German bank accounts for non-residents

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Update March 2021: Wise Borderless Account is one of the best options for a Euro Bank account which can be opened entirely online.

Are you a non-resident and want to open a bank account in Germany? Over the years it has become difficult to open a German bank account for non-residents. DKB bank was one of the few banks which allowed opening the bank account from abroad, but in recent months and due to a high number of depositors trying to open a bank account in Germany after the Euro-crisis, they seem to have made it difficult for non-German-speaking countries. This article is for non-residents who do currently not live in Germany. If you are an expat or foreigner is living in Germany, check out the list of best bank accounts in Germany.

Why open a German bank account for non-residents?

  • Free Euro currency bank account in Europe for non-residents
  • Tax free in Germany (On completing necessary forms. Home country tax law applicable)
  • Deposit guarantee by the German Government (upto €100,000 per account)

Requirement for opening a German bank account for non-residents

Normally, for opening a German bank account in a classical German Bank you would need to:

  • verify your identity
  • check your credit history.

In order to verify your identity, there are different options available (depending on the bank)

  1. PostIdent: Verify your documents at the German post office, where the clerk checks your identity. Travel to Germany is necessary.
  2. VideoIdent: Verifying your identity by a Video call using identification service used by the bank. But this option is only possible for certain nationality depending on your passport has all the necessary information for VideoIdent.
  3. Notary: Use a foreign bank or a lawyer in your home country to verify your identity. In this case no need to travel to Germany, but there are chances that the bank does not recognise the document are high.

Credit history is also checked by traditional brick-mortar banks. In Germany, the banks use SCHUFA, a credit agency,  for checking your credit score and history. However, this history exists only if you have lived or had a bank account in Germany. Therefore, if you are a non-resident who is neither a German citizen nor ever lived in Germany, it will be difficult to open a bank account.

With modern banking, these requirements are now relaxed for non-residents. This article provides some such solutions to open a German bank account for non-residents.

Different category of non-residents

Some banks have allowed non-residents to open a bank account in Germany depending on their nationality or residence status to neighbouring countries. For ease, a non-resident has been categorised into four different categories below.

1. German Citizens living abroad

DKB bank still offers its services to any German citizen living abroad. Please check the link relating to DKB bank

2. Residents of German-speaking countries (Austria or Switzerland)

  • DKB bank is open to residents of German-speaking countries of Austria or Switzerland.  Please check the link relating to DKB bank.
  • N26, a modern bank account a free bank account to residents of Austria.
  • Other options for Austrian residents, please check Banks-Austria.com

3.  Residents of EU Countries

  • N26 (formerly Number 26) – if you are a resident of Austria, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Finland, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Estonia, Greece and Slovakia. Please see below

4.  Other Citizens living outside Germany (outside EU)

Wise Borderless Account provides a Euro Bank with an IBAN number which can be opened entirely online.

There are other options, but it requires travel to Germany.

Current Bank account for non-residents

A girokonto (current bank account) provides more flexibility to the customer and allows for normal use as a bank account. In case you have a house and receive rental income in Germany or other deposits, or you have to make or receive payments in Euros from clients, you will need a Girokonto.

Advantages
  • Receive and make payments in Euros. This is particularly useful if you have a rental property in Germany or clients from whom you receive payments.
  • Can use cash machines and withdraw money in Germany. This is useful if you regularly travel to Germany for holidays or work.
Disadvantage
  • Possibility of refusal to open a bank account since banks sometimes perform a credit check.

Important: For reducing the risk of refusal, if you have an option do not apply for a credit card or overdraft facility along with your bank account application. When you apply for these facilities, the banks will have to check for your credit score, thereby increasing the chances for refusal. You can always apply for a credit card after a few months of use of the account, preferably 6 months. This is because, since you already have the account, the bank will more likely accept your credit card request after looking into your bank details.

Wise Borderless Multicurrency Account

Wise (previously Transferwise), the money transfer website now offers a free multi-currency account aimed at travellers, ex-pats and freelancers.

