How to Open a Bank Account in Germany as a Foreigner (2026)

Germany’s banking system is famously thorough. Opening an account requires the Anmeldung (address registration), a Steuer-ID (tax number), and sometimes additional employment documents. The good news: once you have these, online banks like N26 and DKB make the process fast. This 2026 guide explains the document chain you need and which banks are easiest for foreigners.

Required documents

1. Passport (original, plus visa or residence permit if non-EU)
2. Anmeldebestätigung (address registration certificate from the Bürgeramt)
3. Steuer-ID (tax identification number, sent automatically after Anmeldung — usually 2–4 weeks)
4. Proof of income (employment contract, payslips, or freelance registration)
5. Initial deposit typically €0–25

EU citizens can sometimes open accounts at online banks (N26, Revolut) before completing the Anmeldung. Non-EU citizens generally need the full document chain.

Step 1: Anmeldung — the gateway

The Anmeldung is mandatory for anyone living in Germany more than 3 months. You must register your address at the local Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in.

What you need:

• Passport
• Wohnungsgeberbestätigung — a confirmation form from your landlord
• Visa or residence permit (non-EU)

How to book:

• Online via your city’s Bürgeramt portal (Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, etc.)
• In Berlin and Munich, appointments can be 4–8 weeks out in popular months — book immediately upon arrival

What you receive:

• Anmeldebestätigung — an official certificate of registration
• Your Steuer-ID arrives by mail 2–4 weeks later

Without the Anmeldung, very few banks will open a full account.

Step 2: Choose the right bank

N26 (online-only)

The default choice for digital expats in Germany. Full German banking license, English-language app, opens in 10 minutes.

• Foreigner-friendliness: Excellent
• Anmeldung required: Sometimes — N26 has accepted EU residents without Anmeldung historically
• English support: Yes, fully English app and customer service
• Monthly fee: Free standard tier; €4.90–16.90 for premium tiers
• Best for: Digital nomads, freelancers, anyone who does not need a branch

DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank)

Online-only, no monthly fee, popular with expats and freelancers. Requires Anmeldung.

• Foreigner-friendliness: Good
• Anmeldung required: Yes
• English support: Limited (German app and forms)
• Monthly fee: Free with regular incoming deposits
• Best for: EU residents with established Anmeldung

Sparkasse

Network of 350+ regional savings banks. Foreigner-friendliness varies enormously by branch.

• Foreigner-friendliness: Variable — call ahead
• Anmeldung required: Yes
• English support: Limited; usually German-only
• Monthly fee: €3–10/month
• Best for: Long-term residents who want a branch relationship

Deutsche Bank

Major commercial bank, foreigner-friendly in expat-heavy cities (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt).

• Foreigner-friendliness: Good
• Anmeldung required: Yes
• English support: Available in major branches
• Monthly fee: €6–13/month, free with conditions

Commerzbank

Similar to Deutsche Bank, with foreigner-friendly options in major cities.

• Foreigner-friendliness: Good
• English support: Available in major branches
• Monthly fee: €5–12/month

Comdirect (Commerzbank online subsidiary)

Online-only with strong app, free with conditions. Requires Anmeldung.

• Foreigner-friendliness: Good
• Anmeldung required: Yes
• Monthly fee: Free with regular activity

Step 3: Use Wise as a bridge

Wise gives you a German-format IBAN immediately. Many German employers, landlords, and utility companies accept Wise IBANs. For new arrivals, Wise + N26 is the typical first 2–3 weeks setup.

Common mistakes

Trying to open before Anmeldung

Most German banks will refuse you without Anmeldebestätigung. N26 and Wise are the main exceptions for EU citizens.

Using a hotel address for Anmeldung

Anmeldung requires a landlord confirmation form. Hotels and short-term rentals usually do not provide this. Confirm before signing any rental that the landlord will sign the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.

Missing the 14-day window

Technically you must register within 14 days of moving in. In practice, many cities cannot offer appointments that fast — you are not penalized if you booked the appointment within the window, even if it falls later.

Forgetting the Steuer-ID

Banks need your Steuer-ID. It arrives automatically by mail 2–4 weeks after Anmeldung. If lost, you can request it online from the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern.

Assuming N26 is enough

N26 works for daily life but is sometimes rejected for specific use cases (some landlords, complex tax matters). Most expats also open a traditional bank within 6–12 months.

Costs to expect

Item	Typical Cost
Account opening	Free
Monthly maintenance	Free (online banks) – €13/month (traditional)
EC-Karte/debit card	Free or €5–15/year
Outgoing SEPA transfer	Free
Outgoing international wire	€10–30
ATM withdrawal (own network)	Free
ATM withdrawal (Cash Group)	Free for major banks

Frequently asked questions

Can I open a German account from abroad?

N26 and Revolut sometimes open accounts for EU residents without an immediate German address. For most other banks, you need to be physically in Germany with Anmeldung complete.

What is the Cash Group / Cash Pool?

Major German banks share an ATM network. Cash Group (Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Postbank, HypoVereinsbank) and Cash Pool (Sparda, Targobank, etc.) members can use each other’s ATMs without fees.

Do I need a Schufa for a basic account?

For the standard Girokonto, banks will check your Schufa (German credit score). New arrivals often have no Schufa record. This usually does not prevent opening a basic account, but limits access to overdrafts, credit cards, and loans.

Can I get my salary paid to N26?

Yes — N26 IBANs are accepted by all German employers. You may need to fill in a “Bescheinigung über Bankverbindung” (banking details form) with your N26 details.

What if I am rejected by every bank?

Try N26, then Revolut, then Wise (which technically operates under different rules and has nearly universal acceptance). For traditional banks, rejection is often temporary — getting Anmeldung, a few months of stable income, and a Schufa record opens doors.

Next steps

1. Get Anmeldung within your first 2 weeks — book the appointment before you arrive if possible.
2. Set up Wise for an immediate EUR account.
3. Open N26 — fastest German account, works well as your daily account.
4. Add a traditional bank later (Sparkasse, DKB, or Deutsche Bank) for credit cards and broader services.

For more on Germany, see our Germany country guide and Moving to Germany. For broader cross-country comparisons, see our How to Open a Bank Account as a Foreigner guide.