Broker for expats in Switzerland
Best broker for expats in Switzerland 2026
Swissquote, Yuh or Saxo? Which broker suits you as an expat, what it costs and how to get up to CHF 100 in trading credits.
Published on 13 November 2026 · by Helga Baechler, certified wealth advisor IAF
You have moved to Switzerland, your salary arrives every month and your money is sitting in a bank account earning almost nothing. The next step is investing. But which broker for expats in Switzerland should you choose? Swiss brokers handle your tax statement, many are covered by Swiss deposit protection and some even let you start with CHF 10.
My short answer
For a larger long-term portfolio I use Swissquote, a Swiss bank with a FINMA licence and a ready-made Swiss tax statement. For small monthly amounts and complete beginners, Yuh is the easiest start, with no custody fee. Many expats use both.
My codes for your broker
Copy the code and enter it when you open your account. Both offers are only valid if you live in Switzerland.
Most popular
Swissquote
CHF 100
trading credits after depositing CHF 1’000 within 30 days
How to redeem →Best for beginners
Yuh
CHF 50 + 250 SWQ
trading credits and Swissqoins after depositing CHF 500
How to redeem →*Advertising, affiliate codes. This costs you nothing extra.
Why expats should consider a Swiss broker
Many expats keep their old broker from home. That works for some, but a Swiss broker has clear advantages once you live here.
- Swiss tax statement. Every year you declare your securities in your Swiss tax return. Swiss brokers like Swissquote provide a ready-made tax statement, which saves hours.
- Accounts in CHF. Your salary is in francs. With a Swiss broker you invest in CHF without exchanging money every time.
- Swiss rules. Cash is protected up to CHF 100’000 per person, and your shares and ETFs remain your property if the bank fails.
- Swiss shares with perks. At Swissquote you can register your Swiss shares for free and receive invitations to general meetings and shareholder gifts.
Before you decide, check two things that depend on your situation. Some brokers do not accept US citizens because of US reporting rules, so ask the broker directly if this applies to you. And if you plan to leave Switzerland again, check whether you can keep the account after moving away.
Broker for expats in Switzerland: comparison 2026
| Swissquote | Yuh | Saxo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | larger portfolios, Swiss shares | beginners, small amounts | active traders |
| Custody fee | from CHF 80 per year | none | none |
| Trading fee | from CHF 3 per trade | 0.50%, min. CHF 1 | 0.08%, min. CHF 3 |
| Swiss tax statement | yes, CHF 85 per year | yes | yes |
| Savings plan | yes, with fractions | yes, selected ETFs without purchase fee | yes, AutoInvest |
| App in English | yes | yes | yes |
| My code | MKT_LIEBEFINANZEN | YUHLIEBE | no code |
Fees as of November 2026, plus Swiss stamp duty on every trade. No guarantee, check the current price list before you sign up.
All details on fees and worked examples are in my Swissquote vs Saxo vs Yuh comparison.
Swissquote: the broker I use for my main portfolio
My largest portfolio has been at Swissquote for years. As an expat you get a Swiss bank, the app and platform in English, access to approx. 60 stock exchanges and accounts in many currencies. The custody fee of CHF 20 per quarter makes it best for amounts from roughly CHF 20’000 upwards or for fewer, larger purchases. Read my full Swissquote review.
Most popular
Swissquote
CHF 100
trading credits after depositing CHF 1’000 within 30 days
How to redeem →Yuh: the easiest start for expats
Yuh belongs to Swissquote and combines a free Swiss account, a debit card and investing in one app, also in English. You can start investing with CHF 10, and selected ETF savings plans have no purchase fee. That makes Yuh ideal if you want to invest a few hundred francs every month. Read my Yuh review.
Best for beginners
Yuh
CHF 50 + 250 SWQ
trading credits and Swissqoins after depositing CHF 500
How to redeem →How to open a broker account as an expat in 4 steps
Copy my codeMKT_LIEBEFINANZEN for Swissquote or YUHLIEBE for Yuh.
Have your documents readyPassport or ID card, your Swiss address and usually your residence permit.
Sign up onlineEnter the code during sign-up and complete the video identification.
Deposit and investTransfer money from your salary account and buy your first ETF.
What should expats invest in?
For most people a broad, low-cost world ETF is a good start, bought regularly with a savings plan. Do not forget your pillar 3a first, because it lowers your taxes every year. My guide Pillar 3a for expats explains how it works when you are new in Switzerland.
FAQ: broker for expats in Switzerland
What is the best broker for expats in Switzerland?
For larger portfolios Swissquote, a Swiss bank with a ready-made tax statement. For small amounts and beginners Yuh, with no custody fee. With my codes you get CHF 100 at Swissquote and CHF 50 plus 250 Swissqoins at Yuh.
Can I open a Swiss broker account with a B or L permit?
In general yes, if you live in Switzerland. The broker checks your identity and address during sign-up. Check the current requirements in the app before you start.
Do I need a Swiss broker for my tax return?
No, but it makes it much easier. Swiss brokers provide a tax statement that fits the Swiss tax return. With a foreign broker you have to declare everything yourself.
Can US citizens use Swissquote or Yuh?
US citizens are subject to special US reporting rules, and not every broker accepts them. Ask the broker directly before you apply.
Do the bonus codes work for expats?
Yes, as long as you live in Switzerland. The codes are not valid for people living abroad.
Helga Baechler
Certified wealth advisor IAF and founder of liebefinanzen.ch. I have been investing with my own money in Switzerland since 2020 and test every bank and app myself.
*Advertising, affiliate links and codes. If you sign up with my code, I may receive a small commission. This costs you nothing extra. This article is for general information only and is not investment, tax or legal advice. Conditions as of November 2026, no guarantee.
