a branch or by submitting notarized copies.

Although most Swiss banks don’t have branches abroad, some partner with foreign institutions that can verify your documents. Check whether there’s a “partner branch” near you.

The required documents vary slightly by bank but usually include:

• Proof of identity: a valid passport.
• Proof of residency status: visa, residence permit, or work permit.
• Proof of address: a recent utility bill or official correspondence.

If you want to open a bank account in Switzerland from France, you can find detailed guidance in our dedicated article.

Opening a Swiss bank account as a non-resident: is it possible?

Yes, but there are stricter requirements. You may need to show proof of income, make a significant initial deposit, or provide a letter from your employer confirming your solvency.

Banks also verify the origin of funds, and some citizens must sign a declaration confirming they will inform their home country’s tax authorities about their foreign accounts.

What are the fees for opening a bank account in Switzerland?

Some banks offer what’s called a “numbered account.” While these accounts offer extra confidentiality, they come with hefty annual fees — between 1,000 and 1,500 CHF.²

Can you open a free bank account in Switzerland?

No — standard bank accounts always involve fees. Expect to pay monthly maintenance charges, usually a few francs for basic accounts and up to several dozen for premium ones.

You may also pay extra for ATM withdrawals outside your network, credit card balances, or transfers to other banks.

Fees for debit and credit cards

Debit and credit cards typically cost 40–50 CHF per year.³

For credit cards, you may need to provide a security deposit equal to your credit limit (or higher), which will be returned with interest when you close the account.

Because of the many possible fees, compare offers carefully and ask your advisor about discounts — some banks waive certain fees if you have a mortgage or savings account with them.

Opening a bank account in Switzerland as a French resident: key points

When you open your account, you’ll likely be assigned a personal advisor.
If you prefer to communicate in French, request a French-speaking advisor in advance.

Many people live in Switzerland but work in France — or vice versa. Most banks therefore offer accounts that support both CHF and EUR, allowing you to manage cross-border payments more easily.

Open a Wise account and manage your money freely

Traditional bank accounts are often limited to one country and one currency. They can also be costly for international use.

With Wise, you can send, receive, and manage your money in multiple currencies — without hidden fees or unfair exchange rates. You’ll only pay a small fee when converting between currencies.

If you have accounts in both France and Switzerland, you can use Wise to make transfers from euros to Swiss francs at low cost — and without the hidden markups that most banks apply.

Even better, there are no account maintenance fees, and you can open your account entirely online in just a few steps.

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Last verified on September 4, 2025.

This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.