Yes, you can open a bank account in Germany, but the process depends on your residency status and which bank you choose
You can open a bank account in Germany whether you are a citizen, an EU resident, or a non-EU foreigner. The main difference is paperwork: German banks require proof of identity and proof of address. If you live in Germany, you will need a German address on your registration (Anmeldung). If you do not live there yet, some banks will open an account remotely before you arrive, though most require you to visit in person with your documents.
The process is straightforward once you have the right papers. You pick a bank, bring your passport or ID card, proof of address, and sometimes proof of income or employment. The bank runs a background check through the German credit bureau (Schufa), and you sign the account agreement. Most accounts open within a few days to a week.
Key Takeaways
- German banks require a valid passport or ID card and proof of your German address to open an account.
- EU citizens can open accounts with the same documents as Germans; non-EU citizens may need additional paperwork such as a visa or residence permit.
- Most banks require you to visit in person, though some online banks and branches of international banks offer remote account opening.
- The Schufa credit check is standard and does not prevent you from opening an account, but a negative Schufa entry can make approval harder.
- You will need a German address registered with your local Bürgeramt (citizen registration office) before most banks will open an account.
What documents you need to bring
Start with a valid passport or national ID card. German banks will not accept an expired document. If your passport is from outside the EU, bring your original, not a copy—banks verify it against their system.
Next, you need proof of your German address. This is the single most important document. If you have already registered with your local Bürgeramt, bring the registration certificate (Anmeldung). If you have not registered yet, bring a rental agreement or a letter from your landlord confirming your address. Some banks will accept a utility bill, but the Anmeldung is the strongest proof.
Non-EU citizens should bring their residence permit or visa. EU citizens do not need this, but it does not hurt to have it. If you are employed, bring a recent payslip or an employment contract. If you are a student, bring your student ID or enrollment letter. If you are self-employed or retired, bring tax documents or pension statements. Banks want to know your source of income, though lack of income does not automatically disqualify you.
Which banks accept foreigners and how long it takes
All major German banks accept foreigners: Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Sparkasse (the largest savings bank network), and Postbank all have branches nationwide and clear processes for non-residents. Smaller regional banks vary—some welcome foreigners, others do not. Call ahead or check their website.
Online banks such as N26, Wise, and Revolut often open accounts faster and sometimes do not require a German address yet. N26 and Revolut can open accounts remotely for EU citizens and some non-EU nationalities; Wise requires a German address but processes applications online. These are not traditional banks—they are fintech companies—so they do not offer the full range of services a Sparkasse does, but they work well for receiving salary and making transfers.
In-person account opening usually takes one to two weeks from the day you visit. The bank runs the Schufa check immediately, and if there are no problems, you sign the agreement and leave with a temporary card number. Your physical card arrives by mail within five to ten business days. Online banks are faster: approval can come within hours or a day.
The Schufa check and what happens if you have a negative entry
Schufa is Germany's credit bureau. Every bank runs a check when you open an account. The check does not determine whether you can open an account—it is informational. A negative Schufa entry (such as unpaid debts or missed payments) does not automatically disqualify you, but it can make approval harder or slower.
If you have never lived in Germany before, you will have no Schufa history. This is not a problem. A blank history is treated differently from a bad one. The bank will open your account.
If you have a negative entry from a previous German address or from a debt collection agency, tell the bank upfront. Some banks will still open the account; others will ask you to resolve the debt first. If you dispute the entry, you can request a correction from Schufa directly, but this takes time and does not stop the bank from opening your account in most cases.
Opening an account before you move to Germany
If you want an account before you arrive, contact the bank's international department or check whether they offer remote opening. Wise, N26, and Revolut all allow remote opening for many nationalities. Traditional banks rarely do, but some branches of Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank in major cities will open accounts by video call if you send scans of your documents first.
The catch: most banks will not complete the process without a German address. If you do not have one yet, ask whether you can provide it later or whether they will accept a temporary address (such as your hotel or a friend's place). Some banks will hold your account in a pending state until you register with the Bürgeramt.
The safest approach is to open a temporary account with an online bank before you move, then switch to a traditional bank once you have your German address and Anmeldung. This gives you a way to receive your first salary or transfer money while you settle in.
What to expect after your account opens
Your account comes with a debit card (Girocard or Maestro), online banking access, and a PIN. You can use the card at any ATM in Germany and abroad. Most German shops accept cards, though some smaller businesses still prefer cash.
Your bank will assign you an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) starting with DE. This is what you give to your employer, landlord, or anyone sending you money. Wire transfers within Germany are free and arrive the same day or next business day. Transfers outside the EU take longer and may have fees.
You will receive monthly or quarterly statements by email or through your online banking portal. Paper statements cost extra. Set up online banking immediately so you can monitor your account and receive alerts for large transactions.
Common reasons banks refuse to open an account
Banks rarely refuse outright, but they may ask for more information or delay approval. The most common reasons are: no proof of address, no valid ID, a serious negative Schufa entry (such as an active fraud case), or sanctions screening (if your name matches a sanctioned individual—this is rare and usually resolved quickly).
If a bank refuses, ask why in writing. If it is a Schufa issue, you can dispute it. If it is a missing document, provide it and reapply. If one bank refuses, try another—different banks have different risk tolerances. Online banks are often more flexible than traditional banks.
If you are refused by multiple banks, contact a consumer advice center (Verbraucherzentrale) in your city. They can help you understand the reason and find a bank that will work with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a German address before I can open an account?
Most traditional banks require a German address registered with your Bürgeramt. Online banks such as N26 and Revolut may open accounts without one if you are an EU citizen, but they will ask for an address eventually. If you do not have a permanent address yet, use a temporary one (hotel, friend's apartment, hostel) and update it later.
Can I open an account without a job or income?
Yes. Banks do not require proof of employment or income to open a basic account. They ask for it to understand your financial situation, but lack of income does not disqualify you. Students, retirees, and unemployed people open accounts regularly.
How much money do I need to deposit to open an account?
No minimum deposit is required. You can open an account with zero balance. Some premium accounts have minimum balance requirements, but basic checking accounts do not.
What if I do not have a passport, only a national ID card?
A national ID card is fine if it is valid and from an EU country or a country whose ID cards Germany recognizes. Non-EU national ID cards are usually not accepted; bring your passport instead.
Can I open a business account as a foreigner?
Yes, but you will need additional documents: business registration (Gewerbeanmeldung), tax ID, and proof of business address. The process is the same as for individuals, but banks may ask more questions about your business model and expected transaction volume.