Yes, but only if you meet Switzerland's residency and identity rules
You can open a bank account online in Switzerland, but the process depends on whether you live there. Swiss banks and fintech companies offer online account opening, but they all require proof of identity and residency — and they verify both before your account goes live. If you are a Swiss resident or citizen, several banks let you start the application online and finish it in minutes. If you live outside Switzerland, your options narrow significantly: most major banks will not open accounts for non-residents online, though a few digital banks and brokers do accept international customers through their websites.
The key difference is that Swiss banks must comply with anti-money-laundering rules that require them to see your face or verify your identity through a government database. This is not optional, and it is why you cannot simply fill out a form and have a working account the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Swiss residents can open accounts online with most banks and fintech companies, but you will need a Swiss phone number, a valid ID, and proof of address to complete the process.
- Non-residents face stricter rules: most Swiss banks will not open accounts online for people living outside Switzerland, though some digital banks and investment platforms do accept international customers.
- Video identification or in-person verification at a branch is required by law, even for online applications — you cannot skip this step.
- The entire process typically takes one to five business days for residents once identity verification is complete, but can take longer if documents are missing or unclear.
- You will need a Swiss tax ID number (Steuernummer) if you are a resident, which the bank can help you obtain or which you may already have from cantonal authorities.
What Swiss banks require before they open your account online
Every Swiss bank that offers online account opening will ask for the same core documents: a valid passport or national ID card, proof of your current address (usually a utility bill or rental agreement dated within the last three months), and your tax identification number if you are a Swiss resident. If you do not yet have a Swiss tax ID, the bank can initiate the process with your canton, but this adds one to two weeks to the timeline.
You will also need a Swiss phone number to receive a verification code during the application. If you do not have one, you can obtain a prepaid SIM card from any supermarket or phone shop for roughly 10 to 20 Swiss francs, or ask the bank whether they accept an alternative contact method — some do, though it is not standard.
The bank will verify your identity either through video call with a staff member or by checking your ID against the Swiss central database (ZEMIS). Video verification is faster and more common for online applications; the call usually takes five to ten minutes. If the bank cannot verify you this way, they will ask you to visit a branch in person, which defeats the purpose of opening online.
Which banks and fintech companies accept online applications
Major Swiss banks like UBS, Credit Suisse, and Raiffeisen offer online account opening for residents, though the process varies slightly between them. UBS and Credit Suisse require video identification; Raiffeisen accepts online applications but may ask you to visit a branch depending on the account type. All three have minimum deposit requirements that range from 10,000 to 100,000 Swiss francs for certain account tiers, though basic checking accounts often have no minimum.
Digital banks and fintech companies are faster and have lower barriers. Neon, Revolut, and Wise all let Swiss residents open accounts entirely online with no minimum deposit. Neon and Revolut use video identification; Wise uses a combination of ID verification and address confirmation. These accounts are designed for everyday spending and transfers rather than wealth management, and they typically open within one business day.
If you are a non-resident, Revolut and Wise still accept applications from most countries, though they have restrictions on certain nationalities and may ask for additional documentation. Traditional Swiss banks almost never open accounts for non-residents through their websites; you would need to visit a branch or work with a private banker, which requires a much larger deposit.
How the online verification process actually works
When you submit an online application, the bank sends you a link to a video call or directs you to upload photos of your ID and proof of address. If you choose video verification, you will be matched with a staff member who will ask you to show your ID, confirm your address, and answer basic questions about the account's purpose. They are checking that you are the person in the ID photo and that you actually live where you say you do. This call is recorded for compliance purposes.
If you upload documents instead, the bank's compliance team reviews them manually, which takes longer — usually two to three business days. Blurry photos, expired IDs, or addresses that do not match your ID will trigger a request for resubmission. Once the bank confirms your identity, they send you a confirmation email and your account is usually active within hours, though some banks hold it for one more business day as a security measure.
If you fail verification — for example, if your ID is expired or your address proof is too old — the bank will tell you what is missing and give you a chance to resubmit. There is no penalty for this; it is a normal part of the process. However, if you cannot provide the required documents, the bank will close your application.
Timeline: how long it actually takes from start to finish
For Swiss residents using video verification, the entire process takes one to three business days. You submit your application in the evening, schedule a video call for the next morning, complete the call, and your account is active by afternoon. Some banks like Neon and Revolut are even faster — they can activate accounts within hours of successful verification.
If you submit documents for manual review instead of doing a video call, add two to three business days. If your documents are incomplete or unclear, add another three to five days while you resubmit and the bank re-reviews them. If you need a Swiss tax ID number and do not have one, add one to two weeks for the canton to issue it — though the bank can usually open a temporary account while this is pending.
