Every year around 30,000 Swiss citizens leave their Alpine nation – the “Fifth Switzerland” continues to grow. Zürcher Kantonalbank supports them throughout on this journey and remains a trusted partner at every stage of life, across borders.
It is Tuesday, 14 April, 5:30 p.m., at Zürcher Kantonalbank’s head office on Bahnhofstrasse: Around 70 people have gathered, who are all considering a new chapter abroad. The “Fifth Switzerland” is steadily growing and Zürcher Kantonalbank is seeing this development first-hand. The exclusive expert event “Emigration: Expert knowledge for your new chapter abroad” has been booked for weeks.
According to the Federal Statistical Office, 838’600 Swiss citizens – around 10 percent of the population – were living outside Switzerland at the end of 2025. Wanderlust, career opportunities or love: there are many reasons why Swiss citizens leave our Alpine nation. Andreas Hansen will soon be one of them; although in his case, the move is largely driven by family reasons. “For me, this is an emigration. For my wife and my two stepsons however, it is a return to their former home. As a family, we were drawn by our shared fascination with the people, the culture, the landscape and the way of life in Thailand and this is what brought us to this decision.
Trusted by clients in more than 140 Countries
Zürcher Kantonalbank is and remains a trusted partner throughout every stage of life – including when Swiss citizens move relocate abroad. In line with its promise: rooted in Zurich, there for its clients around the world. Today, Zürcher Kantonalbank already counts more than 6’700 clients with Swiss nationality living abroad across over 140 countries.
The exclusive specialist event for prospective Swiss expatriates offered participants in-depth insights into both financial and organisational dimensions of relocation abroad. Andreas Hansen found it a valuable opportunity to prepare carefully for his upcoming move abroad and to benefit directly from the speakers’ experience. “Planning an emigration is a substantial undertaking. One of the greatest challenges is creating a stable financial plan that remains sustainable even in difficult times”.
The participants had the opportunity to address their individual questions directly to the experts of Zürcher Kantonalbank and gained valuable insights into the specific regional characteristics of their intended destinations. Soliswiss – the cooperative organization for Swiss citizens abroad – was also represented at a senior level: President Bernardo Brunschwiler and Executive Director Dr Nicole Töpperwien explained how the organisation supports Swiss abroad in key areas of everyday life, including retirement provision, health insurance and professional activities abroad.
Additional inspiring perspectives were provided by Filippo Lombardi, former member of the Council of States and President of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA). Drawing on his many years of political experience and his consistent commitment to the interests of Swiss nationals living abroad, he shared his perspective on how the options for banking relationships for Swiss abroad have changed in recent years.
Are you emigrating? Zürcher Kantonalbank accompanies you with expertise.
Zürcher Kantonalbank remains a reliable partner beyond Swiss borders
Zürcher Kantonalbank’s range of services for Swiss citizens living abroad – with the exception of a limited number of excluded countries – extends from opening an account without a minimum balance to dedicated specialist teams available to assist clients with any questions and concerns.
“Moving abroad is a courageous new beginning that opens up opportunities and raises many questions at the same time. At Zürcher Kantonalbank, we accompany our clients through every stage of life – including beyond Switzerland’s borders – and offer them a piece of home wherever they may be.”
Silvana Leutwiler, Team Head Affluent Swiss Nationals, Private Banking International & EAM
As the doors of the event venue close, many participants leave with more than the memory of an informative evening. For many, it marks another step towards a new country, a new adventure and ultimately a new life. This is precisely where Zürcher Kantonalbank seeks to make a difference: those who leave behind the familiar ground and embrace something entirely new. In navigating this transition, having a trustworthy partner for the highest standards of security, reliability and expertise.
Andreas Hansen looks ahead with confidence to his emigration. “The informative presentations at the specialist event and the inspiring exchange with other participants have strengthened my decision.” This autumn, Hansen will board a one-way flight to Thailand. “I am looking forward to experiencing life from a completely new perspective and immersing myself in a different culture and way of life.”