Opening a Bank Account in Germany

Researched from official sources · March 18, 2026

Opening a Bank Account in Germany

Estimated time

1-2 hours (online) or 2-3 hours (in branch)

Cost

€0-10/month

Before you start

What You Need

Tap to check off items as you gather them

Additional Items

  • Your German mobile phone number (for online banking verification)
  • Employment contract or university enrollment letter (some banks request proof of income)

Step-by-Step

  1. 1

    Choose Your Bank

    1. Decide between a traditional bank (Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank) or an online bank (N26, DKB, ING, comdirect)
    2. Traditional banks offer branch access and cash deposits but charge EUR 3-10/month
    3. Online banks are free, have English apps, and open accounts faster but have no branches

    💡 Tip: If you're unsure, start with an online bank (it's free and fast), then add a traditional bank later if you need branch access.

  2. 2

    Gather Your Documents

    1. Passport (or EU national ID)
    2. Anmeldebestätigung from your Bürgeramt registration
    3. Residence permit (non-EU citizens only)

    ⚠️ Watch out: Some banks reject applications if your Anmeldebestätigung is older than 3 months. If yours is outdated, you can get a fresh Meldebescheinigung from the Bürgeramt for EUR 10.

  3. 3

    Open Your Account

    1. Online banks: Visit the website, fill in the form, and complete video identification (VideoIdent) — 15-30 minutes. IBAN received immediately.
    2. Traditional banks: Visit a branch with your documents.

    💬 Say:

    Ich möchte ein Girokonto eröffnen, bitte.

    ikh merkh-teh ain ghee-roh-kon-toh er-erf-nen, bit-teh

    "I would like to open a current account, please."

    📋 Use when: Arriving at the bank counter or service desk

  4. 4

    Complete Identity Verification

    1. Online banks: VideoIdent call (10-15 minutes) or PostIdent at a post office
    2. Traditional banks: Done in-person at the branch during account opening

    ⚠️ Watch out: VideoIdent can fail if internet is slow, lighting is bad, or the agent can't read your passport. Try again later or use PostIdent as backup (add 2-3 days).

  5. 5

    Activate Your Account and Card

    1. After verification, your account is active and you receive your IBAN
    2. Debit card arrives by mail in 5-10 business days
    3. Set up online banking and download the bank's app

    💡 Tip: While waiting for your physical card, set up Apple Pay or Google Pay through the bank's app to pay in stores immediately.

Costs

Item Amount Payment Notes
Account opening €0 N/A Free at most banks
Monthly fee (traditional bank) €3–€10 Deducted from account Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank Waived if: Minimum salary deposit or choosing an online bank
Monthly fee (online bank) €0 N/A N26, DKB, ING, and comdirect offer free accounts
Debit card (Girocard) (Optional) €0–€1 Deducted from account Usually included free; some banks charge separately
Account opening €0
Payment:
N/A
Notes:
Free at most banks
Monthly fee (traditional bank) €3–€10
Payment:
Deducted from account
Notes:
Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank
Waived if:
Minimum salary deposit or choosing an online bank
Monthly fee (online bank) €0
Payment:
N/A
Notes:
N26, DKB, ING, and comdirect offer free accounts
Debit card (Girocard) (Optional) €0–€1
Payment:
Deducted from account
Notes:
Usually included free; some banks charge separately
Total: €3

FAQ

General

Can I open a bank account without an Anmeldung?

For a standard Girokonto at most banks: very difficult — most banks require an Anmeldebestätigung. A few online banks (like N26) allow account opening with passport and a German address, though they may limit features until you provide proof of registration. Separately, ZKG §31 establishes the right of every consumer with lawful residence in the EU — including persons without fixed residence and asylum seekers — to a Basiskonto (basic account). If you cannot complete Anmeldung, the Basiskonto is the legally protected fallback path; banks must conclude the contract within ten business days of a qualifying application.

Which bank is best for expats?

Online banks like N26, DKB, or ING are popular with expats because they offer English-language apps, no monthly fees, and quick online setup. If you need in-person service or cash deposits, consider Sparkasse (widespread ATM network) or Deutsche Bank (English-speaking staff in major cities). DKB is especially good if you want free worldwide ATM withdrawals.

How long does it take to open an account?

Online banks: 15-30 minutes for application, 1-3 days for verification, 5-7 days for card delivery. Traditional banks: 30-60 minutes in branch, card arrives in 5-10 business days. You'll get your IBAN immediately after approval at most banks.

What is a Girokonto?

A Girokonto is a current account (checking account) for daily transactions — salary deposits, rent payments, direct debits, and card purchases. It's different from a Sparkonto (savings account) or Tagesgeldkonto (overnight deposit account). You need a Girokonto for everyday life in Germany.

After This Process

  • → Salary deposits — give your IBAN to your employer's HR department
  • → Rent payments — set up a standing order (Dauerauftrag) for monthly rent
  • → Health insurance — provide your IBAN for direct debit (Lastschrift)
  • → Tax return — your IBAN goes on your annual Steuererklärung

Sources

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4 sources cited last accessed 2026-05-06

T1 official portal · T2 embassy/consulate · T3 news · T4 community — higher tier wins on conflict. methodology →

  1. T1
    Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ) — Zahlungskontengesetz 2026-05-06

    § 31 Zahlungskontengesetz (ZKG) establishes the right of every consumer with lawful residence in the European Union — including persons without fixed residence, asylum seekers, and tolerated foreigners who cannot be deported — to conclude a Basiskontovertrag (basic account contract). Institutions offering payment accounts to consumers must conclude the contract within ten business days of a qualifying application.

    gesetze-im-internet.de
  2. T1
    Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ) — Zahlungskontengesetz 2026-05-06

    § 33 ZKG governs the Basiskonto application: the consumer's request must include the Angaben necessary to conclude the contract, and the institution must provide the standard application form (Anlage 3) free of charge. Once the consumer has fully completed the form, the institution cannot claim the application is incomplete.

    gesetze-im-internet.de
  3. T1
    Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ) — Geldwäschegesetz 2026-05-06

    § 13 Geldwäschegesetz (GwG) requires obligated entities (Verpflichtete) including credit institutions to verify customer identity through angemessene Prüfung des vor Ort vorgelegten Dokuments (appropriate examination of a document presented on-site) or equivalent procedures. § 13 Abs. 2 authorises the Federal Ministry of Finance to designate alternative procedures providing equivalent security — the legal hook under which BaFin Circular 3/2017 permits VideoIdent.

    gesetze-im-internet.de
  4. T1
    BaFin (Federal Financial Supervisory Authority) 2026-05-06

    BaFin Circular 3/2017 (GW), published 10 April 2017 (in force 15 June 2017), authorises credit institutions, financial services institutions, payment institutions, and e-money institutions under BaFin supervision to use video identification for customer due diligence under the GwG. Requirements: real-time end-to-end encrypted video chat, full process recording retained for five years, verification of ID security features, applicant consent via screenshots, and completion via TAN entry.

    bafin.de
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