Yes, non-residents can open a bank account in Germany, but the process is stricter than for residents

You can open a bank account in Germany without living there, but you will face more requirements and fewer options than someone with a German address. Most banks require you to verify your identity in person or through a video call, provide proof of your current address abroad, and sometimes explain why you need the account. Some banks accept non-residents freely; others have stopped entirely. The easiest path is usually an online bank that serves non-residents, or a bank in your home country that has a German subsidiary.

The reason for the extra steps is German and European banking law. Banks must know who their customers are and where they live — this is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. A non-resident address makes this verification harder, so banks either charge more, ask more questions, or decline altogether. If you have a reason the bank understands — you work remotely for a German company, you own property there, you are moving soon — the process usually moves faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Online banks like Wise, N26, and Revolut often accept non-residents without requiring a German address, though they may ask why you need the account.
  • Traditional German banks (Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Sparkasse) usually require you to visit a branch in person or use video identification, and some have stopped accepting non-residents entirely.
  • You will need a valid passport or ID card, proof of your current address (utility bill or rental agreement from your home country), and sometimes a tax identification number.
  • Opening an account takes one to four weeks once you have submitted all documents, because the bank must verify your identity and check you against financial crime databases.
  • If you plan to move to Germany within a few months, waiting until you arrive may be faster and give you access to more bank options.

Which banks accept non-residents and how fast

Online banks designed for international customers are your fastest option. Wise (formerly TransferWise) lets non-residents open an account through their app in about 10 minutes if you have a valid ID and proof of address. N26 and Revolut also accept non-residents in most countries, though they may ask follow-up questions by email. These accounts give you a German IBAN (bank account number) and a debit card, but they are not full bank accounts — they are payment accounts, which means they have lower deposit limits and fewer services.

If you need a traditional bank account with overdraft options or a loan, you will need a bank that takes non-residents. ING-DiBa (part of ING) has historically been more open to non-residents than other large banks, but their policy changes by country. Comdirect (owned by Commerzbank) sometimes accepts non-residents, but you will need to call or email to ask first — their website does not always say yes or no clearly. Smaller regional banks (Sparkasse branches) vary widely; some will open an account for a non-resident if you visit in person, others will not.

Traditional banks like Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank have largely stopped accepting non-resident customers without a German address. If you contact them, they will usually direct you to their international banking division, which requires much higher minimum balances (often €100,000 or more) and is designed for business customers, not individuals.

Documents you will need to prepare

Every bank will ask for the same core set of documents. Have these ready before you contact any bank: a valid passport or national ID card (not expired), proof of your current address (a utility bill, rental agreement, or official letter from your employer or government showing your name and address), and your tax identification number from your home country (your Social Security number if you are from the United States, your National Insurance number if you are from the United Kingdom, or the equivalent in your country).

Some banks will also ask for a proof of income — a recent payslip, employment contract, or tax return — especially if you are opening an account with overdraft or credit features. If you are self-employed or retired, bring bank statements or pension letters instead. A few banks ask why you need a German account; a straightforward answer ("I work remotely for a German company" or "I am relocating in three months") is usually enough.

Do not send original documents by post unless the bank specifically asks. Most banks now use video identification, where you hold your ID up to your webcam while a staff member watches. This takes 10 to 15 minutes and happens when ready after you explore online.

The video identification process and what happens next

If the bank uses video identification, you will receive an email or SMS with a link to a video call within one to three business days of explore. You will need a quiet space, good lighting, and your ID card or passport. The person on the call will ask you to show both sides of your ID, confirm your address, and sometimes ask basic questions about why you are opening the account. They may ask you to turn your ID over slowly or take a photo of it. This is standard procedure and takes about 10 minutes.

After the video call, the bank sends your information to a compliance team that checks you against financial crime databases and verifies your address with the authorities in your home country. This step usually takes one to two weeks. You will receive an email when it is complete, and your account will be activated. Some banks set up your account when ready after the video call and let you use it while they finish the background checks; others wait until everything is cleared.

