top of page
Image by Marco Meyer

Starting business in Switzerland

Begin your entrepreneurial venture with confidence as we navigate the complexities of company formation in Switzerland. Our professional consulting services are designed to ensure your success.

Our Services

Open business bank account in Switzerland

Opening a business bank account in Switzerland isn’t just a practical step-it’s a strategic move that can transform the way your company operates and is perceived globally. Swiss banks are renowned for their legendary financial stability, strict regulatory standards, and a tradition of confidentiality that’s second to none. For entrepreneurs and businesses, this translates into a banking experience that’s secure, efficient, and globally respected.

List banks for business in Switzerland

1. UBS Group AG

Website: https://www.ubs.com/

  • As a major global financial institution, UBS offers a wide range of services, including wealth management (managing the largest amount of private wealth globally), investment banking, asset management, and private banking.

  • They are known for strong client confidentiality and a global presence.

  • They cater to private, corporate, and institutional clients.

2. Raiffeisen Schweiz

Website: https://www.raiffeisen.ch/

  • Raiffeisen is the third-largest banking group in Switzerland and a leading retail bank with a cooperative structure.

  • They have an extensive branch network across Switzerland, emphasizing local connections and personalized customer service.

  • They offer a comprehensive range of banking services for individuals and businesses.

3. Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB)

Website: https://www.zkb.ch/

  • ZKB is the cantonal bank of Zurich and a significant player in the Swiss banking sector.

  • They offer a wide range of banking products and services for individuals, SMEs, and large corporations.

  • They are known for their strong regional presence and commitment to the Zurich area. 

4. PostFinance Ltd

Website:

https://www.postfinance.ch/

  • PostFinance, the financial arm of the Swiss Post, is one of Switzerland's leading financial institutions with a large customer base.

  • They offer modern solutions for managing finances, including accounts, cards, e-banking, and payment solutions like TWINT.

  • They cater to both individuals and businesses.

5. Julius Baer Group

Website:

https://www.juliusbaer.com/international/en/

  • Julius Baer Group leads private bank with over 130 years of experience.

  • Their services are customized wealth management, investment advisory, and real estate financing for entrepreneurs and business owners. The company has been now global presence and expertise in client confidentiality.

  • Focusing on tailored solutions for high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients.

6. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise (BCV)

Website:  https://www.bcv.ch/

  • Comprehensive corporate banking: business accounts, savings, foreign currency accounts, and payment cards.

  • Working capital and investment loans, international trade finance, and risk hedging.

  • Wealth management for private and institutional clients.

  • Digital banking and tailored solutions for SMEs and large corporates.

7. Luzerner Kantonalbank

Website: https://www.lukb.ch/ueber-uns/english-window

  • Full-service business banking: accounts in CHF, EUR, and other currencies.

  • Real estate and business financing, pension solutions, and asset management.

  • E-banking, Visa/Mastercard business cards, and tailored SME support.

  • State guarantee for liabilities and strong regional network.

8. Migros Bank AG

Website: https://www.migrosbank.ch

  • Cost-Effective Business Banking:

  • M+ bank account: Free private and savings account, free debit and credit cards, and no annual fees.

  • Free cash withdrawals at Migros stores and ATMs.

  • Collect Cumulus points with every transaction.

  • Online account opening and digital banking services.

9. Basler Kantonalbank

Website: https://www.bkb.ch/

  • Graduated packages (Business Classic, Comfort, Premium) with accounts, payment services, cards, and e-banking.

  • Support for daily business, investment, and growth project financing.

  • Working capital, real estate, and lease financing, plus digital SME portal.

  • Full state guarantee of liabilities.

10. Pictet Group

Website: https://www.pictet.com

  • Wealth & Asset Management

  • One of Switzerland’s largest private banks, specializing in wealth management, asset management, and asset servicing for private clients and institutions.

  • No commercial lending; focus on investment funds, alternative assets, and family office services.

  • Global presence and top-tier credit ratings.

Digital Banks & EMI Providers in Switzerland:

1. Neon

Website:

https://www.neon-free.ch/en/

Neon: Often cited as one of the best and most popular digital banks in Switzerland due to its user-friendly interface and free basic account options. It offers a Mastercard debit card for worldwide payments (with generally low fees), mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, TWINT integration), and e-bill support. Note that Neon generally requires Swiss residency (B or C permit for foreigners) and Swiss tax residency. 

2. Swissquote

Website: 

https://en.swissquote.com/

Known primarily as an online broker, Swissquote is increasingly integrating digital banking features. Swissquote is perfect for those who want to manage both their banking and investment portfolios digitally, with the security of a Swiss institution.

3. Migros Bank

Website: 

https://www.migrosbank.ch/

Migros Bank is often considered a hybrid, blending traditional reliability with a modern digital presence. It offers low fees, robust digital services, and a user-friendly interface, making it especially appealing to cost-conscious users who want straightforward banking without hidden costs.

4. OneSafe:

Website:

https://wise.com/business/

A more recent entrant to the digital banking scene, OneSafe distinguishes itself by catering to the unique needs of global businesses, particularly those operating within the Web3 and cryptocurrency space. Their specialized features, such as instant crypto-to-fiat conversions, position them as a forward-thinking solution for this evolving market segment.

5. iCard:

Website: https://icard.com/

Although based in Bulgaria, iCard, an Electronic Money Institution (EMI), provides European IBANs and a range of digital payment solutions that are accessible to individuals and businesses in Switzerland. This can be a viable alternative for those seeking a European banking solution with a strong digital focus.

Requirements to open a business bank account in Switzerland

Requirements may differ depending on the bank and the nature of your business, so it is essential to confirm specific criteria with your chosen financial institution before initiating the application process. We recommend preparing all necessary documents in advance, ensuring they are current, accurate, and, where required, properly notarized or certified.

For companies with complex ownership structures or foreign stakeholders, engaging a local expert or legal advisor can help streamline the process, address regulatory nuances, and ensure full compliance with Swiss banking standards. This proactive approach will significantly increase your chances of a smooth and successful account opening.

Document Type

Company registration

Constituent documents

Identification/personal documents

Business information

Ownership/structure

Tax/regulatory details

Bank forms/declarations

Proof of capital/source of funds

Supporting documents (if requested)

Description/Examples

Certificate of incorporation, Swiss company extract

Articles & memorandum of association

Passports/IDs, proof of address for directors/owners

Business plan, activity description, projected turnover

List of directors/shareholders

TIN, VAT, CCSS number, licenses

Application forms, KYC/AML, letter of motivation

Bank statements, contracts, investment agreements

Licenses/regulatory approvals, organization chart

Our specialists advise:

To ensure a smooth and successful setup, we recommend carefully assessing your company’s size, structure, and international requirements before selecting a banking partner. It is essential to prepare all necessary documentation in advance and to anticipate thorough compliance and KYC procedures, which are standard in the Swiss banking sector.

For Swiss-based SMEs and companies with straightforward structures, traditional banks provide reliability, comprehensive support, and a strong local presence. For international or digital-first businesses, leading fintech solutions such as Wise and Revolut deliver the flexibility and efficiency needed for global operations.

To navigate the complexities of compliance and cross-border requirements, consider engaging a local expert or legal advisor. Our experienced team at Yan Incorporation is ready to provide tailored guidance and end-to-end support, ensuring your business banking setup in Switzerland is both seamless and fully compliant.

bottom of page