Non-residents should expect the process to take longer. Some banks require additional documentation, such as proof of income or a letter explaining the account's purpose. Revolut and Wise typically take three to five business days for non-residents, but this varies by country and by whether they flag your application for manual review.
What happens after your account opens
Once your account is active, you can log into the bank's app or website and start using it immediately. You can receive transfers, set up standing orders, and make online payments. However, you may not be able to order a debit card or withdraw cash until the bank has mailed you a physical card — this usually takes five to ten business days. Some banks like Revolut and Wise issue virtual cards instantly, which you can use online or add to your phone's wallet for contactless payments.
If you opened an account with a traditional bank like UBS or Raiffeisen, you may need to visit a branch to pick up your card or to activate certain features like international transfers. Check your welcome email for specific instructions; the bank will tell you what you can and cannot do until you complete any remaining steps.
Your account is insured by the Swiss deposit insurance scheme (eBK) up to 100,000 Swiss francs per bank, per person. This protection is automatic and requires no action on your part.
Non-residents: your limited options for opening online
If you live outside Switzerland, most Swiss banks will not open accounts for you through their websites. UBS, Credit Suisse, and Raiffeisen all require non-residents to visit a branch or work with a relationship manager, and they typically require a minimum deposit of 250,000 to 500,000 Swiss francs. This is not a technical limitation — it is a business decision. Swiss banks focus on residents and wealthy international clients, not casual online customers from abroad.
Your realistic options are Revolut, Wise, and a handful of investment platforms like Interactive Brokers. Revolut and Wise both accept non-residents from most countries and let you open accounts entirely online. They do not offer traditional banking services like loans or investment accounts, but they are excellent for spending, transfers, and currency exchange. Interactive Brokers accepts non-residents and offers brokerage accounts, but it is designed for investors, not everyday banking.
If you need a full Swiss bank account as a non-resident, you will need to either travel to Switzerland to open in person or hire a private banker to handle it for you — both options are expensive and time-consuming.
Common problems and how to fix them
Your ID is expired. Most banks will not accept an expired ID, even if it is only expired by a few days. You will need to renew it before resubmitting your application. If you are outside Switzerland, contact your nearest Swiss embassy or consulate to renew your passport; if you are in Switzerland, visit your cantonal office. Renewal usually takes two to four weeks.
Your address proof is too old. Banks require proof of address dated within the last three months. If your utility bill or rental agreement is older than that, ask your landlord or utility company for a recent statement, or use a recent tax notice if you have one. Do not submit a document that is clearly outside the three-month window — the bank will reject it.
Your video call failed or was unclear. If the bank could not verify your identity during the video call, they will ask you to try again or to submit documents instead. Make sure you are in a well-lit space, your ID is clearly visible, and your internet connection is stable. If you have a thick accent or speak a language the bank does not support, ask whether they can provide an interpreter or accept documents instead.
You do not have a Swiss tax ID yet. If you are a new resident, you may not have a tax ID number. Tell the bank this during your application — they can initiate the process with your canton, or you can visit your cantonal tax office in person. The bank can usually open a temporary account while you wait for the number to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Swiss bank account online if I am not a Swiss citizen?
Yes. Swiss banks do not require citizenship — they require residency or, for some digital banks, just a valid ID and proof of address. If you are a resident of Switzerland (even on a visa or work permit), you can open an account online with most banks. If you live outside Switzerland, only Revolut, Wise, and a few investment platforms will open accounts for you online.
Do I need to visit a branch in person?
Not if you choose video verification during the online application. Video calls are accepted by all major Swiss banks and most fintech companies. However, if you fail video verification or if the bank cannot verify you remotely, they will ask you to visit a branch. Some banks also require you to visit a branch to pick up your debit card, though others mail it to you.
How much money do I need to open an account?
Most online accounts have no minimum deposit requirement. Neon, Revolut, and Wise let you open with zero francs. Traditional banks like UBS and Raiffeisen may require a minimum deposit for certain account types — usually 10,000 to 100,000 Swiss francs — but basic checking accounts often have no minimum. Check the bank's website for the specific account type you want.
What if I do not have a Swiss phone number yet?
You can buy a prepaid SIM card from any supermarket or phone shop for 10 to 20 Swiss francs and use that number during your application. Some banks also accept alternative contact methods like email, though this is less common. Ask the bank before you start your application if you do not have a Swiss number.
Can I open a business account online?
Business accounts have stricter requirements and usually cannot be opened entirely online. You will need to provide business registration documents, proof of ownership, and often a personal may provide from the owner. Most banks require you to visit a branch or meet with a relationship manager for business accounts. Digital banks like Neon do offer business accounts online, but with more limited features than traditional banks.