Yes, you can open a German bank account online, but you will need to prove your identity and residency in a way that works across borders
German banks do accept online applications from non-residents, but the process is slower and more document-heavy than opening an account in person. Most banks require you to verify your identity through a video call or by sending certified copies of your passport and proof of address. Some banks will not open accounts for people outside Germany at all, so you need to check the bank's policy before you start.
The real barrier is not the online part—it is that German banks treat non-residents as higher risk. They want to know where your money is coming from, where you live, and whether you have a tax number in Germany. If you are a German resident or a citizen of another EU country, the process is faster. If you are a US citizen or from outside the EU, expect longer delays and more questions.
Key Takeaways
- German banks accept online applications from abroad, but most require video identity verification or certified document copies sent by mail.
- You will need a valid passport, proof of your current address (utility bill or rental agreement), and in some cases a German tax number or proof of employment.
- EU residents typically complete the process in one to two weeks; non-EU applicants often wait four to eight weeks or face outright rejection.
- Banks like N26, Wise, and Revolut offer accounts to non-residents faster than traditional German banks, but with different features and limits.
- If you are opening an account to receive a German salary or run a business, you may need to visit a branch in person or work with a relocation service.
Which German banks accept online applications from abroad
N26 (formerly Number26) is the most accessible option for non-residents. It is a digital bank based in Berlin that opens accounts entirely online for people in over 80 countries. You verify your identity through a video call with their support team, and the account is usually active within one business day. N26 accounts come with a debit card and a mobile app, but no checkbook and limited cash deposit options.
Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers German bank accounts with an IBAN, though it is primarily designed for international money transfers. You can open an account online in minutes if you already have a Wise account, and it works well if you need to receive payments from abroad. However, Wise accounts have lower transaction limits than traditional banks.
Revolut is another digital bank that opens accounts online for non-residents, with similar speed to N26. It offers multiple currency accounts and is useful if you move money between countries regularly.
Traditional German banks like Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and Sparkasse (the largest savings bank network) do accept online applications, but they require more documentation and take longer to process. Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank typically ask for a German address or proof of employment in Germany. Sparkasse varies by branch—some accept non-residents online, others require an in-person visit.
Documents you will need to submit
Every German bank will ask for a valid passport or national ID card. If your passport is from outside the EU, the bank may ask for additional verification. Some banks will accept a driver's license as a secondary form of ID, but the passport is the primary requirement.
You will also need proof of your current address. This means a utility bill (electricity, gas, water), a rental agreement, or a recent bank statement showing your name and address. The document must be dated within the last three months. If you are moving to Germany and do not yet have a German address, some banks will accept a letter from your employer or landlord confirming your future address, but this is less common.
If you are applying as a non-resident, the bank may ask for a tax identification number from your home country or proof that you do not have one. German banks are required by law to collect this information under international tax reporting rules. If you are moving to Germany for work, bring a copy of your employment contract or a letter from your employer on company letterhead.
For video verification, you will need a device with a camera and microphone (a smartphone or laptop), a well-lit space, and your passport or ID card in hand. The video call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
How long the process takes, and what happens if you are rejected
Digital banks like N26 and Revolut typically complete verification within one business day. You can start using your account immediately, though your debit card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Traditional German banks take longer. If you are an EU resident with a German address, expect one to two weeks. If you are a non-resident or from outside the EU, the process can take four to eight weeks because the bank's compliance team reviews your application manually. Some banks will reject your application outright if you do not have a German address or a clear reason to need a German account.
If you are rejected, you have a few options. You can apply to a different bank—digital banks are more likely to accept you than traditional ones. You can also open an account in person by visiting a branch when you arrive in Germany. If you are moving for work, ask your employer whether they have a relationship with a specific bank that can fast-track your application.
What to expect after your account opens
Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card by mail within one to three weeks. Your online banking login and PIN will arrive separately. Digital banks send everything faster; traditional banks may split the delivery across multiple letters.
Your account will have an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) that starts with "DE" followed by 20 digits. You can use this IBAN to receive payments from anywhere in the world. Wire transfers into German accounts are usually free and arrive within one to two business days if they come from another EU bank.
Cash deposits are the weak point for online-opened accounts. Digital banks have no physical branches, so you cannot deposit cash directly. Traditional banks may limit cash deposits if you opened your account online. If you need to deposit cash regularly, ask the bank about their policy before you open the account, or plan to use ATMs to withdraw cash instead.
When you should open an account in person instead
If you are moving to Germany and need the account before you arrive, open it online now. If you are already in Germany or arriving soon, opening an account in person is often faster and simpler. You walk into a branch with your passport and proof of address, and many branches can activate your account the same day.
If you are opening a business account or need overdraft protection, you will almost certainly need to visit a branch. Business accounts require additional documentation (business registration, tax number, proof of business address) and a conversation with a business banker. Some banks will not open business accounts online at all.
If you are a US citizen, you may face extra delays because German banks comply with US tax reporting rules (FATCA). Some banks refuse US clients entirely. If you are a US citizen, ask the bank directly whether they accept US passport holders before you start the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a German address to open an account online?
Most traditional banks require a German address or proof of employment in Germany. Digital banks like N26 and Revolut do not require a German address—they accept your current address wherever you are. If you are moving to Germany and do not yet have an address, some banks will accept a letter from your future landlord or employer, but this varies.
Can I open a German account if I am not a German citizen?
Yes. German banks open accounts for EU citizens and non-EU residents, though non-EU applicants face longer processing times and more documentation requests. US, UK, and Australian citizens can open accounts, but some banks refuse certain nationalities due to compliance costs. Always check the bank's policy on their website or by email before you apply.
What is the difference between a digital bank account and a traditional bank account in Germany?
Digital banks like N26 are faster to open online and have no fees, but they have no physical branches and limited cash services. Traditional banks have branches where you can deposit cash and speak to a banker, but they take longer to open online and may charge monthly fees. Choose digital if you do not need cash services; choose traditional if you need a branch nearby.
How much money do I need to open a German bank account?
Most German banks have no minimum balance requirement to open an account. Some traditional banks may require a small deposit (usually 50 to 100 euros) to activate certain account types, but this is rare for basic checking accounts. Check the bank's terms before you apply.
Can I open a German account if I am still living outside Germany?
Yes, digital banks accept applications from abroad and process them entirely online. Traditional banks are slower and may ask more questions about why you need a German account, but most will open an account for you if you provide proof of address in your current country and explain your reason for needing a German account.