Yes, but you need a residence permit or proof of address
A foreigner can open a bank account in Germany, but the bank will ask for proof that you live there or have the legal right to live there. Most banks require either a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel), a residence registration certificate (Anmeldung), or a lease agreement with a German address. If you are an EU citizen, the rules are simpler — you can usually open an account with just your passport and proof of address. Non-EU citizens need more documentation, and some banks will turn you away if you do not have a residence permit yet.
The process takes longer than it does for German citizens because banks must verify your identity against German immigration records and comply with anti-money-laundering rules. Plan for two to four weeks from application to account opening, though some banks are faster. Online-only banks tend to move quicker than brick-and-mortar branches, but they may have stricter rules about who they accept.
Key Takeaways
- EU citizens need a passport and proof of a German address; non-EU citizens need a residence permit or Anmeldung certificate.
- Banks must verify your identity against German immigration records, which adds one to three weeks to the process.
- Online banks like N26, Wise, and Revolut often accept foreigners faster than traditional banks, but may not offer the same services.
- You will need a German tax ID number (Steuernummer) or a temporary one to open some accounts, especially if you plan to work.
- Some banks require a minimum deposit or monthly income; others have no minimum but charge monthly fees.
What documents you need before you walk into a bank
Bring your passport or national ID card. This is non-negotiable — the bank will not open an account without it. If you are an EU citizen, that is often enough for identity purposes, though the bank will still ask for proof of address.
Proof of address is the second requirement. A signed lease agreement, a utility bill in your name, or an Anmeldung certificate (the registration you get from your local Bürgeramt after you move) all work. If you have just arrived and have not registered yet, some banks will accept a letter from your landlord or a hotel booking confirmation, but this is less reliable. Register at the Bürgeramt as soon as you can — it takes one appointment and costs nothing, and it solves the address problem for most banks.
Non-EU citizens must also bring a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) or a visa that allows you to stay in Germany. If you are waiting for a residence permit and only have a visa, tell the bank — some will open an account anyway, but others will not. A few banks ask for a German tax ID number (Steuernummer), though you can usually get a temporary one from the bank itself or from the tax office (Finanzamt) on the same day you apply.
Which banks accept foreigners and how fast they work
Traditional banks like Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and Sparkasse (the savings bank in your region) accept foreigners, but they move slowly and may refuse if your residence permit is still pending. They require an in-person appointment, which can take weeks to book. They do offer full services — overdraft, credit cards, loans — but the account opening process is bureaucratic.
Online banks are faster and more foreigner-friendly. N26 (now Wise in some markets), Revolut, and Wise accept EU and non-EU citizens and can open an account in days if your documents are in order. They do not require an in-person visit. The trade-off is that they offer fewer services — no overdraft, no credit cards, no loans — and some charge monthly fees. N26 has a free tier for basic accounts; Revolut and Wise charge between €0 and €13 per month depending on the plan.
Comdirect and ING-DiBa are German online banks that are faster than the big branches but more established than Revolut. They accept foreigners with a residence permit or Anmeldung and can open an account in one to two weeks. Both offer free accounts with no monthly fees if you meet their conditions (usually a minimum monthly income or regular transfers).
The step-by-step process at a traditional bank
Call or visit the bank's website to book an appointment. Do not walk in without one — most branches will not see you without a booking, and the wait can be weeks. Tell them you are a foreigner opening your first account; some branches have staff trained for this and can move faster.
Bring all your documents: passport, proof of address, residence permit (if you have one), and a utility bill or lease. Arrive 10 minutes early. The appointment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. The bank will verify your identity, ask why you are opening the account (work, study, living), and check your address against the Anmeldung database.
After the appointment, the bank will send your application to its compliance team, which checks you against anti-money-laundering databases and German immigration records. This step takes one to three weeks. You will receive an email or letter when your account is ready, usually with your IBAN and instructions for logging into online banking. Some banks send a debit card by post; others require you to pick it up in person.
