How to open a business account in Switzerland

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

Opening a business account in Switzerland starts with a registered company and a UID number. For a GmbH or AG you first open a blocked capital deposit account to pay in the share capital, then incorporate. You then prepare identification and company documents, apply to a provider, and complete know your customer checks. As of 2 March 2026, local banks such as UBS, PostFinance, and the cantonal banks suit franc operations and the capital deposit, while Wise Business, Revolut Business, and Airwallex suit international payments. Confirm current requirements with the provider.

The steps to open a business account in Switzerland

For a GmbH or AG, open a blocked capital deposit account at a Swiss bank and pay in the share capital, then register the company in the Commercial Register and obtain a UID number.
Prepare identification for the owners and directors, plus the company documents the provider asks for.
Choose a provider that fits your activity, whether a local bank, an international provider, or both.
Apply and complete the know your customer and anti money laundering checks.
Fund the account and confirm which services and currencies are switched on.

Documents you will be asked for

Providers commonly ask for proof of company registration, the UID number, identification for owners and directors, details of beneficial owners, and information about the nature of the business. A GmbH involves a share capital of at least 20,000 francs, and an AG at least 100,000 francs with at least 50,000 francs paid in, as of 2 March 2026, confirmed through the blocked capital deposit account during registration.

Non resident directors

A GmbH or AG must be represented by at least one person resident in Switzerland who can sign for the company. Owners and directors who live abroad can usually still be involved, but providers apply closer checks, and some banks may ask for in person verification. The position varies by provider, so verify the current requirement before you apply.

Choosing a provider

Match the provider to your activity. A local bank suits franc operations and the capital deposit step, while international providers suit cross border payments and holding more than one currency. Many companies use a local bank and an international provider together. Compare current terms against your usage.

Compare business accounts available in Switzerland

These providers serve business customers in Switzerland. Fees and eligibility shown as of 2 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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Questions about opening a business account in Switzerland

How long does it take to open a business account in Switzerland?

It varies by provider and by how quickly you pass the checks. For a GmbH or AG, the blocked capital deposit account comes first, then incorporation and the account application with know your customer review. Confirm current timelines with the provider, as they change.

Do I need a UID number to open a business account in Switzerland?

Providers generally ask for the company UID number, which the Commercial Register issues when the company is registered. A sole proprietorship registers above a turnover threshold. Verify the requirement with the provider as of 2 March 2026.

What is a blocked capital deposit account?

It is a temporary account at a Swiss bank where a GmbH or AG pays in its share capital before registration. The bank issues a confirmation for the Commercial Register, and the funds are released to the company once it is incorporated. As of 2 March 2026, a GmbH needs at least 20,000 francs and an AG at least 100,000 francs with at least 50,000 francs paid in. Confirm the process with the bank.

Can a non resident open a business account in Switzerland?

It is possible, usually with a Switzerland registered company and stricter checks. A GmbH or AG must also be represented by at least one person resident in Switzerland. Confirm the current position with the provider before applying.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 2 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.