You can sign up and get verified online, all without a local address or visiting a branch. The Borderless Account gives you a free EUR bank account number with your own IBAN number. Additionally, you can also get a free US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand Bank account based on what currency you need to use.

Using this bank account, you can spend or receive money for free, in that currency, just like you would with a local account.

You can also get a Mastercard debit card if you are a resident of a few countries. Using the debit card you can spend in the currency of your bank account free of charge, and withdraw cash up to €200 free of charge.

Apply now for a Wise Borderless Account.

N26 (formerly Number 26)

N26 is a bank account offering a free German bank account for residents of certain European countries and also the US.

Currently, residents of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the US can open an N26 bank account.

It provides a Free Bank account, with a free Credit card and many more features. Read the detailed review of N26 account here.

The application process is entirely online and does not require any travel.

Apply now for an N26 Bank Account

Postbank

When applying online from the website, it was possible to enter an address outside Germany. For example below we used Greece to check if the website accepted out input. Not only did it verify that the input was correct (green tick), it also allowed us to proceed further and complete the application form and finally giving us an application number and completed form in PDF format. Check here for a detailed step by step instruction for opening a bank account with Postbank.

Unfortunately, it is only possible to use PostIdent to verify the identity, therefore requires travel to Germany. Check here for more details about Postbank.

Comdirect – Girokonto

Similar to when applying for a tagesgeldkonto, when applying for the girokonto on their website,the users gets a notice informing them to download a form and fill it up in case of nonresidents. Click on the link for non-residents application forms (Für Personen, die nicht länger als 180 Tage in Deutschland leben). From the form, select “Girokonto”. A pop-up list appears as shown below.

Comdirect - nonresident Girokonto
Comdirect – Nonresident bank account (Girokonto)

From the list, select the appropriate form (single or joint account), download it and fill it up. Once you fill it up, similar to opening a tagesgeldkonto, you can approach a Notary in your country who will then check the information in your form and your identity and sign them to verify it.

Advantages
  • Not required to travel to Germany: Verification of identity is possible using a Notary in your home country. He would check your identity and the forms and sign on the completed application form. Please note however that the since the form is in German, it is possible that the Notary may have issues. In such case, you can still use the PostIdent method.
Disadvantages
  • Possibility of refusal: Since the bank account comes with a Credit card and overdraft, it is possible that it might be automatically refused if there is no credit history.

Savings account for non-residents

The second strategy is to open a tagesgeldkonto (Day savings account) instead of a normal bank account (Girokonto).

Disadvantages: Unlike a normal bank account (Girokonto), the tagesgeldkonto is a savings account, therefore, it cannot be used for making or receiving payments from different accounts. It also does not provide cards for withdrawal from a cash machine. You can only deposit to the saving account and withdraw from it to your personal bank account. This is a perfect solution in case you need to park your money in Germany. Though the interest rate is not very high, it still earns higher than the normal savings account.

Advantages: The advantage of such an account is that some banks allow you to open a tagesgeldkonto even if you do not have a credit history in Germany. Since tagesgelkonto is a saving account without any overdraft facility, the credit rating is not strictly checked. This will overcome the problem of needing to have a credit score in Germany. This is a perfect solution in case you just need to park your money in Germany.

Note again, not all banks will allow opening an account. In a preliminary check, we found the below banks which allow you to complete the online application by entering an address outside Germany. So in theory, it is possible that you can open a tagesgeldkonto with this bank. However, opening a bank account depends on the bank. So, there is a high chance that the application could be rejected based on the banks internal regulation.

Consors Bank

Not technically a German bank, but this French online bank that is well known for the excellent service and tagesgeldkonto account with the German customers.

When applying online from the website, it was possible to enter an address outside Germany (see below).

Consors - Resident
Consors Bank – Tax Residence (Non-Resident possible)

Unlike other applications, the wording of the application clearly stated entering an address as Tax Residence. This implies that it was possible to be a Tax resident of another country other than Germany and still open an account in Germany. In our example below we used Greece to check if the website accepted out input. Not only did it verify that the input was correct (green tick), it also allowed us to proceed further and complete the application form and finally giving us an application number and completed form in PDF format.

