Swiss Bank Account After Moving Abroad 2026: UBS, PostFinance and Cantonal Banks Compared
Quick answer: Swiss banks (UBS, PostFinance, cantonal banks, Raiffeisen) usually allow you to keep an account when moving abroad, but often with a minimum balance and a quarterly foreign-address fee (typically CHF 50-200). EU addresses are generally accepted; US addresses are heavily restricted due to FATCA. Keep the account at least 1-2 years to settle final tax, pension and rental flows.
Key takeaways
- Update address before move.
- Minimum deposit + fees common.
- FATCA on US addresses.
- Online banking via app worldwide.
- Keep account 1-2 years.
Why Swiss banks treat non-residents differently
Once you deregister at the Einwohnerkontrolle, your bank reclassifies your account from ”resident” to ”non-resident”. The implications are significant: many Swiss banks now charge non-resident fees of CHF 30-100/month, restrict mortgage and credit products, require annual proof of residency abroad, and apply enhanced FATCA/CRS reporting. Some banks (notably the smaller cantonal banks and Raiffeisen affiliates) close non-resident accounts within 90 days of deregistration.
The big three remain accommodating to Auslandschweizer: UBS, PostFinance and the larger cantonal banks (Zürcher Kantonalbank, Banque Cantonale Vaudoise, Banque Cantonale de Genève) maintain dedicated non-resident teams. Migros Bank, Bank Cler and several regional Raiffeisen branches typically close foreign-resident accounts.
Comparison: which banks accept Auslandschweizer in 2026
| Bank | Accepts non-residents | Monthly fee | Mortgage retention | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UBS Key4 Auslandschweizer | Yes | CHF 25-40 | Yes (case-by-case) | Most accepted countries; requires CHF 10’000 minimum balance |
| PostFinance | Yes (selected countries) | CHF 25 | No | Refuses USA, Canada, some Asian countries |
| Zürcher Kantonalbank | Yes (CH/EU/EFTA) | CHF 30-50 | Yes for ZH property | Best for retained Zurich real estate |
| BCV (Vaud) | Yes | CHF 30-60 | Yes for VD property | French-language service |
| BCGE (Geneva) | Yes | CHF 35-70 | Yes for GE property | French-language service |
| Migros Bank | Generally no | — | — | Typically closes within 90 days |
| Raiffeisen (most branches) | Limited | — | — | Branch-by-branch decision |
| Revolut Switzerland | Yes (EU/EFTA) | CHF 0-15 | No | Limited Swiss-specific services |
The USA problem: FATCA and account closures
Moving to the USA — or being a US tax person (green card holder, US citizen) anywhere — triggers FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act). Most Swiss banks, including UBS, refuse new accounts for US persons and may close existing ones with 60-90 days notice. The exceptions are: Bank Pictet, Lombard Odier and a handful of private banks with US-compliant frameworks (minimum CHF 1-5 million typically required), and PostFinance for legacy retail customers.
If you are moving to the USA, plan account closure 6 months ahead. Open a US-based account first (Schwab International, HSBC Premier, Citi Global) which accept Swiss residents to enable smooth transfer. Alternatively, retain a Wise Multi-Currency or Revolut account to bridge the move.
Mortgage retention as a non-resident
Swiss mortgages on Swiss property generally CAN be retained by emigrants, subject to bank approval. The bank reassesses your credit profile based on foreign income — for which it typically applies a 70-80% haircut to non-CHF income. Loan-to-value (LTV) limits drop from 80% (resident) to 50-65% (non-resident); you may be required to amortise the difference within 12-24 months.
Cantonal banks are often the most flexible for retaining cantonal property. Plan to provide: 3 years of tax returns from new country, 6 months of foreign payslips, proof of foreign residency, and updated property insurance. Refinancing rates for non-residents are typically 0.20-0.50% higher than for residents.
