How to get an account in a Swiss bank

A minimal deposit in a Swiss bank account amounts to 300,000 Swiss Francs, but in some cases it may be higher, reaching up to 500,000 Swiss Francs.

You can choose the account type that satisfies your requirements from the list below:

• Current account
• Savings account
• Custody account
• Special account
• Numbered account
• Special account for legal bodies

Compare the description of the particular type of account with your purposes and expectations before making your final choice. You can seek expert advice if necessary.

These six types of account are considered to be the most widespread and can be used for any kind of transaction. Different types of account involve different services, from depositing money, to keeping and processing financial assets and professional consulting.

If your new account cannot be opened by the bank, a full money refund will be made immediately. However, this kind of occurrence is not common. This is the reason why a businessman who is thinking about getting a Swiss bank account should seek professional help in order to prevent a refusal.

Swiss national policy in the banking sphere puts the highest priority on the privacy of its clients' data. This is why Swiss banks preoccupy themselves so much with their depositors' sources of funds in an attempt to prevent money laundering.

The process of getting a Swiss bank account starts with a phone conversation with a bank manager. During this private talk, the date and the place of the future meeting will be discussed, along with some general formalities.

During a private meeting you should show a confirmation for your sources of funds.

In order to apply for a new account, the customer has to present the following documents:

• 1 notarized copy of the passports of the company shareholders
• 1 notarized copy of the company director's passport
• All notarized copies of the essential documentation of the company
• Additional documents required (e.g. copies of the trustees' passports)

The whole procedure can take from between two and three days to one month. It usually depends on the amount of the deposit and the customer type (e.g. a private customer or a legal entity).

Anyone individual can apply for a Swiss bank account. Getting a Swiss bank account for legal entities is slightly more difficult, especially for non-residents. In such a case, professional help should be sought.