What you need to open a German bank account
You can open a bank account in Germany as a resident or non-resident, but the documents and process differ. Most banks require a valid passport or national ID card, proof of address (a utility bill or rental contract dated within the last three months), and your tax identification number if you have one. If you don't have a German tax ID yet, the bank can help you obtain one during the account opening process.
Non-residents face stricter requirements. You'll typically need to provide proof of income or employment, a reference from your home country bank, and sometimes a letter from your employer or a rental agreement showing your connection to Germany. Some banks refuse non-residents entirely; others open accounts only for specific purposes like business or study.
If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must open a youth account on your behalf and co-sign documents. The account holder must be present in person at the bank branch — you cannot open most accounts remotely without already being a customer.
Key Takeaways
- German banks require a valid ID, proof of address from the last three months, and your tax ID number or the ability to obtain one during opening.
- Non-residents may be rejected by some banks or asked for proof of income, employment, and a reference from their home country bank.
- You must visit a branch in person to open an account; remote opening is not standard unless you already bank there.
- The entire process typically takes one to two weeks from your first visit to receiving your card and online access.
- Monthly fees vary widely by bank type — public banks (Sparkasse) often charge less than private banks, and some online banks charge nothing.
Where to open an account: bank types and what they offer
Germany has three main types of banks, and your choice affects cost, convenience, and how quickly you can open an account. Sparkasse (savings banks) are public institutions with branches in almost every town and neighborhood. They typically charge €5 to €15 per month for a basic account, accept both residents and some non-residents, and move slowly but reliably. Sparkasse is often the easiest choice for non-residents because local branches have experience with international customers.
Private banks like Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and Postbank operate nationwide and in major cities. They charge €8 to €20 monthly for standard accounts, require more documentation from non-residents, and process applications faster than Sparkasse. Postbank is owned by Deutsche Post and has branches in post offices, which can be more convenient for some locations.
Online banks like N26, Wise, Revolut, and comdirect have no physical branches and charge €0 to €10 monthly. They're fastest for residents with German addresses and tax IDs, but many refuse non-residents or require a German phone number and address before opening. If you're moving to Germany and don't yet have an address, an online bank may not work until you do.
Choose based on your situation: Sparkasse if you need a branch and have time; a private bank if you need speed and have full documentation; an online bank only if you have a German address and tax ID already in hand.
Documents to bring to your bank visit
Prepare these documents before you go to the bank. Bring your original passport or national ID card — banks will not accept a copy. Bring proof of your current address: a utility bill (Strom, Gas, Wasser), a rental contract, or a letter from your landlord dated within the last three months. A bank statement from your home country is useful but not required.
If you have a German tax ID number (Steuernummer or Steuer-ID), bring it. If you don't, tell the bank during your visit — they will initiate the process to obtain one for you, which takes a few days. Non-residents should bring a letter from their employer or university confirming employment or enrollment, and a reference letter from their home country bank if possible.
Bring a phone number where the bank can reach you and an email address. Some banks ask you to sign a data protection agreement and confirm you understand the account terms; these are standard and you will sign them at the branch.
The account opening appointment: what happens step by step
Call the bank or visit their website to book an appointment — walk-ins are possible but appointments are faster. At the branch, a banker will verify your identity by checking your passport or ID against your face. They will ask for your proof of address and may call your landlord or utility company to confirm it, though this is rare.
You'll complete a form with your personal details, contact information, and the type of account you want (Girokonto, or checking account, is standard). The banker will ask about your income, employment, and the purpose of the account. Answer honestly — banks use this to assess fraud risk and comply with anti-money-laundering rules.
If you don't have a German tax ID, the banker will file a form (Anmeldung) to request one. This takes three to five business days. You'll sign account terms and a direct debit authorization form (SEPA-Mandat) if you want to pay bills by standing order. The banker will explain your online banking setup and give you temporary login credentials.
You'll leave with a temporary card or a promise that your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 14 days. Online banking access usually activates within 24 hours. The entire appointment takes 20 to 40 minutes.
Timeline from first visit to usable account
If you have all documents and a German tax ID already, your account is usable within one to three business days. Online banking activates overnight; your debit card arrives by post within a week. If you need a tax ID, add three to five business days to this timeline — the bank files the request, the tax office processes it, and the bank notifies you when your ID is assigned.
Sparkasse and private banks typically take five to ten business days from your visit to full account activation. Online banks are faster for residents with existing tax IDs — sometimes same-day or next-day — but slower or impossible for non-residents without a German address.
During this waiting period, you can use your temporary card or online banking credentials to receive transfers and pay bills. Your full debit card with a PIN arrives separately and must be activated by phone or at an ATM before use.
Monthly fees, minimum balances, and account types
Most German banks offer a basic checking account (Girokonto) with no minimum balance requirement. Fees range from €0 to €20 per month depending on the bank and account tier. Sparkasse charges €5 to €15 monthly and includes a debit card, online banking, and one free transfer per month. Private banks charge €8 to €20 and often bundle in travel insurance or cashback on purchases. Online banks charge €0 to €10 and sometimes waive fees if you receive a salary deposit.
Some banks offer tiered accounts: a free basic version with limited features, and a premium version with travel insurance, higher transfer limits, or priority customer service. Read the fee schedule (Gebührenverzeichnis) before opening — it's always available on the bank's website or at the branch.
You do not need to maintain a minimum balance in Germany. However, if your account goes negative (you owe the bank money), you'll be charged overdraft interest, typically 6% to 12% annually. Avoid this by monitoring your balance or setting up low-balance alerts in your online banking.
What to do if you're rejected or can't open an account
If a bank refuses you, ask why. Common reasons are: you're a non-resident without proof of income, your address cannot be verified, or the bank has stopped accepting new customers in your category. If the reason is your address, try a different bank — some are stricter than others.
If you're a non-resident and multiple banks refuse you, try Sparkasse first (they're most open to non-residents) or ask your employer or university for a reference letter. Some employers have partnerships with banks and can fast-track account opening for employees.
If you cannot open a traditional bank account, consider a prepaid card (Prepaid-Karte) from a supermarket or online provider. These don't require a bank account and work for most payments, though they charge higher fees and don't build credit history. A prepaid card is a temporary solution, not a replacement for a bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a German bank account without a German address?
Most banks require a German address for account opening. If you don't have one yet, ask your employer, university, or future landlord for a letter confirming your move date and temporary address. Some online banks accept a hotel or hostel address temporarily, but this is rare. Sparkasse branches in your intended city may open an account before you arrive if you provide a rental contract or employer letter.
What if I don't have a tax ID number yet?
The bank will file the request for you during your visit. You don't need to obtain one beforehand. The tax office (Finanzamt) will assign a number within three to five business days, and the bank will notify you. Your account works during this waiting period — you just won't have the number until it arrives.
Do I need a German phone number to open an account?
Most banks ask for a phone number but don't require it to be German. A mobile number from your home country works for account opening. However, some online banks and some Sparkasse branches require a German number for security reasons. If you're moving to Germany, get a German SIM card (available at any supermarket for €10 to €20) before your bank appointment.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Standard debit cards arrive by post within 7 to 14 days of account opening. Expedited cards (available from some private banks for an extra fee) arrive within 2 to 3 days. You can use your temporary card or online banking to make payments while you wait. Your PIN arrives separately by mail, usually within the same timeframe.
Can I open a joint account with someone else?
Yes. Both account holders must visit the bank together with their IDs and proof of address. The account can be set up so either person can withdraw money (Oder-Konto) or both must authorize withdrawals (Und-Konto). Joint accounts are common for couples and business partners. Fees are usually the same as a single account.