Opening a bank account in Germany is one of the very first things you need to do when you arrive. Without one, you can’t receive your salary, pay rent, set up a phone contract, or get health insurance. Germany is still surprisingly cash-heavy in everyday life — but for anything official, a bank account is non-negotiable.
This guide walks you through the entire process: which banks work best for foreigners, what documents you need, how to open an account even without an Anmeldung, and what SCHUFA means for your financial future in Germany. Whether you’re an expat, a student, or planning your move — you’ll find clear, actionable steps here.
Why You Need a German Bank Account
A German bank account (called a Girokonto) is essentially your key to daily life in Germany. Your employer will deposit your salary into it. Your landlord expects rent via direct debit (Lastschrift). Your health insurance, phone provider, and energy company all require a German bank account for monthly payments.
Even though Germany still uses cash more than most European countries, you simply cannot function without a bank account. The good news: opening one is much easier than it used to be — especially with digital banks that let you get started in minutes, not weeks.
Types of Bank Accounts in Germany
Before you start comparing banks, it helps to understand which type of account you actually need. Germany has three main types:
For most newcomers, a Girokonto is what you need first. If a bank rejects your application for any reason, remember you have the legal right to a Basiskonto — no bank can deny you that.
Best Banks for Foreigners in Germany
Not all German banks are equally welcoming to foreigners. Some require perfect German, a local address, and mountains of paperwork. Others let you open an account from your phone in 10 minutes — in English. Here’s how the most popular options compare:
N26 is our top recommendation for most newcomers. It’s completely free at the Standard level, the app is fully in English, you get a German IBAN immediately, and the whole process takes about 10 minutes. N26 also reports to SCHUFA — which means using it helps you build your German credit history from day one.
bunq is an excellent alternative, especially if you’re not yet in Germany or need multi-currency features. bunq accepts customers from many countries and gives you IBANs in multiple European countries. It’s particularly popular among expats who move between countries.
Revolut is great for currency exchange and international transfers, but keep in mind: Revolut doesn’t provide a German IBAN. For salary deposits, rent payments, and government interactions, most German institutions expect a DE-IBAN. Consider Revolut as a complement, not a replacement.
Tomorrow is the choice for environmentally conscious newcomers — your money funds sustainable projects instead of fossil fuels. It comes with a German IBAN and English support, though it costs €3/month.
Monese is also available but has more limited features compared to the options above. For a full comparison of free bank accounts in Germany, check out our dedicated guide.
Documents You Need to Open a Bank Account
What you need depends on whether you choose an online bank or a traditional branch. Here’s the full checklist:
Always required:
- ✅ Valid passport or EU ID card — this is non-negotiable everywhere
- ✅ Proof of German address (Anmeldung / Meldebescheinigung) — required by traditional banks. Don’t have one yet? Neobanks like N26 and bunq don’t require it — see below.
- ✅ Visa or residence permit (non-EU citizens) — bring the original, not a copy
Sometimes required:
- 📄 Proof of income or employment contract — some traditional banks ask for this, neobanks generally don’t
- 🎓 Student enrollment certificate — if applying for a student-specific account
- 🔢 Tax ID (Steuer-ID) — you’ll receive this automatically by mail after your Anmeldung. Some banks ask for it during setup, but you can usually add it later
Tip from GIROMATCH
If you’re arriving in Germany soon and don’t have your Anmeldung yet, open a neobank account first (N26 or bunq) to have a working bank account from day one. Once you’ve registered your address, you can always open a traditional bank account later if you need one.
How to Open a Bank Account in Germany: Step by Step
You have two main paths: opening an account online (faster, easier) or at a branch (more personal, but slower). Here’s how each works.
Opening a Bank Account Online
This is the fastest way and what we recommend for most newcomers. You can do it from anywhere — even before you move to Germany.
- Choose your bank — we recommend N26 or bunq for foreigners
- Download the app or visit the bank’s website
- Enter your personal details — name, date of birth, address (some banks accept a foreign address)
- Verify your identity — via VideoIdent (video call) or selfie verification in the app. Have your passport ready
- Receive your IBAN — usually within minutes. You can start receiving transfers immediately. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 5-10 days
Total time: 5-15 minutes. Yes, really. That’s the beauty of neobanks.