Advantages
  • Withdrawal to another account: FAQ of the Website informs you can enter a bank account where you want to withdraw. Therefore, it is also possible to withdraw to another bank account than the one you deposited from. This is useful in case your primary bank account is closed or has been blocked for use.
Disadvantage
  • Travel to Germany required: For verifying the identity of the person, it unfortunately only allows PostIdent. Therefore, you will have to be physically come to Germany and go to a German Post office with your passport and the forms to complete the application. This however can be done during a holiday trip to Germany and you do not have to live in Germany.

For more information about Consors Tagesgeldkonto

 2. Comdirect – Tagesgeld PLUS-Konto

One of the best online banks in Germany, Comdirect Bank is the Internet bank subsidiary of Commerzbank.

When applying on their website, if you entered a country other than Germany, Austria or Switzerland, the users gets a notice informing them to download a form and fill it up (see below).

Comdirect - nonresident
Comdirect – NonResident (Instructions)

The translation of the notice reads “If you live abroad more than 180 days per year, please use the account opening form for non-residents in the Documentation center.”

Click on the link for non-residents application forms (Für Personen, die nicht länger als 180 Tage in Deutschland leben). From the form, select “Tagesgeld PLUS”. A pop-up list appears as shown below.

Comdirect - nonresident Form
ComDirect – Nonresident Tagesgeld Plus

From the list, select the appropriate form (single or joint account), download it and fill it up. Once you fill it up, you can approach a Notary in your country who will then check the information in your form and your identity and sign them to verify it.

Advantages
  • Not required to travel to Germany: Verification of identity is possible using a Notary in your home country. He would check your identity and the forms and sign on the completed application form. Please note however that the since the form is in German, it is possible that the Notary may have issues. In such a case, you can still use the PostIdent method.
Disadvantages
  • Low interest rates : Currently, it offers only 0.25% interest rate on deposits made on the account

Summary

Though it is difficult and not a lot of options are available, it is still possible to open a German bank account by a nonresident. If you are travelling to Germany in the near future, then it might be a good idea option to try all the above possibilities.

Another possible strategy could be to first open a tagesgeldkonto, wait for a few months (say 6 months) then try to open a girokonto after that. This way it makes it possible to start a credit history with the bank and possible to open a bank account in the future.

Finally as a disclaimer, please be warned that they might not work for everyone. This article is only for your information to help those who look to open a German bank account, the website accepts no liability and the information might change. So please try it out and let me know if it worked for you. I would be happy to hear your input and update the article.

38 thoughts on “German bank accounts for non-residents”

  1. Very helpfull! Aber ab 2016 MUESSEN alle Banken innerhjalb der EU es erlauben das wir EU Burger unser Konten frei waehlen , id est wo wir es wollen ohne Rucksicht auf Nationalitaet…

    Reply
    • Not sure about when that is implemented. However, it will still only apply to EU citizens, and not others. So there will still be a need for this as there are many who are non-EU citizen and live abroad.

      Reply
  2. Where did you get the info that Number26 bank “will soon open applications also for residents of other countries”?

    On their website it says explicitly: “In order to open a NUMBER26 account, you must be at least 18 years old and reside in Germany or Austria.” — with no mention of the bright future for non-residents.

    Reply
    • Hi Stjepan,

      If you looked further in this website, in particular about the number26, you would have got the source. Let me point you to the link (https://number26.de/en/support/countries-number26-available/ ).

      Let me quote the relevant text also,

      Depending on customer demand, we will expand to more European countries throughout the next year.

      Also, if you went to their website to register, you can see that they even allow you to register your email if you are from other countries (the flag). The email you will receive from Number26 will also say this information.

      Please feel free to use this free information the way you like. If you are not convinced, then continue your search for a better solution and update here if possible. Although I try to keep the information as accurate as possible and often updated, please note that this is free information. So, if you would like to point out any discrepancy or need more information, please do so in a nice way. Thank you.

