We work with a broad selection of Swiss private banks and cantonal banks. Remote opening is possible at several banks. Minimum deposits vary widely: cantonal banks partly without any minimum, private banks from CHF 500,000 to CHF 5,000,000. One bank also accepts smaller deposits with no fixed minimum.
Switzerland stands worldwide for stability, discretion and first-class private banking. Despite CRS participation, its political neutrality, the strength of the franc and outstanding banking infrastructure keep it a preferred home for wealth preservation. Opening generally requires an in-person visit to Switzerland; we coordinate everything and accompany you through the whole process. Minimum deposits vary by bank and account model.
What it no longer delivers: invisibility towards the tax authorities. Switzerland has reported under the CRS since 2018; the legendary banking secrecy no longer applies towards foreign tax authorities. And in terms of enforcement law, Switzerland is connected to the EU via the Lugano Convention: a German court judgment can, in a formal procedure, be recognised and enforced. Those primarily seeking enforcement protection will find more robust options in our enforcement-proof accounts guide.
What it still delivers — and better than almost any other location: stability as a system. The franc is the world's hardest currency, inflation regularly sits around one percent, the country carries a AAA rating from all three agencies, and the banks are among the best-capitalised anywhere. Switzerland also stands outside the EU: no EU account register, no German-style account retrieval, no SAG bail-in regime, no EU account freezing at the push of a button. A Swiss account is thus the classic stability anchor and franc haven of an international account structure, even if other countries fulfil individual protective functions more consistently.
Switzerland is the only premium destination with a genuine entry point for ordinary wealth — you just need to know where. Cantonal banks hold accounts partly without any fixed minimum, with solid basic features (account, cards, e-banking, sometimes a custody account) and the special feature that many of them carry a state guarantee from their canton, going beyond the statutory deposit protection of CHF 100,000. Private banks start from CHF 500,000 to CHF 5,000,000 and offer in return asset management, investment advice and the service the location is famous for. Opening generally requires a personal visit; at several banks it works remotely — we tell you before you order what applies to your profile.
Liechtenstein or Switzerland? Both share currency and culture, but differ on entry point, enforcement exposure and remote process.
Does Switzerland report my account to Germany?
Yes, under the CRS, annually and automatically: year-end balance, interest, income. Income belongs in your tax return regardless; the details are in our guide on declaring your offshore account.
What does a Swiss account cost for non-residents?
Cantonal banks typically charge CHF 20–40/month extra for non-resident accounts. Private banks include account management in their overall fee structure.
Does Switzerland protect me from enforcement?
Partially. Switzerland is outside the EU, so EU enforcement mechanisms (EAPO, EU account-freezing order) do not apply directly. However, Switzerland is party to the Lugano Convention, which allows EU court judgments to be recognised and enforced in a formal procedure. It is not the same as full enforcement protection.
Franc or euro — which is better?
The franc has appreciated against the euro over the long term and is considered the world's most stable currency. For wealth preservation, CHF is a strong argument for Switzerland.
All figures are indicative and subject to change. Not investment advice.
EU account registers, EAPO, bail-in risk and de-banking — the full picture.
Five steps from order to activated account.
EAPO, Lugano, foreign judgments — an honest assessment.
CRS, FATCA, Anlage KAP — the complete guide.
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Proof of address and phone number must come from the same country — and that must be a genuine residence, not a PO box address. Our Nomad Package sets up a recognised address in the Philippines, including all required documents. Fully remote, no travel required. Ready in 1–2 weeks.
All information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Regulations and bank policies change; always verify current requirements before proceeding.