Yes, you can open a bank account in Germany as a non-resident, but the process and your options depend on your citizenship, where you live, and which bank you choose
German banks do accept non-residents, but they have different rules than they do for people living in Germany. Some banks will open an account for you remotely using video verification or in-person at a branch if you visit. Others require you to be a German resident or citizen. The main barrier is not your residency status but rather meeting the bank's specific requirements for identity verification and proof of address.
The fastest route is usually an online bank that serves non-residents, because they handle verification by video call and do not require you to visit a physical location. Traditional banks with branches in Germany may also open accounts for non-residents, but they often ask for additional documents or require an in-person appointment. Some banks will not open accounts for non-residents at all, so you need to contact them directly to confirm.
Key Takeaways
- Online banks in Germany are more likely to open accounts for non-residents than traditional banks, and they complete the process entirely by video call and email.
- You will need a valid passport or national ID, proof of your current address (usually a utility bill or rental agreement), and sometimes proof of income or employment.
- German banks must comply with anti-money-laundering rules, so they will ask questions about the source of your funds and the purpose of the account.
- Opening an account typically takes one to four weeks from the time you submit your documents, depending on the bank and how quickly you respond to requests.
- Some banks charge monthly fees for non-resident accounts, while others offer free accounts; compare the terms before you choose.
Which German banks accept non-residents
Online banks are your best option. Banks like N26, Wise, Revolut, and Bunq all open accounts for non-residents and handle the entire process online. N26 is a German bank based in Berlin and accepts customers from many countries outside Germany; Wise (formerly TransferWise) is designed for people who move between countries or send money internationally; Revolut is a UK-based fintech that operates in Germany; Bunq is a Dutch bank that also serves non-residents in Germany. Each has different fee structures and features, so check their websites to see which one matches your needs.
Traditional banks with branches like Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and Sparkasse (a network of regional savings banks) may open accounts for non-residents, but policies vary by branch and by the specific bank. Some branches will do it; others will not. You will need to contact the branch directly or call their customer service line to ask. If you are planning to visit Germany, you can also open an account in person at a branch, which sometimes makes the process simpler because the staff can verify your identity face-to-face.
Neobanks and fintech services like Wise, Revolut, and N26 often have lower fees and faster onboarding than traditional banks, but they may have limits on how much money you can hold or transfer. If you need a full-service bank account with a debit card, overdraft options, and savings products, a traditional bank may be better, even if it takes longer to open.
Documents you will need to provide
Every German bank will ask for proof of identity and proof of address. A valid passport or national ID card is standard. Some banks also accept a driver's license if it is current and has your photo. The bank will verify this document during a video call or in person.
For proof of address, you will need a document dated within the last three months that shows your name and current address. A utility bill (electricity, water, gas), rental agreement, or recent bank statement from your home country usually works. If you live in a country where utility bills are not common, a letter from your landlord or a government-issued document with your address may be accepted. Ask the bank what they will take before you submit anything.
Many banks also ask for proof of income or employment, especially if you are opening a business account or if the bank has concerns about money-laundering risk. This might be a recent payslip, a contract of employment, or a letter from your employer. If you are self-employed or retired, you may need to provide tax returns or pension statements. The bank will tell you what they need once you start the application.
How the verification process works for non-residents
Online banks typically use video identification, also called VideoIdent or similar. You schedule a video call with the bank, show your passport or ID to the camera, and answer questions about your identity and the purpose of the account. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. The bank records the call and uses it as proof of identity for regulatory purposes. After the call, you upload or email any additional documents they request, such as proof of address.
Some traditional banks use the same video process. Others may require you to visit a branch in person or use a third-party verification service. A few banks still ask you to have your documents notarized or certified by a lawyer or notary in your home country, which adds time and cost. Always ask the bank which method they use before you start.
Once you have completed the video call and submitted your documents, the bank will review everything. This review can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks. During this time, the bank may contact you with follow-up questions about your income, the source of your funds, or the purpose of the account. Answer these questions as quickly as you can, because delays in your response will delay the opening of your account.
Fees and account features for non-residents
Fees vary widely. Many online banks charge no monthly fee and offer a free debit card. Traditional banks often charge a monthly maintenance fee, which can range from 5 to 15 euros per month, though some waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up regular deposits. Some banks charge extra for services like wire transfers, overdrafts, or paper statements.
As a non-resident, you may also face limits on certain features. Some banks will not offer overdraft protection to non-residents, or they may limit how much you can transfer internationally per month. Check the bank's terms before you open the account so you know what you are getting and what restrictions apply.
If you plan to receive money from abroad or send money internationally, look for a bank that offers competitive exchange rates and low transfer fees. Wise and Revolut are known for low international transfer costs; traditional banks often charge more.
Timeline from application to account opening
Online banks are usually the fastest. If you submit all your documents correctly and respond to any follow-up questions within a day or two, you can have an account open within one to two weeks. Some online banks claim to open accounts in as little as a few days, but this assumes everything is in order the first time.
Traditional banks typically take two to four weeks. The extra time comes from manual review processes and the need to verify documents through official channels. If the bank asks for additional documents or if there are any questions about your identity or income, add another week or two.
The timeline also depends on how quickly you respond. If a bank asks for a document and you do not send it for a week, that week does not count as part of their processing time. Stay on top of any requests from the bank and send documents as soon as you receive a request.
What to do if a bank refuses to open an account for you
If a bank says no, it is usually because of anti-money-laundering rules or because you do not meet their specific requirements for non-residents. Some banks have policies against opening accounts for people in certain countries, or they may refuse if they cannot verify your identity to their satisfaction. This is not personal; it is a regulatory requirement.
If one bank refuses, try another. Online banks tend to be more flexible than traditional banks. If you are having trouble, consider opening an account with a bank in your home country that has a branch or partnership in Germany, or use a fintech service like Wise that is designed for people who move between countries.
If you are planning to move to Germany or will be there for an extended period, your options improve significantly. Once you have a German address and can prove residency, almost every bank will open an account for you, and the process becomes much simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a German tax ID number to open a bank account?
No. You do not need a German tax ID to open a personal bank account. If you are opening a business account or plan to work in Germany, you will eventually need one, but the bank can open your personal account without it. The bank may ask for your tax ID from your home country as part of their verification process.
Can I open a German bank account if I do not speak German?
Yes. Most online banks and many traditional banks offer their websites and customer service in English. If you are using a video call to verify your identity, you can usually request an English-speaking representative. Call or email the bank before you start to confirm they can help you in English.
What if my address keeps changing or I do not have a permanent address?
This is more difficult but not impossible. Some banks will accept a temporary address or a care-of address (like a friend's address or a mail forwarding service). You will need to explain your situation to the bank and ask what they can accept. Online banks are usually more flexible than traditional banks on this issue.
Can I open a business account in Germany as a non-resident?
Yes, but it is more complicated than a personal account. You will need to register your business with the German tax authorities and provide additional documents like a business license or articles of incorporation. The process takes longer and requires more verification. Contact the bank directly to ask what documents they need for a business account.
Will opening a German bank account affect my taxes in my home country?
Possibly. Many countries require you to report foreign bank accounts to their tax authorities. This is not the bank's responsibility; it is yours. Check the tax laws in your home country to see whether you need to report a German bank account. The bank will not help you with this, but they may provide statements or documentation you need for your tax filing.