Bank Accounts
After you have registered your residence and your temporary permit has been issued, you may open a bank account, for example, for the payment of your salary.
You can go directly to a bank branch of your choice, but we recommend making an appointment by phone to save time waiting.
The following documents are generally required: work/residence permits, passport, employment contract or proof of student status. Opening a bank account takes approx. 45 to 60 minutes.
Switzerland has a large selection of banks and financial institutions. It is worthwhile comparing the terms and conditions online ahead of time because there are differences in accounting fees, costs for international money transfers, credit card fees, other services, etc. Undergraduate, graduate as well as PhD students or people younger than about 30 are generally eligible for less expensive conditions. Cross-border commuters will have no problems opening an account.
Note: US citizens, Green Card holders or persons whose last place of residence was in the United States are subject to special conditions. We strongly recommend calling the bank ahead of time to find out about the procedures, which branch/person is in charge of opening an account and what documents are required to bring with.
