🏦

Expat guide

Bank Account in Germany: Complete Guide for Expats

You need a German Girokonto for salary, rent, and insurance — here's how to open one as a foreigner.

7 min read·Verified & sourced

Overview

A Girokonto (current account) is essential for daily life in Germany. Your employer deposits your salary into it, your landlord expects rent via SEPA transfer, and your health insurer debits premiums automatically.

Most traditional banks require Anmeldung first — they need your Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate) to open an account. Online banks like N26, DKB, and ING are popular with expats for English-language apps and faster onboarding via video identification.

Two main paths:

• Online bank — open in minutes via app, no branch visit
• Branch bank — Sparkasse, Volksbank, or Deutsche Bank; appointment required

Who needs this

Everyone working or living long-term in Germany needs a local bank account. A home country account is not sufficient for salary, rent, or SEPA payments.

Documents you need

If you have not completed Anmeldung yet, do that first — without a Meldebescheinigung, most banks cannot complete account opening.

Step-by-step process

Online bank (N26, DKB, ING)

1. Complete Anmeldung and get your Meldebescheinigung.
2. Download the bank app or visit their website and start account opening.
3. Complete VideoIdent — verify your identity via webcam with your passport. Takes about 10 minutes.
4. Upload your Meldebescheinigung when prompted during or after verification.
5. Receive your IBAN immediately and a virtual card in the app. Your physical Girocard arrives by post within about a week.

Branch bank (Sparkasse, Volksbank, Deutsche Bank)

1. Complete Anmeldung.
2. Book an appointment online or visit a branch. Sparkasse and Volksbank are regional — choose the one for your city.
3. Bring all documents — originals and copies of passport, Meldebescheinigung, and employment contract.
4. Fill out the account opening form (Kontoeröffnung) with a bank advisor.
5. Receive your IBAN on the spot. Your EC card (Girocard) arrives by post in 1–2 weeks.

After opening, give your IBAN to your employer, landlord, and Krankenkasse immediately.

Costs

Most expats choose a free online Girokonto. There is no need to pay monthly fees unless you want premium features like travel insurance or metal cards.

Timeline

1. Online account (VideoIdent)

   Same day — IBAN available within minutes

2. Branch bank appointment

   1–2 weeks wait in major cities

3. Physical card arrives

   5–10 business days by post

4. Blocked account (visa)

   1–2 weeks; must be open before visa application

Open your account as soon as you have your Meldebescheinigung — your employer will ask for your IBAN in your first week.

Tips and common mistakes

• Do Anmeldung first — without Meldebescheinigung, most banks cannot complete account opening.
• N26 and DKB are popular with expats for English support and no branch visit.
• SCHUFA (German credit score) — new arrivals will not have one; online banks are more lenient than branch banks. See our Schufa guide for how to check and build your score.
• Do not confuse Girokonto with blocked account — a blocked account is for visa proof, not daily use. See our Blocked Account guide for full details.
• Give your IBAN to your employer and Krankenkasse immediately after opening.
• Keep your IBAN and BIC handy — you need them for rent, insurance, and tax payments.
• Sparkasse accounts are regional — if you move cities, you may need to switch to the local Sparkasse.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

?Can I open a bank account without Anmeldung?

Most banks require a Meldebescheinigung from Anmeldung before they can fully activate your account. Some online banks let you start registration early, but you will need to upload your registration certificate before the account is fully usable. Complete Anmeldung first.

?Which bank is best for expats in Germany?

Online banks like N26, DKB, and ING are popular with expats because they offer English-language apps, free basic accounts, and VideoIdent — no branch visit needed. Branch banks like Sparkasse or Deutsche Bank are better if you prefer in-person support or need services like safe deposit boxes.

?What is a blocked account (Sperrkonto) and do I need one?

A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special account that holds a minimum balance (currently ~€11,904 for 2025) to prove you can support yourself during a student or job-seeker visa application. It is separate from a daily Girokonto. You only need one if your visa type requires proof of financial resources.

?What is SCHUFA and will it stop me opening an account?

SCHUFA is Germany's credit scoring system. New arrivals typically have no SCHUFA entry, which can make branch banks cautious. Online banks are generally more lenient with newcomers. A missing SCHUFA score rarely blocks account opening — it may just limit credit products like overdrafts.

?Can I keep using my home country bank account?

You can keep it, but you will still need a German Girokonto for salary deposits, rent payments, and SEPA debits from your Krankenkasse and utilities. Your employer and landlord expect a German IBAN. Home country accounts also incur foreign transaction fees for daily use in Germany.