Business banking in the DACH region: Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Snapshot

DACH covers Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Companies registered there can choose between large local banks and digital providers. Germany and Austria use the euro and sit inside the Single Euro Payments Area, while Switzerland uses the Swiss franc and applies its own rules outside the European Union.

Countries covered: Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Currencies: Euro in Germany and Austria, Swiss franc in Switzerland.
Common requirement: Local registration, identification of beneficial owners, and proof of activity.
Watch out for: Stricter checks in Switzerland and for non resident companies.

Fees and features as of 27 May 2026Last reviewed 27 May 2026

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

DACH is shorthand for Germany, Austria and Switzerland, from Deutschland, Austria and the Confoederatio Helvetica. As of 27 May 2026, businesses registered in these countries can open accounts with established local banks or with digital providers. Germany and Austria use the euro and are in the Single Euro Payments Area, while Switzerland uses the Swiss franc and is in SEPA for euro transfers but outside the European Union. Banks across all three expect a clear beneficial owner structure and evidence of real activity.

The DACH banking landscape

Germany, Austria and Switzerland are wealthy, highly banked economies with deep and varied banking systems. Germany has a three pillar structure of private banks, public savings banks known as Sparkassen, and cooperative banks. Austria mirrors much of this with strong cooperative and regional networks. Switzerland recognises many types of institution, including cantonal banks, big banks, private banks and Raiffeisen cooperatives, under the supervision of FINMA.

Large names such as Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Erste Group, Raiffeisen, UBS and the Swiss cantonal banks operate across the region, alongside a growing set of digital providers. As of 27 May 2026, for example, N26 is a German licensed neobank, and providers such as Wise and Revolut serve parts of the region with multi currency accounts and payment features. Business eligibility and features differ between countries, so a company may have both local and pan European options.

What you usually need to open an account

Requirements are broadly similar in Germany and Austria, while Switzerland tends to apply heavier checks, though each bank sets its own process.

Local company registration in the country of incorporation.
Identification for directors and beneficial owners and a clear ownership structure.
Evidence of genuine business activity and the purpose of the account.
For Switzerland, expect closer scrutiny of source of funds and, in some cases, a minimum balance.

Traditional banks compared with digital providers

Traditional banks offer branch access, lending and a full range of services, but can take longer to onboard and may prioritise resident businesses. Digital providers often open accounts faster and offer multi currency features and integration with accounting tools, though cash handling and some services may be limited, and not all accept Swiss franc activity in the same way. Choose based on whether you value a full service relationship or speed and online features, and confirm current terms before applying.

Compare business account options in the DACH region

Both local banks and digital providers serve businesses registered in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Browse the provider reviews to compare features, then confirm current eligibility and terms before applying. Shown as of 27 May 2026.

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Common questions

Which countries make up the DACH region?

DACH is a shorthand for Germany, Austria and Switzerland, taken from Deutschland, Austria and the Confoederatio Helvetica, the Latin name for Switzerland. Germany and Austria use the euro, while Switzerland uses the Swiss franc. Information as of 27 May 2026.

Do Germany and Austria share the same currency and payment area?

Yes. Germany and Austria use the euro and are part of the Single Euro Payments Area, so euro transfers between them work like domestic payments. Switzerland uses the Swiss franc and is in SEPA for euro transfers but not in the European Union. Verify current details with the provider, as of 27 May 2026.

Can a non resident open a business account in the DACH region?

It is sometimes possible, but banks commonly expect local registration, identification for directors and beneficial owners, and evidence of genuine activity. Switzerland in particular applies strict checks. As of 27 May 2026, confirm requirements with the provider before applying.

Which providers serve business customers in the DACH region?

Large local banks such as Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Erste Group, Raiffeisen, UBS and the cantonal banks serve the region, alongside digital providers. N26 is a German licensed neobank, and providers such as Wise and Revolut serve parts of the region with multi currency features. Coverage and business eligibility vary, so check each provider, as of 27 May 2026.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 27 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.