I'm going to leave Switzerland at some point, but I very much like the nice service I get from my UBS account... Is it possible to keep it? Any rasons for doing or not doing this (costs, taxes, etc.)

need to still have a registered address in switzerland in order to be able to keep it open. otherwise it has to close.

What's your nationality?
Where do you move?

I move to Israel.

One thing I don't really understand: even if I must close the account, I'll need it in the interim period, to take care of stuff during my move... I can't just take out the moneyI have as cash and ride with it.

well then just close it shortly before you go. do you know have an account back in israel? you can just transfer your money back into your israeli account. that is what im doing...but not to israel lol

There have been many threads on this topic, and clearly different banks have different approaches.

I know that PostFinance allows non-resident accounts: I have a PostFinance account and live in the States. I can do my banking securely from home, in English.

If UBS does not allow you to keep your account (ask UBS, not EF ) I suggest that you open a PostFinance account.

You can keep it open until a date you set in the furure to take care of all the income or expenses for a few months at least!
Perhaps not long term though as you would probably need a different type of account or the deposit could get eaten up by the charges...

well, i believe you can keep it open for some period after you leave, so that money like apartment renting deposits can be transferred to there. and then they will close it, after transferring the whole amount to an account in your home bank, with minor transfer fees.

of course, if you are talking about millions, i am sure there can be a way ;-) maybe, simply rent a post box for communication... also, i think, they have some laws that would give them the right to confiscate the money if the account holder hasn't done any operations for a while..

You being from Israel, I suggest you have a talk with a rep from your bank.

It would only be a big problem if you were from the US.

There are often a lot of "special" exceptions for Israeli citizens.

That said, I don't think it is a problem holding a Swiss bank account with no address in Switzerland (with the noted exception of people with a US-address).

Thanks everybody!

As a US citizen with a UBS account I can confirm that:

1. If you move to an EU country UBS will keep the account open
2. If you move to the US UBS will ask you to close the account

I am following up with PostFinance, their Online Set account looks like what I need. The confusing part is that you can apply online but you need to validate your ID in Switzerland. Which means the process seems to be apply, get the forms in the US, go to the US, get the forms, fly back to CH, validate ID.

Does anyone know: if I walk into PostFinance can I open the account immediately?

That's what I did with a German friend of mine a few years back but I don't know if you still can. All they needed from her was a piece of identification.

Yes we did the same this year. The account can be opened immediately, it takes couple of days to get the account details by post.
you can even open it online.

http://www.postfinance.ch/en/priv/pr...chf/apply.html

You should be able to keep it open...

My parents have an UBS account and neither of them lives in Switzerland...

But the service is great, they speak fluent english so why not just give them a call and ask?

My husband just enquired at UBS today, think it depends on where you come from and if the country has set any restrictions. Also a minimum amount may apply. In our case, we are from Malaysia and there seems to be no restrictions. So maybe worthwhile just to chat with them. Best wishes!