      Reply
  3. So lets get this clear right now if you live and work lets say in the UK and want to open a bank account in Germany you can or you cant? in one part you say you can then you say if you don’t have a credit profile then you cant? your help would be most grateful.

    Reply
    • Hi Payam, as mentioned in the post and as you can understand, the financial institution makes the final decision on whether they would like to have you as a client. The posts lists reasons (e.g., no credit history, no local address) why the financial institution may refuse to do service with you. And the post also lists possible ways you can convince them to do service with you. After all banks make their money only if they have more clients, and as long as you are able to convince them that you are not less of a liability than an asset, they will want you. As you can see, the post lists ways where you can build your credit history (i.e, by opening a deposit account). Sometimes if you can prove that you will be getting regular income into your account, like a rental income from property in Germany, it should convince them. Remember, even a newcomer in Germany does not have a credit profile, but that does not mean he cannot open an account.

      So, let me answer your question this way. Has someone who lives and works in UK been able to open a bank account in Germany? Yes. Do I know if everyone can? No.

      Reply
  4. Thanks for sharing. I have a follow up question–what about business/commercial bank accounts of foreign companies? I am in the USA and would like a german bank to process our international european orders. Thank you for any help you can provide.

    Reply
    • Business accounts are more difficult to obtain especially for a US company because of FACTA regulations imposed on the German banks. The banks have to do a lot more paperwork, therefore would want to avoid that. However, if you are willing to pay a bit higher for the service, then the Big banks (Deutschebank, Commerzbank) must be able to help you with that, provided you convince them your company is worth taking the extra effort.

      Reply
  5. Hi, Just want to confirm my understanding: If you live outside the EU or US you can not open an online German bank account from abroad? I live in Egypt and so far from what I have read it seems I can not open the German bank account online from here? Appreciate your help

    Reply
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    Reply
  7. Dear Admin,

    I would like to open an account with DKB and it doesn’t have to be a credit account.A savings account would suffice as well as i am travelling to Germany.
    Number 26 is not available in my country of residence yet.So what other options do i have?
    Any help would be appreciated.

    Danke

    Reply
  8. Dear Admin

    I have a German boyfriend who lives there, thus spending most of my time there. I would like to open a German bank account against my UK residency, until such time I move there, which I will then change addresses. Can you propose an option? I would like it to have a sofort Card if possible.

    Reply
      • I just tried, and unfortunately not yet for UK residents – they say they’re going to hopefully later in 2018.
        Online application for DKB also rejected because only German speaking countries accepted that way.

        Reply
        • You mean N26 is not yet available for UK citizens? Thanks for updating. Will keep this page updated when UK is also allowed.

          Reply
  9. Dear Admin

    I am a Suadi Arabia citizen and work as a staff member at Saudi University, and I want to open a current bank account in Germany, I live in Saudi Arabia. how can I open this account and what documents do I need. I will visit the bank in Germany in person.
    Thanks

    Reply
  10. I’m Canadian and I will spent a semester in Germany (student exchange). I’m french too but non resident of European Union. I’d like to know if I would be able to open an account in Germany. I saw N26 and I’m very interested in it. Could you please send me an option? Thanks.

    Reply
  11. Hi there,

    Thank you for this wealth of information, this is really useful for me.

    I’m looking for a bank account in Germany that includes VISA debit card (not credit). I found many banks that offer this such as DKB and Consorsbank but they require German residency.

    I’m from The Netherlands and I live close to the border and I also visit Berlin at least twice a year so I can visit a branch but I need a bank that accepts foreign customers and offers a VISA card.

    I found out that Postbank offers a VISA creditcard but do they offer a VISA debit as well? And do they accept foreign customers if you visit a branch? Or are there any other options?

    Thanks again!

