Hi!

I'm moving to Switzerland in a few months and was wondering what kind of documents should I bring from the States. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

I moved from Sydney to Zurich recently, my experience is that you should bring all legal documents - birth certificates, marriage cert, etc etc with you personally, and if you stay long term you'll probably need a police check as well.

And if you are US citizen or greencard holder, you can only get a bank account from Post Finance. Don't even bothering trying UBS or Credit Suisse

Thanks for the tip!

Really? I was thinking about opening up an account at Credit Suisse. Why can't I bank w/ them? Even if I show them my work permit?

We had no trouble opening an account with Credit Suisse (L Permit, US citizens)... getting a credit card with them, though, was a different story. (We moved here in July of this year) - I have heard that UBS won't open accounts to US citizens, however.

Bring all potentially important documents! Whatever that might mean for you - medical documents, prescriptions, birth certificates, etc. Also, an FBI background check - we were told to bring it but didn't end up using it, but I've heard of others being asked for it during the residence permit procedure. If you're moving here for work, though, your HR dept should tell you exactly what you need.

One of these is essential for US citizens in ZH:

Bring passport photos - lots of them - its expensive to say cheese here! You'll need photos for everything from opening a bank account to registering with the cantonal authorities.

cheers,

Yes, except the "passport" photos here are different size than the ones in the US. And when you need to update/replace your passport, you can only go to a "US passport photo authorized photo booth" for your new passport (recent experience). Bring all the paperwork with you. If you plan to find a job here, you will also need copies of your highschool/college diplomas (also another recent experience).

My wife and I opened a joint account at CS and we're both US Citizens and L-permit holders (we didn't even have our permits at that point). Post Finance is not a bad bank at all, and actually might be better, in some (many?) ways, than the more 'internationally' known Swiss banks.

Bring everything- birth cert, marriage cert, passport, work contract, photo I.D., get extra passport photos taken (don't show your teeth) for use for residence and/or transit permits- should be cheaper in the U.S. (Cheapest I've seen here is 2 CHF for 4, but if you get your picture taken in the Zurich HB transit office, its 8 CHF for 4). Make photocopies of everything, just in case. Put them all in some kind of envelope to keep them together, at least in the beginning (you'll be taking them around to different offices, so it was easier to keep it all together- just grab'n'go.)

You'll need a document/letter from your local police stating that you have no criminal record (I hope you don't, otherwise they may not let you in depending on the seriousness of the offence) and also a letter from your car insurer detailing whether you've made no/any claims over the last few years. Your Swiss car insurance company will want this to assess your premiums.

Also check with the Swiss Embassy in US about any entrance visas you may need to come into the country. When I came in with my British husband some 13 years ago I needed a single entry visa, but things may have changed since then. Still, it's best to check what's needed for you and any dependants.

I stand corrected then, this may be a UBS-only thing. UBS did asked me a few times if I hold US passport or US greencard during the account opening process.

Don't forget that UBS has been in trouble with the US recently and they are probably being more careful. That doesn't necessarily mean they won't let you set up an account, but they will want to be sure of their facts before doing so.

We recently took out a mortgage with them and almost hit a hurdle at the last minute when I pointed out that I was American as well as British. Our bank manager had to clear it with UBS division that deals with all things American before getting the okay.

I had the same questions. It wasnt just limited to being from the US. I was asked if I had ever worked, or have worldwide income the IRS might be interested in.

I asked what would happen if I said yes and I was told UBS would not be able to support my banking needs.

Don't forget to check your drivers licence.

You have 12 months to apply for your Swiss Drivers Licence. And it is just a formality if you have your full drivers licence back home for more than 6 months.

Check that your drivers licence has a issue date that is more than 6 months ago.

If you have to renew it before you come then
(1) try and keep your old one; and
(2) get a letter from your local transport department/authority stating when you got your full driving licence.

It is possible to get this once you are here, but save yourself the hassle and do it before you come.

And do apply to change your driver's license to a Swiss one before the US one runs out. As mentioned, it's just a formality if you do it before, but if you go over your year you'll then need to take a written exam (which will be in the local language - I don't think they provide them in English) and test drive with inspector and you'll also have to attend a life saving course as well. You'll need a photo for it too as Swiss issue credit card style driving licenses with your picture on them.

And dont forget about lotta "Green Bags".. They simply love them...

Hi! I would not suggest you to open an account with Credit Suisse. Nothing personal against them but with foreigner they are particularly strict and they refused to give a credit card to my collegues (both with a manager salary and other bank accounts in their countries).

I would suggest you to contact UBS. Better service, lower cost.

Hey,

I´ve just opened a bank account with Credit Suisse and it was quite easy.

I don´t have an address and it wasn´t a problem, i just gave the address of my company.

So, no complaints at all.

However, i didn´t requested a credit card, so i don´t know how does it work...

I would suggest you scan in all your documents, and carry them around with you on a USB key on your keyring for quick access when you're asked. In addition to the above points on driver's license, and police reports, I also suggest a detailed letter from your health insurance provider. If you move here with a condition (incl. pregnancy) they may give you trouble if you want to make a claim so soon after starting to pay premiums.

The Swiss banks are reluctant to open accounts for US citizens because they are to all intents and purposes obliged to act as tax inspectors and collectors for the IRS. Not surprisingly for many it's simply more bother than it's worth (and if they do agree to operate an account they will probably bill you accordingly for the pleasure of doing IRS tax declarations). Postfinance probably doesn't care as it doesn't operate outside Switzerland but both UBS and CS have substantial operations in the US and can't ignore these requirements.

1) Passport.

2) Divers license.

I've never needed anything else.

Tom