How to open an account in Switzerland from France?

The guide to opening a Swiss bank account from France: Is it possible? What are the requirements? What documents are required? What are the alternatives?

For more flexibility, open an account with Wise: you can convert your euros into Swiss francs at the mid-market exchange rate and spend them without hidden fees using the debit card that comes with it.

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Opening a bank account in Switzerland from France: is it possible?

Some Swiss banks allow you to open an account online from France. However, this is rare, and opening an account is subject to certain conditions: the country where you live when applying, the type of Swiss visa you hold, etc. Each institution has its own requirements. As we mentioned in a previous article, opening an account abroad without leaving home is often complicated.

How to open a bank account in Switzerland from France?

Start by contacting Swiss banks that offer accounts for individuals and ask if it’s possible to open one online from France. If so, find out what the specific requirements are.

Generally speaking, you must:

• Be an individual acting in a personal capacity.
• Be over 18 years old.
• Provide proof of address: electricity/water bill, tax statement, etc.
• Provide proof of economic ties with Switzerland: employment contract, payslip, letter from your employer, AVS statement, etc.
• Have a work permit if required.

Then fill out the application form, sign it, and return it to the bank. Please note: some banks accept electronic signatures, others require a handwritten one.

Once your account is open, you’ll need to collect your bank card. If you apply from outside Switzerland, it is unlikely the bank will agree to send it to your home in France. You may have to collect it at a branch.

Opening a bank account in Switzerland from France: what are the alternatives if the bank refuses?

Open a cross-border account in Swiss francs with a French or Swiss bank

Cross-border accounts are designed for people working in Switzerland but living in France. They are offered by certain French banks, such as Crédit Agricole.

By opening a cross-border account in CHF, you can receive your salary and manage payments directly in Swiss francs.

Be careful, however: your employer may require a Swiss IBAN to deposit your salary. In this case, you would need to open a bank account in Switzerland. From France, this can be complicated, so make sure to check in advance.

Banks such as Crédit Agricole in Switzerland offer packages like “CA Simple,” which allow you to open a CHF account without a card and include a free salary transfer service.

To access this, you generally need an IBAN in FR or DE, meaning you already have an account in France or Germany.

If you live in France, you will also need to provide proof of address and a document showing your economic connection with Switzerland.

How to open a Swiss franc account from France?

To open a Swiss franc account from France, visit a bank in one of the French regions bordering Switzerland.

Make an appointment to find out exactly which documents are required. You will need at least proof of identity and address, but possibly also an employment contract. This is also an opportunity to ask questions based on your personal situation.

Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be able to collect your card (if you’ve requested one). It will be delivered either to your branch or your home, depending on the bank.

Opening an account with a Swiss bank branch in France

Some Swiss institutions like UBS or Credit Suisse have branches in France.

If you are a cross-border customer, you could open a euro account at one of their branches and then ask if it’s possible to add a CHF account.

Since the bank already knows you, the process may be easier. However, each case is assessed individually, so approval is not guaranteed. This can still be a useful option if you plan to settle permanently on both sides of the border.

Open a multi-currency account with an online provider

Can’t open an account in Switzerland from France, but still need a practical way to manage payments?

You can open a multi-currency account with an online provider: this allows you to hold Swiss francs and fund the account from your French bank account.

Your euros will then be converted at the mid-market exchange rate, which is usually cheaper than the rates offered by traditional banks.

You’ll also benefit from the mid-market rate on payments, withdrawals, and transfers, helping reduce overall banking costs.

Several providers offer this type of account, including Wise. When comparing, check whether unlimited access to the mid-market rate is included. Some providers, like Revolut, require a paid plan to benefit from unlimited currency conversions.

Choose Wise instead of opening a Swiss account from France

With the Wise account, you can hold Swiss francs and spend them directly with your debit card.

You can also add euros and convert them into CHF at the real mid-market exchange rate — with no limits and no hidden fees.

The account also lets you send money to Switzerland while still benefiting from the mid-market rate.

Signing up takes just a few minutes on your smartphone or tablet via the Wise app. Opening your account is free, and there are no monthly maintenance charges.

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on the Wise account

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.