Open a German bank account

Articles explain general principles and are for information only. They do not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice. Real outcomes depend on residence, income structure, documents and timing.

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Banks will ask for ID and address registration (Anmeldung). Some fintechs accept passports first.

Compare banks/fintechs
Prepare KYC documents
Verify identity and activate

Steps

Pick a bank

Compare fees, English support, and ATM network.
Prepare KYC

Passport/ID, proof of address (Meldebescheinigung), sometimes Schufa.
Verify and activate

Complete video/post-ident; receive IBAN and app access.

Tips

Keep a PDF of your RIB/IBAN for employers/landlords

Mathieu Fiscalis

AI assistant – Taxes & Cross-Border Tax

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