Bank Account Checklist
What you need to open a bank account in Germany. Documents and requirements explained per bank. Free, no signup required.
Opening a Bank Account in Germany — What You Actually Need
A Girokonto (current account) is essential in Germany: salary, rent, health insurance, broadcasting fee — almost everything runs via direct debit or bank transfer. Since 2016, every person with lawful residence in the EU has a legal right to a basic account (§ 31 ZKG — Zahlungskontengesetz, Payment Accounts Act). Our Bank Account Checklist shows you what to bring for each bank.
The Basic Account (§§ 30–44 ZKG)
The Basiskonto is a universal account: every bank offering payment accounts must provide one. It cannot be refused except for serious criminal offenses (money laundering) or if you already hold an account at another bank.
- Eligible: All persons with lawful residence in the EU, including asylum seekers and tolerated persons (§ 31 para. 1 ZKG).
- Features: Deposits/withdrawals, transfers, direct debits, card payments (debit card). No overdraft.
- Costs: Maximum "reasonable fee" — BaFin monitors pricing. In practice EUR 3–9/month.
- Refusal: Must be justified in writing. Complaint to BaFin or consumer advice center possible.
Documents for Account Opening
- Identity proof: Passport or national ID card. For asylum seekers: arrival certificate (§ 63a AsylG) + BÜMA or Aufenthaltsgestattung.
- Registration certificate: Meldebescheinigung from the residents' registration office (max. 3 months old). Some banks also accept a rental contract.
- Tax ID: The 11-digit Steueridentifikationsnummer is sent automatically after registration (2–4 weeks). Not strictly required at account opening.
- Residence permit: Copy of Aufenthaltserlaubnis, Blue Card, or Niederlassungserlaubnis.
Types of Banks in Germany
- Sparkassen: Public savings banks, nationwide coverage. Account opening in-branch only. Ideal for persons without a fixed address (municipal obligation).
- Volksbanken/Raiffeisenbanken: Cooperative banks. Similar to Sparkassen, sometimes require a cooperative share (EUR 5–50).
- Major banks (Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, HypoVereinsbank):Branches in major cities. English-language service often available.
- Direct banks (ING, DKB, N26, Comdirect):Online only. Account opening via video identification (passport required). Often free, but strict identity verification.
- Smartphone banks (N26, Vivid, Tomorrow):App-based. Quick opening, but limited acceptance for government direct debits.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Rejection due to missing registration certificate → Demand a Basiskonto under § 31 ZKG
- Video-Ident fails with your document → Visit a branch or use PostIdent
- Negative SCHUFA check → Basiskonto is SCHUFA-independent
- Bank demands minimum monthly deposit → Not permissible for Basiskonto
What Our Checklist Provides
- Document checklist per bank (Sparkasse, Volksbank, direct bank, etc.)
- Comparison: costs, features, languages
- Special notes for refugees and tolerated persons
- IBAN explanation and SEPA basics