Opening an account online without visiting a branch
Online banks like N26, Revolut, and Wise let you apply entirely through their app or website. You upload photos of your passport, proof of address, and (for non-EU citizens) your residence permit. The app uses facial recognition to verify your identity — you record a short video of yourself and your passport.
The whole process takes 10 to 30 minutes, but approval can take one to five business days. During this time, the bank's compliance team reviews your documents and checks you against immigration records, just as a traditional bank does. You will receive a notification when your account is active. You can usually start using it immediately through the app, though a physical debit card arrives by post in one to two weeks.
The risk with online banks is that they may freeze or close your account if they cannot verify your documents or if there is a mismatch between your immigration status and your application. If this happens, you will need to contact their support team by email, which can take days. For this reason, online banks work best if your documents are clear and your immigration status is straightforward.
What happens if you do not have a residence permit yet
Some banks will open an account if you have a visa but no residence permit yet, especially if you can show a job contract or university enrollment letter. Others will refuse and tell you to come back once you have the permit. There is no way to know until you ask — call the bank first and describe your situation.
Online banks are more flexible here. N26 and Wise sometimes accept applicants with a valid visa and proof of address, even without a residence permit. Revolut is stricter and usually requires a residence permit. If you are rejected, wait until your residence permit arrives, then apply again — the process is faster the second time because your documents are now complete.
If you are in Germany on a tourist visa and planning to stay longer, register at the Bürgeramt first. The Anmeldung certificate counts as proof of address and intent to stay, which helps your case with banks. You can register even if your visa is short-term; the registration is separate from immigration status.
Fees, minimums, and what to watch for
Traditional banks often have no monthly fee but may require a minimum deposit (usually €500 to €2,000) or a minimum monthly income (€1,500 to €3,000). If you do not meet these, they charge €5 to €15 per month. Read the fee schedule (Gebührenordnung) before you open the account — it is usually on their website.
Online banks have lower minimums or none at all. N26's free account has no minimum deposit or income requirement. Revolut and Wise charge monthly fees (€0 to €13) depending on the plan, but have no deposit minimum. The catch is that free or cheap accounts often come with limits — fewer transfers per month, no overdraft, no credit cards.
Watch for currency conversion fees if you plan to receive money from outside Germany. Traditional banks charge 1 to 3 percent on foreign transfers. Wise and Revolut are cheaper (0.5 to 1.5 percent) because they specialize in international transfers. If you receive regular payments from abroad, this difference adds up quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account in Germany if I am still waiting for my residence permit?
Some banks will open an account if you have a valid visa and proof of address, but many will not. Call the bank first and describe your situation. Online banks like N26 and Wise are more flexible than traditional banks. Once your residence permit arrives, reapply if you were rejected — the process is faster with a complete application.
Do I need a German tax ID number to open a bank account?
Most banks do not require a tax ID number to open a basic account. However, if you plan to work or receive income in Germany, you will need one eventually. You can get a temporary tax ID from the bank itself or from the Finanzamt (tax office) on the same day you apply. It takes 10 minutes and costs nothing.
How long does it take to open an account from start to finish?
Online banks take one to five business days. Traditional banks take two to four weeks because they require an in-person appointment and a longer compliance review. The exact time depends on how quickly the bank's compliance team processes your documents and whether there are any issues with your immigration records.
What if the bank rejects my application?
Banks rarely explain why they reject a foreigner, but common reasons are an incomplete residence permit, a mismatch between your visa and your stated purpose, or a flag in anti-money-laundering checks. If rejected, ask the bank what documents they need. If they still refuse, try a different bank — some are stricter than others.
Can I use an online bank account for everything, or do I need a traditional bank too?
Online banks work for everyday spending and receiving salary, but they do not offer overdraft, credit cards, or loans. If you need credit or want overdraft protection, you will need a traditional bank account as well. Many people keep both — an online account for daily use and a traditional account for credit needs.