Pillar 3a and vested benefits accounts after departure
Pillar 3a accounts are governed differently from regular bank accounts. They cannot be closed unilaterally by the bank, but they can no longer be funded after deregistration (since contributions require Swiss-taxable income). You can: leave the Pillar 3a in place until age 60-65 for normal retirement payout, withdraw the full amount on emigration paying source tax (see exit tax guide), or transfer to a vested benefits foundation (Freizügigkeitsstiftung) — ideally in a low-tax canton (Schwyz, Zug, Nidwalden) for future withdrawal optimisation.
FX, multi-currency and CHF preservation
If you keep a CHF account abroad, monitor: spread on FX (often 1-2.5% on retail platforms vs 0.05-0.15% on Wise/Revolut), wire fees (CHF 5-50 per outgoing SWIFT, free for SEPA within EU/EFTA), and minimum balance penalties. Many Auslandschweizer use a hybrid setup: Swiss bank for CHF and Swiss bills (mortgage, AHV, taxes), Wise/Revolut for daily spending, foreign bank for local salary/expenses.
Reporting obligations: FATCA, CRS and AEOI
Switzerland is a signatory to the OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and the FATCA agreement with the USA. Your Swiss bank automatically reports to the Eidgenössische Steuerverwaltung (ESTV), which forwards data annually to your new country’s tax authority. You must declare your Swiss accounts in your foreign tax return — most countries require disclosure even if no income arises (e.g. UK SA106, Germany Anlage AUS, USA FinCEN 114/FBAR for accounts over USD 10’000 aggregate).
Common mistakes that close your Swiss account unexpectedly
| Mistake | Consequence | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Not informing bank of move | Account flagged, eventually frozen | Send Abmeldebestätigung within 30 days |
| Outdated foreign address | Annual review fails, account closed | Update address every move; respond to bank letters |
| Moving to USA with regular UBS retail account | Closure within 90 days | Switch to PostFinance legacy or Wise/Revolut bridge |
| Letting Pillar 3a sit at active bank | Sub-optimal source tax on withdrawal | Transfer to Schwyz/Zug Freizügigkeitsstiftung 12 months early |
| Failing to declare Swiss accounts abroad | FATCA/CRS reports trigger fines, criminal investigation | Disclose in first foreign tax return |
FAQ
Foreign-address fees?
Typically CHF 50-200 per quarter.
USA address?
Heavily restricted due to FATCA.
SEPA transfers?
Switzerland is in SEPA — EUR transfers are reasonably priced.
Mortgage?
Renegotiate with the bank before emigration.
EU bank rules?
Switzerland is not in the EU — EU automatic-account rights do not apply.
Will my Swiss bank close my account when I move abroad?
Depends on the bank and destination. UBS, PostFinance and large cantonal banks generally retain Auslandschweizer accounts (with non-resident fees of CHF 25-70/month). Migros Bank and most Raiffeisen branches close them within 90 days. US destinations are particularly restricted due to FATCA — only a few banks accept US persons.
Can I keep my Swiss mortgage after emigrating?
Usually yes, with bank approval. Loan-to-value limits drop from 80% to 50-65% for non-residents; foreign income is haircut by 20-30% in affordability calculations. Cantonal banks are often most flexible for retained cantonal property. Refinancing rates run 0.20-0.50% higher than for residents.
Is PostFinance the best option for Auslandschweizer?
PostFinance is widely used by Auslandschweizer in EU/EFTA and many other countries due to clear pricing (CHF 25/month) and digital services. It refuses US persons and several Asian destinations. UBS Key4 Auslandschweizer is the main alternative for global coverage.
Do I need to declare my Swiss accounts in the new country?
Yes, in nearly all countries. Switzerland exchanges account data automatically under FATCA (USA) and CRS (over 100 countries). Declare in your annual tax return — UK SA106, Germany Anlage AUS, USA FinCEN 114/FBAR for accounts over USD 10’000. Failure can trigger fines and criminal investigation.
Notify your bank in writing before departure and switch alerts to email to keep digital banking running.
Flyto Relocation handles your international move from Switzerland. Get a free quote.
See also: All Switzerland moving guides.