Once your account is active, you can usually order a debit card within the same email. Physical cards take one to two weeks to arrive by post. Some banks offer a virtual card (a card number you can use online when ready) while you wait for the physical one.

What to do if banks keep declining you

If you have applied to three or four banks and been declined, the issue is usually one of these: your country of residence is on the bank's restricted list (some banks will not serve customers in certain countries due to sanctions or regulatory complexity), your address cannot be verified (the bank's system does not recognize addresses from your country), or the bank has straightforward stopped accepting non-residents.

Your next option is to open an account with a bank in your home country that has a German subsidiary or partnership. For example, if you are in the United States, you can open an account with Wise or Revolut (both available in the US) and use their German IBAN. If you are in the United Kingdom, Wise, Revolut, and Wise are all available and give you a German account number. These accounts work the same way as opening directly with a German bank, but the verification happens in your home country, which is faster.

If you are moving to Germany within a few months, consider waiting. Once you have a German address, almost every bank will accept you, and the process is much simpler. You can open an account in person at a branch in about 30 minutes with just your ID and proof of address.

Costs and account features to compare

Online payment accounts (Wise, N26, Revolut) are usually free or cost €5 to €10 per month for premium features. They have no minimum balance and no monthly fees for basic use. Traditional bank accounts in Germany usually have no monthly fee either, but some charge €5 to €15 per month if you do not meet a minimum balance (usually €1,000 to €5,000) or do not receive a regular salary deposit.

Compare what you actually need before you explore. If you only need to receive money or make transfers, a payment account is cheaper and faster. If you need overdraft, a loan, or investment services, you need a traditional bank account, which takes longer but gives you more options. Check whether the bank charges for incoming transfers from abroad (some do, some do not) and whether they offer a debit card with no extra fee.

Tax and legal things to know

Opening a German bank account does not make you a German resident for tax purposes. You remain taxed in your home country on your worldwide income. However, Germany and most other countries have automatic information exchange agreements, which means your German bank will report your account to your home country's tax authority once a year. This is normal and legal — it is not tax evasion to have a foreign account, but you must report it on your home country's tax return if required.

If you are a United States citizen or green card holder, you have additional reporting requirements under FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act). You will need to provide your US tax identification number when you open the account, and the bank will report your account to the IRS. Again, this is normal and legal; it just means you cannot hide the account.

Some countries restrict their citizens from opening accounts abroad without permission, but most do not. Check your home country's rules before you explore, especially if you are opening the account for business purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a German bank account if I am not a citizen of any EU country?

Yes. Non-EU citizens can open accounts in Germany, but some banks are more cautious about certain countries due to regulatory rules. If you are from the United States, Canada, Australia, or most other developed countries, you should have no problem. If you are from a country with limited banking infrastructure or a country under international sanctions, you may face more questions or be declined by some banks.

Do I need a German tax number to open an account?

No. You need your tax number from your home country (Social Security number, National Insurance number, etc.). If you do not have one, some banks will accept you without it, but you may need to provide additional proof of identity. Ask the bank before you explore.

How long does it actually take from start to finish?

Online payment accounts take 10 minutes to 1 day. Traditional banks take 1 to 4 weeks from the moment you submit your documents to the moment your account is active and you can use it. The video identification itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, but the background checks behind it take the rest of the time.

What if I move to Germany after I open the account?

Your account stays open and active. You will need to update your address with the bank once you have a German address, but this is straightforward — you can usually do it online or by visiting a branch. Updating your address does not close the account or require you to reapply.

Can I open a business account as a non-resident?

It is much harder. Most banks require business account holders to be registered in Germany (have a German business address and tax number). If you are self-employed or run a business from abroad, you may be able to open a personal account and use it for business, but you cannot open a formal business account without a German registration. Talk to a German accountant or tax advisor if you need a business account.