Zürcher Kantonalbank
Marcus Altenburg, Published
Zürcher Kantonalbank is a cantonal bank based in Zurich, founded in 1870. It primarily serves clients in Switzerland, and non-resident access is handled case by case. As a cantonal bank, it typically expects little or nothing for residents, though non-resident access is limited — as of June 2026, and not a published per-bank figure.
About Zürcher Kantonalbank
Universal cantonal bank serving private, corporate and institutional clients, focused on the canton of Zürich and Switzerland. Zürcher Kantonalbank belongs to Canton of Zürich.
| Type | Cantonal bank |
|---|---|
| Head office | Zurich |
| Founded | 1870 |
| Assets | around CHF 206 billion total assets (as of 2025) |
| Service languages | English, German, French |
| Non-residents | Limited / case by case |
- Wholly owned by the canton of Zürich with a full state guarantee.
- Holds triple-AAA/Aaa ratings; largest cantonal bank in Switzerland.
Opening an account at Zürcher Kantonalbank as a non-resident
Zürcher Kantonalbank works mainly with clients resident in Switzerland and takes non-residents only case by case, so a foreign applicant cannot count on the standard route here. For most non-residents a private bank or an online bank that openly accepts international clients is a more reliable starting point. Our guide to opening a Swiss bank account names them and lists what they ask for.
Is Zürcher Kantonalbank a fit for a non-resident?
As a cantonal bank, Zürcher Kantonalbank is oriented to clients in its canton and to Swiss residents. A non-resident's options here are narrower than at a private or online bank.
If you would rather have this handled than explained, we prepare the source-of-funds file and introduce you to a suitable bank, and we can incorporate the company an account often sits behind. You can also compare Zürcher Kantonalbank with 35 other Swiss banks.
Official website: Zürcher Kantonalbank.
Related banks
Related Swiss banks for non-residents
BNP Paribas (Suisse) SA
BNP Paribas (Suisse) SALienhardt & Partner Privatbank Zürich
Lienhardt & Partner Privatbank Zürich
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
01Can a non-resident open an account at Zürcher Kantonalbank?
Zürcher Kantonalbank primarily serves clients in Switzerland, and non-resident onboarding is handled case by case. Confirm the current policy with the bank, or with an adviser, before you apply.
02What kind of bank is Zürcher Kantonalbank?
Zürcher Kantonalbank is a cantonal bank, part of Canton of Zürich, founded in 1870, based in Zurich. Wholly owned by the canton of Zürich with a full state guarantee.
03What is the minimum to bank with Zürcher Kantonalbank?
There is no published per-bank minimum. As a cantonal bank, Zürcher Kantonalbank typically expects little or nothing for residents, though non-resident access is limited. The realistic entry point depends on the relationship rather than a fixed rule (as of June 2026).
04Does Zürcher Kantonalbank serve clients in English?
Yes. Zürcher Kantonalbank runs an English-language service alongside German, French, so a non-resident can be onboarded and advised in English.
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