Yes, but you need a residence permit or proof of address
Foreigners can open a bank account in Germany, but the rules depend on whether you live there or are visiting. If you have a German address and a residence permit (or visa that allows you to stay), most banks will open an account for you. If you are visiting temporarily, some banks offer accounts for non-residents, but the process is slower and the options are fewer.
The core requirement is proof of identity and address. German banks must verify both under anti-money-laundering law. A passport or national ID card covers identity. For address, you need either a rental contract, utility bill, or registration with the local registration office (Anmeldung). Without a German address, you will need to work with banks that specifically serve non-residents, and even then, expect additional documentation and delays.
Key Takeaways
- Residents with a German address and valid visa or residence permit can open a standard account at most banks within one to two weeks.
- Non-residents and visitors can open accounts at some banks, but must provide a foreign address and may face higher fees or account restrictions.
- You will need a passport or national ID, proof of address, and proof of income or employment status for most applications.
- Online banks and fintech providers often have faster processes and lower barriers for foreigners than traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
- The Anmeldung (local registration) is not required to open an account, but having one makes the process significantly faster.
What documents you need to bring or upload
Every bank in Germany will ask for a valid passport or national ID card. Some banks accept a driver's license as a secondary form of ID, but not as the primary one. The document must not be expired, and the bank will make a copy or scan it during the application.
For address verification, bring one of these: a signed rental contract (Mietvertrag), a recent utility bill (electricity, gas, or water in your name), or a certificate of registration from the local registration office (Anmeldungsbescheinigung). If you have just arrived and have not registered yet, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord confirming your address can work temporarily, though the bank may ask you to provide the official registration within a set timeframe.
Most banks also ask for proof of income or employment. This can be a recent payslip, a contract of employment, a letter from your employer, or proof of student status. If you are self-employed or freelance, bring your most recent tax return or a business registration document. Some banks waive this requirement for accounts with low transaction limits.
Timeline: how long it takes from application to first use
If you apply in person at a branch with all documents ready, you can walk out with a debit card and online banking access the same day at some banks. However, the account itself may not be fully activated for one to three business days while the bank completes its verification checks.
If you apply online, the timeline stretches to five to ten business days for residents with a German address and residence permit. The bank will contact you to verify information, and you may need to complete a video identification (Videoident) or visit a branch in person to confirm your identity. Non-residents typically wait two to four weeks because the bank conducts additional checks on foreign addresses and may request extra documentation.
Once your account is open, you can usually access it immediately through online banking and the bank's mobile app. Your debit card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you need a card urgently, ask the branch whether they can issue a temporary card or expedite delivery.
Which banks accept foreigners most easily
Traditional banks like Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and Sparkasse (the largest savings bank network) accept foreigners with a German address and valid residence permit, but they require in-person visits and full documentation. Processing takes one to two weeks. These banks charge monthly fees ranging from zero to fifteen euros, depending on the account type.
Online banks and fintech providers are faster and more flexible. N26, Wise, Revolut, and Bunq all accept non-residents and can open accounts entirely online. N26 and Wise are particularly common for foreigners because they accept foreign addresses and have lower documentation requirements. Account opening takes three to seven business days. Most charge no monthly fee, though some have transaction limits or require a minimum balance.
Comdirect and ING-DiBa are hybrid options: they are online-first but backed by traditional banks, and they accept both residents and non-residents. Both have straightforward online processes and no monthly fees for standard accounts. Processing typically takes five to ten business days.
If you are a student, your university may have partnerships with specific banks that offer student accounts with reduced fees or faster opening processes. Ask your international student office which banks they recommend.
Residence permit requirements and visa types
Banks do not require you to have a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) to open an account, but you do need a valid visa or proof that you are legally allowed to stay in Germany. A tourist visa, student visa, work visa, or family reunion visa all count. The bank will check that your visa has not expired and that it allows you to stay for at least the next few months.
If your visa is about to expire, some banks will still open an account if you can show evidence that you have applied for an extension or renewal. Bring a dated receipt or confirmation from the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) showing that your application is pending.
Visitors on a Schengen tourist visa (which allows ninety days in the EU without a visa for certain nationalities) can open accounts at online banks and some fintech providers, but traditional banks will usually decline because the stay is too short. If you are staying longer than ninety days, you must register with the local immigration office and obtain a residence permit before most banks will open an account for you.
Account types and what each one costs
A standard Girokonto (checking account) is what most people open. It includes a debit card, online banking, and the ability to set up standing orders and direct debits. Monthly fees range from zero to fifteen euros at traditional banks; most online banks charge nothing. Some accounts charge per transaction or per check, though checks are rarely used in Germany.
A Sparkonto (savings account) is separate from a checking account and earns interest, though rates are currently very low across German banks. You can open both at the same time, and many banks bundle them together.
A Tagesgeldkonto (daily interest account) offers slightly higher interest rates than a savings account and allows unlimited deposits and withdrawals. Interest rates vary by bank and change monthly.
Most banks offer a free basic account for residents with a German address. Non-residents may face higher fees or account restrictions, such as lower transaction limits or no overdraft facility. Ask the bank explicitly what restrictions apply to your account before you open it.
What happens if you do not have a German address yet
If you have just arrived and have not yet rented an apartment or registered with the local office, you have two options: wait until you have an address, or use an online bank that accepts foreign addresses.
Waiting is the safer route if you plan to stay long-term, because you will eventually need a German address anyway, and opening an account with one from the start avoids complications later. Most people can find temporary housing or a sublet within a few days, which gives you an address to use on the application.
If you need a bank account immediately, use Wise, N26, or Revolut. All three accept applications from people with foreign addresses and no German residence permit. The account opens in three to seven days, and you can use it to receive salary payments or transfers while you sort out your housing. You can link a German address to the account later once you have one.
Some people use a friend's or family member's address temporarily, but banks are increasingly strict about this. If the bank discovers that the address on your application is not your actual residence, they may freeze the account or close it. Use only an address where you actually live or will live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register with the local office before opening a bank account?
No. Registration (Anmeldung) is not required to open an account, but it makes the process faster and easier. If you have a signed lease, most banks will open an account without the registration certificate. However, you must complete the registration within two weeks of moving to Germany, so plan to do it soon after opening your account.
Can I open an account if I am on a tourist visa?
Online banks like Wise and N26 will open accounts for people on tourist visas. Traditional banks will usually decline because your stay is too short. If you plan to stay longer than ninety days, you must obtain a residence permit from the immigration office before most banks will work with you.
What if the bank asks for a German tax number?
Some banks ask for a tax identification number (Steuernummer or Steuer-ID). You do not need one to open an account, but you will need one if you work in Germany. You can request one from the tax office (Finanzamt) after you have a German address and employment contract. Tell the bank you will provide it once you receive it.
Can I open an account by video call if I am abroad?
Yes, most online banks and some traditional banks offer video identification (Videoident). You will need a valid passport or national ID, a computer with a camera, and a stable internet connection. The process takes ten to fifteen minutes, and the bank verifies your identity in real time. Account opening then takes three to seven more business days.
What if my bank account gets frozen or closed?
Banks can freeze or close accounts if they suspect fraud, money laundering, or if you have not used the account for a long time. If this happens, the bank must notify you in writing and explain the reason. You have the right to ask for clarification and to dispute the decision. Contact the bank's customer service immediately and ask what documentation they need to reopen the account.