Steps To Open a Swiss Bank Account

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Any wealthy investor will tell you that one of the biggest tools of success is opening an offshore bank account. Numerous benefits come with having an account in a jurisdiction outside of your home country. One of the most attractive banking jurisdictions in the world is Switzerland, due to its stable economy and favorable banking laws. Continue reading to discover how an offshore bank account in Switzerland can benefit you and read about some of our Swiss partners.

Why open an offshore bank account in Switzerland?

Switzerland is one of the wealthiest nations in Western Europe and has nearly the highest GDP per Capita in the region. A lack of national deficit indeed proves the strength of the country’s economy. The Swiss income exceeds its expenses, so a self-reliant economy fully backs the currency. Unemployment is low, and the per capita income is high. Not only are the citizens of Switzerland happy with the economy, but many wealthy investors are also moving their wealth here to take advantage of economic security. Offshore banking is not just for those who do not live in a country with untrustworthy economies. Even those living in first-class nations hold Swiss banking to a higher degree than others. A robust and safe economy is probably the first thing a person will look for when deciding on their offshore location. Confidentiality is another leading factor for those looking in Switzerland. Similar to the expectations of doctor/patient confidentiality, Swiss bank laws forbid bankers to disclose that someone even holds a bank account or any information about it without the consent of the account holder. If a bank does give out personal information without permission, laws require that immediate prosecution begins. It is not necessarily challenging to open a bank account if you are well prepared. It will, however, take between one and two weeks with the help of Alpen Partners. Opening a bank account in Switzerland is not hard; it just may take some time. Along with a minimum deposit, which is typically at least $100,00, applicants will be asked to provide a valid passport, various documents about your financial history and income, and documents proving that all supplied information is accurate.

How to Open a Swiss Bank Account

If you prepare correctly, opening a Swiss bank account can be easy. The process will take time, however. Along with a minimum deposit, which is typically at least $100,000, hopeful applicants will be asked to provide a valid passport along with various documentation regarding their financial history and income, and documents proving that all supplied information is valid. Below, we lay out some of the steps of opening a Swiss bank account.
  • Determine your eligibility
Swiss banks will do their due diligence to make sure non-resident accounts are not being utilized to take advantage of the system for the use of illegal activities. The bank you choose will need thorough verification to make sure you are eligible to hold an account offshore. In some cases, a bank may reject an individual for being a politically exposed person or someone who has been involved in a scandal or is well known for having a negative reputation. Additionally, some countries, such as Russia and Iraq, are barred from opening a Swiss bank account for various reasons, such as official embargoes.
  • Pick your bank
You will want to pick a bank that has the services to meet your needs. This includes educating yourself on the bank’s policies, investment opportunities, and their reputation. Alpen Partners can help you choose the bank that fits your needs.
  • Choose the type of account that fits your needs
There are several different kinds of accounts an individual can open. When choosing the type of account, it is important to know what your goals for the account are and how much you want to place into the account. Every type of account requires an initial deposit and may have other qualifying factors.
  • Get in touch with the Swiss banks.
Unfortunately, opening a Swiss bank account is not as simple as clicking some buttons online. Individuals seeking to open an account will need to meet a bank representative. If the applicant can not physically appear at a branch or representative office, they may communicate with a representative via mail and request an application package.
  • Provide any necessary documents
When opening a bank account in Switzerland, the bank will require specific documentation that will prove who you are and your intentions with the potential account. This often includes a copy of your passport that is certified by an approved institution. The bank may also ask for documents that prove the origin of your funds as Swiss banks will not accept funds that they know are suspect of may have been obtained through illegal activity. Examples include bank statements showing salary payments or documents from the sale of a property or asset. If everything is approved, you have a Swiss bank account!

Meet Our Swiss Banking Partners

Alpen Partners is dedicated to helping clients find economic and personal success through financial and personal services geared to high net worth individuals’ needs. Taking your wealth offshore, you can protect your assets and tap into thriving economies. One of the most crucial steps to enjoying offshore freedom is opening a bank account. We have partnerships with some of the most prestigious private and public banks around the world. We hold close relationships with the leading private and public Swiss banks: Pictet– Pictet, established in 1805, is a leading European independent wealth and asset manager. This investment-led service company offers wealth management, asset management, and related services. Julius Baer– This private banking group has locations in more than 20 countries with a head office in Zurich. Switzerland and Asia are the two locations in which the Julius Baer group does most of its business. Julius Baer offers a wide range of financial services and investment advice. Lombard Odier– Lombard Odier is a family-run bank, established in 1796 in Geneva, Switzerland. The bank handles private clients, asset management, and technology and banking services in three distinct groups. Vontobel– With Swiss roots and headquarters in Zurich, Vontobel is an international financial expert established in 1924. They specialize in wealth management and asset management for private clients and investors. They also work in investment banking Safra Sarasin– J. Safra Sarasin is ready with high-level services and expertise as an investment advisor and asset manager for individuals and companies. The bank was also named the 2018 winner of the “Best Boutique Private Bank in the World” by Global Finance. UBS– With origins as far back as 1856, UBS AG is one of the best known global financial service companies in Switzerland. UBS currently has over CFH 2.8 trillion in invested assets. Credit Suisse– Based in Zurich, Credit Suisse Group is an international Swiss financial services company. Since 1856 the group has provided services to its clients with confidence and a strong economy to back it. Contact the experts of Alpen Partners to find the bank that fits your needs the best, and we will guide you every step of the way. Beyond offshore banking, our team can assist you with every part of your financial and life planning for high net worth individuals, including tax planning, asset protection, portfolio diversification, relocation, and more. Contact the experts of Alpen Partners today! All investments involve certain risks. All investments carry the potential for financial loss, including the loss of the principal amount invested. Past performance should not be viewed as an indicator of future results. Market conditions and broader economic factors can significantly impact the value of investments. Investments in international markets are subject to additional risks, such as currency exchange fluctuations, political or economic instability, and variations in accounting practices. Alternative investments, including but not limited to hedge funds, private equity, and real estate, may be illiquid, speculative, and are not suitable for all investors. The above information should be considered before making any investment decisions. All posts and publications are for your information only and are not intended as an offer, promotion, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument or perform any other financial transactions. All information and opinions expressed in posts and publications reflect our current views as of the date of the publication and may be liable to change without notice.

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