Opening a Bank Account at a Branch
If you prefer face-to-face service, or if you’ll need more complex products later (mortgage, large loan), a traditional bank branch is the way to go.
- Choose a bank and branch — Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank have branches in most German cities
- Book an appointment — many branches require one, especially in larger cities. Call or use the bank’s website. Expect to wait 1-2 weeks for a slot
- Bring all your documents — passport, Anmeldung, visa/residence permit, and any proof of income
- Complete identity verification — this is done in person at the branch (PostIdent or in-branch verification)
- Wait for your card and PIN — they arrive by separate mail for security. Your card usually takes 7-10 days, your PIN arrives separately 2-3 days later
Total time: 2-4 weeks from booking to actually using your account. Be prepared for some German paperwork along the way.
Opening a Bank Account Without Anmeldung or German Address
One of the biggest headaches for newcomers: you need a bank account to get an apartment, but many banks want proof of your German address (Anmeldung) before they’ll let you open one. It’s the classic Catch-22 of moving to Germany.
The good news: neobanks solve this problem. N26, bunq, Tomorrow, and Vivid Money all allow you to open an account without proof of a German address. You can even open your account from abroad before you move.
Traditional banks like Deutsche Bank, Sparkasse, and Commerzbank will always require your Anmeldung. There’s no way around this — it’s a legal requirement for their in-branch identity verification.
Our practical advice: Open a neobank account before or immediately after arriving. Use it for your first salary payment and everyday transactions. Once you have your Anmeldung (usually within the first 2 weeks), you can open a traditional bank account if you need one for additional services.
Bank Account for Non-Residents
If you’re not living in Germany but need a German bank account — for business, for receiving payments, or in preparation for your move — your options are more limited but they do exist.
bunq is the strongest option for non-residents. It accepts customers from a wide range of countries and doesn’t require German residency. You’ll get a full European IBAN, including a German one.
N26 is available in most EU and EEA countries — if you’re already in the EU, you can open an N26 account before moving to Germany.
Under EU law (the Payment Accounts Directive), everyone legally residing in the EU has the right to a basic bank account (Basiskonto) — not just German residents. This applies to citizens of all EU member states.
For non-EU residents who can’t open a German account yet, Wise (formerly TransferWise) can serve as a multi-currency account alternative. It gives you account details in multiple currencies and lets you send money to Germany at very competitive exchange rates — though it’s not a traditional bank account.
Bank Accounts for Students in Germany
As an international student in Germany, you have some great options. Many banks offer free student accounts with no monthly fees and sometimes extra perks:
- N26 Standard — free for everyone (not just students), German IBAN, English app. The easiest choice
- DKB — free student account with a Visa debit card, free cash withdrawals worldwide
- Commerzbank / Deutsche Bank — free accounts for students under 28, but require Anmeldung and branch visit
If you’re an international student, you may also need a Sperrkonto (blocked account) for your student visa application. This is separate from your regular bank account — it’s a special account where you deposit a set amount (currently around €11,904/year) to prove you can support yourself financially. Providers like Expatrio and Fintiba specialize in blocked accounts for international students.
For more details on managing finances as a student, check out our student finance guide.
SCHUFA: What Newcomers Need to Know
If you’ve heard about SCHUFA and feel confused — you’re not alone. SCHUFA is Germany’s main credit scoring system, similar to credit scores in other countries. And as a newcomer, you have a blank slate: no SCHUFA history at all.
This isn’t necessarily bad — having no history is different from having bad history. But it does affect you in several ways:
- Bank accounts: Some traditional banks check SCHUFA before opening an account. Neobanks generally don’t — that’s why they’re easier for newcomers
- Phone contracts: Most carriers check SCHUFA. Without a score, you may need prepaid SIM cards first
- Renting an apartment: Landlords often ask for a SCHUFA report (Bonitätsauskunft). No history can make this harder
- Getting a loan: Without credit history, traditional banks won’t offer you a loan
Here’s the important insight: opening a bank account is the first step to building your German credit history. Banks that report to SCHUFA — like N26 and all traditional banks — will start creating your credit file from the moment you open an account. Over time, regular account activity (salary deposits, on-time direct debits) builds a positive SCHUFA score.
