Opening a Swiss bank account: what is really needed
Swiss banks accept HNWI clientele on clear criteria: source-of-wealth dossier, KYC, profiling. What to prepare so as not to waste time.
What the bank looks for
Verified identity, documentable source of wealth, profile coherent with expected flows, no red flags (undeclared PEPs, sanctions, criminal record). Nothing exotic: everything must be reconstructible.
Source of wealth: the dossier
Notarial deeds of corporate disposals, historical tax filings (5-10 years), employment/dividend contracts, succession deeds, company audits. Everything translated and apostilled if not in Italian, French, German, English.
Enhanced KYC
For "complex" profiles (sensitive countries, crypto, PEPs, regulated sectors) enhanced KYC adds 2-4 months. We plan onboarding accordingly.
Realistic timing
6-12 weeks for standard profiles. 16-32 weeks for enhanced profiles. One bank at a time or multi-bank pre-screening: a strategic choice.
What we do not promise
No serious adviser guarantees the account opening: the decision is the bank's. We promise serious pre-screening to avoid formal refusals that remain in the industry systems.
Write to us in fluent Italian, English or French. Within the team we also speak German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese and Arabic — available upon request.
The first written exchange checks whether we can help. Personalised advice and coordination require an agreed paid mandate. Please do not send sensitive documents through this form.
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