    Reply
  12. i am british national residing in India. I will receive rental income in Germany starting next month. Which banks have option to open Girokonto from abroad, without me coming to germany. Help appreciated !
    From your article, it seems only comdirect has the option right now. Any other banks ?

    cheers

    Reply
  13. It’s hard to search out educated folks on this subject, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

    Reply
  14. British national in UK. I’ve been on the N26 waiting list for some time. They emailed 2 days ago, saying coming soon, and a request to do survey questionnaire and sign up to community to be sent more info later. No email confirmation after I did this.

    Reply
  15. Hello, thanks for the great summary! Do you happen to have a list of German banks that support Apple Pay? And also, which banks offer an English online banking or at least customer support in English?

    Reply
  16. Hi, I have been trying to set up a German bank account with N26 from the UK but their support staff tell me categorically it cannot be done. If I set up an account from the UK it will be in Sterling and not Euros. Apparently it is all to do with the geo-location of the iPhone. It knows you are in the UK so it says you must want a UK bank account 🙁

    So you may want to revise your advice

    Reply
  17. I lived in Germany briefly a few years ago and opened an account at comdirect (a Girokonto and a Tagesgeld PLUS-Konto) which I have found very convenient and hassle-free over the years, even after returning to the US. But today they sent me a letter announcing, without further explanation, that they are closing my account. No idea why! Any thoughts?

    Btw, I recently filled out their Auslander form and IRS W-9, which they thanked me for. This follow-up unexplained closure was a nasty surprise after that cordial exchange.

    Reply
    • My wife became a naturalized US citizen. After showing her US passport to prove ownership of her UBS account in Switzerland the bank closed her account and she left the bank with a plastic bag full of money which she stashed at her family’s home there. I understand the reaction of the Swiss bank reading the news about the US authorities. . .

      Reply
  18. I also just received a letter from Comdirect canceling my accounts. I contacted them and they are unwilling to explain, saying only that they are permitted to cancel without giving the reason.

    A shame because it was a PITA to open the account, and expense will be incurred transferring funds back to USA (need to convert to usd)

    Anyone aware of other viable options to hold euros and not incur fees?

    Reply
  19. I am Romanian Citizen with Residence in Saudi Arabia and working place as well. I want to open a join saving account in Germany and I can travel in Germany. Please advise. Thanks

    Reply
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    Reply
  21. I am a German citizen and live in the US. For questions of inheritance I tried to open a checking account with comdirect and was refused with the explanation that I need to live within EU boundaries.

    Reply
  22. Is it possible to open German Bank account to apple for Loan.

    I’m leaving in Ireland(I’m resident for many years) and I would like to open German Bank account just to get Loan and only because there are much better lower rates in Germany then here?

    I have N26 bank account that I open from Ireland I did ask N26 support to change my account to be German “based” but I was told that I have to be in Germany to do that plus it looks like i have to have German address?

    With N26 I already technically have German account because IBAN is actually Germany anyway.

    Is anyone here had experience with any German bank from Start to Finish that was able to open account and apply for loan being at home( my example I’m leaving in Ireland) successfully without German address ?

    Reply
    • Check the page for loans for more information. It is possible, but you might have two issues
      1. credit score in Germany for a loan. You need to provide a good income history.
      2. For a home mortgage, the bank prefers the asset to be in Germany as collateral against default so they dont have to worry about enforcing it in another country.

      Reply
  23. Hello,
    I am a non EU resident, wants to open an account in Germany, for I expect a check in my favor to get from a bank in California, and they need an account in my name to send to, Is there a way to deal with such stand in Germany? if so, what is the best bank one can deal with? Maybe Comdirect or DKB? Though have been abroad a lot for short times, never thought to open a permanent account.
    Best Regards
    Sincerely Yours
    A. Younis

    Reply
  24. Hi,

    I am an EU citizen (Greek) who lived in Germany for 3.5 years and have a N26 account. I have now moved to The UK, a non-EU country nowadays, so I am not a tax resident in Germany anymore. Do I have to close my N26 account or can I keep it open with my UK postal address? Anyone faced the same situation?

    Reply

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