This matters more than you might think right now. When you need credit in the future — for an apartment deposit, a car, or an emergency — having a SCHUFA history makes all the difference. That’s exactly what we help with at GIROMATCH: connecting people with the right financial products, even when their credit history is limited. When the time comes, explore your personal loan options with us.
How Long Does It Take to Open a Bank Account?
Timelines vary dramatically depending on which route you choose:
If you need a working bank account quickly — and most newcomers do — an online bank is the clear winner.
Identity Verification: PostIdent vs VideoIdent
German law requires banks to verify your identity before opening an account. You’ll encounter one of these methods:
VideoIdent — a video call with a verification agent who checks your ID on camera. Done from home in 10-15 minutes. Available in English at most neobanks. This is the fastest option.
Selfie / App-based verification — some banks (like N26) let you verify by taking photos of your ID and a selfie. Even faster than VideoIdent — usually done in 5 minutes.
PostIdent — you go to a Deutsche Post (post office) branch with your ID. A postal worker verifies your identity and sends confirmation to the bank. It’s free but requires a trip to the post office and takes a few extra days.
For the fastest experience, choose a bank that offers app-based or VideoIdent verification. You can complete everything from your couch.
FAQs About Opening a Bank Account in Germany
Choose a bank (we recommend N26 or bunq for foreigners), provide your passport and proof of address (Anmeldung), and complete identity verification. Online banks let you open an account in 5-15 minutes via app. Traditional banks require a branch visit and take 1-2 weeks for full setup.
Yes. Neobanks like N26, bunq, Tomorrow, and Vivid Money allow you to open a bank account without proof of German address. Traditional banks (Deutsche Bank, Sparkasse, Commerzbank) require an Anmeldung. If you haven’t registered your address yet, start with a neobank.
Yes. Both EU and non-EU citizens can open a bank account in Germany. Under German law, everyone legally residing in the EU has the right to a basic bank account (Basiskonto). Neobanks like N26 and bunq make it especially easy for foreigners with English-language support and fast online verification.
Some neobanks allow non-residents to open an account from abroad. bunq accepts customers from many countries, and N26 is available in most EU countries. For non-EU residents, options are more limited — a multi-currency service like Wise can be an alternative until you arrive in Germany.
You typically need: a valid passport or EU ID card, proof of German address (Anmeldung), and for non-EU citizens, your visa or residence permit. Some banks also ask for proof of income or a student enrollment certificate. Online banks generally require fewer documents than traditional banks.
Online banks: 5-15 minutes, with instant access to your account and virtual card. Your physical card arrives in 5-10 days. Traditional bank branches: booking an appointment may take 1-2 weeks, the appointment itself takes 30-60 minutes, and your card and PIN arrive separately by mail in 7-14 days.
N26 and bunq are the most popular choices for expats. Both offer English-language apps, fast online account opening, and don’t require an Anmeldung. N26 provides a German IBAN and reports to SCHUFA (which helps build your credit history). bunq offers multi-currency features and accepts customers from many countries.
SCHUFA is Germany’s credit scoring system. As a newcomer, you have no SCHUFA history. Most neobanks don’t check SCHUFA when opening an account, so this won’t be a problem. Traditional banks may check your SCHUFA, but having no history isn’t the same as having bad credit. Opening a bank account is actually the first step to building your German credit score.
Under German law (since 2016), every person legally residing in the EU has the right to a basic bank account (Basiskonto). Banks can only reject you in very specific cases, such as if you already have a functioning basic account elsewhere or have been convicted of a crime against the bank. If rejected, ask specifically about a Basiskonto.
Yes. Neobanks like N26, bunq, Tomorrow, and Vivid Money let you open an account entirely online or via their app. You verify your identity through a video call or selfie. The whole process takes 5-15 minutes, and you can start using your account immediately with a virtual card.
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