Swiss banks apply FINMA-mandated know-your-customer (KYC) checks, so opening any account requires proof of identity, proof of Swiss residence, and often proof of the source of funds for larger deposits. The exact document list varies by bank and account type, but passport, residence permit (or pending application confirmation), and commune registration are near-universal requirements, with employment contracts or income proof sometimes also requested.
Arriving with the right documents already gathered (rather than assuming a passport alone suffices) is the single biggest factor in whether a Swiss bank account opens in days rather than weeks.
Key Facts
Valid passport or national ID is required by every bank as baseline identity verification.
Proof of Swiss residence registration (commune confirmation, Wohnsitzbestatigung/attestation de domicile) is required by most banks before opening a standard account.
Residence permit (B, C, L) or confirmation of a pending permit application is typically required; some banks accept a signed employment contract as interim evidence while the permit is processed.
For larger deposits or business accounts, banks require source-of-funds documentation (pay slips, sale contracts, inheritance documents) under AML rules.
Foreign tax identification number may be requested for FATCA/CRS (automatic exchange of information) compliance if you have US or other reportable tax residency.
Steps
Gather identity documents — Valid passport plus a second form of ID if available.
Obtain commune registration proof — Register your address first — most banks require this confirmation.
Prepare permit/employment evidence — Residence permit, permit application receipt, or signed employment contract.
Prepare source-of-funds documentation if needed — For larger initial deposits, have pay slips or sale/inheritance documents ready.
Required Documents
Valid passport or national ID
Commune residence registration confirmation
Residence permit or pending application confirmation
Employment contract or proof of income
Source-of-funds documentation for larger deposits
Foreign tax identification number (for FATCA/CRS reporting, if applicable)
Common Mistakes
Arriving at a bank appointment with only a passport and no proof of commune registration, causing a rejected or delayed application.
Not anticipating source-of-funds questions for a larger initial deposit, which can stall account opening under AML review.
Forgetting that some banks request a foreign tax ID for CRS/FATCA reporting purposes, which can be missed if not asked for in advance.