Banking & Finance
Opening a bank account in Germany is one of your first tasks after landing. The process varies depending on your visa type.
Banking Overview in Germany
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Currency | euro (EUR) € |
| Bank Account for Foreigners | May be possible — confirm with the bank |
| Access Difficulty | Medium |
| Remote Opening | No |
| Wise Available | No |
| N26 Available | No |
Opening a Bank Account in Germany
Foreign nationals may be able to open a bank account in Germany, but we have not independently verified this — confirm the current rules directly with the bank, in writing, before you rely on it. The process difficulty is rated as medium, which means you should expect some bureaucracy and possibly language barriers.
Required Documents
- Valid passport or national ID
- Proof of address / residence registration
- Residence permit (if applicable)
- Tax identification number (if available)
- Initial deposit (amount varies by bank)
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Banks in Germany — remote & non-resident opening
Named banks operating in Germany, and what our automated research found about non-resident remote account opening (no branch visit required). This has not been verified by a human reviewer — use it as a starting point and confirm directly with the bank.
| Bank | Remote opening | Confidence | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commerzbank | May require an in-person visit — confirm with the bank directly | Medium | VideoIdent remote verification but requires German address/residence; not for non-residents abroad. |
| Deutsche Bank | May require an in-person visit — confirm with the bank directly | Medium | VideoIdent possible but needs German address and residence permit; not non-resident remote. |
| DZ Bank | May require an in-person visit — confirm with the bank directly | High | Central cooperative/wholesale bank; no retail onboarding, handled by local Volksbanken. |
| Landesbank Baden-Württemberg | May require an in-person visit — confirm with the bank directly | Medium | Wholesale/regional bank; retail via BW-Bank branches; no remote non-resident onboarding. |
Last checked 2026-06-21 · Source: official bank websites, gathered via automated research that has not been reviewed by our founder — treat every row as a lead, not a verified fact, and confirm directly with the bank before you rely on it. Research confidence: High = clear supporting evidence found · Medium = partial or indirect evidence · Low = weak or conflicting evidence · Unrated = no confidence assessment recorded (unreviewed automated research).
Digital Banking Options
Wise (TransferWise)
Wise has limited availability in Germany. While you may be able to send money to Germany, full local account features may not be available. Check their website for the latest on Germany-specific services.
N26
We have no record of N26 operating in Germany — check N26's own country list, as their coverage changes. You may need to consider local digital bank alternatives or traditional banks.
International Transfers
When transferring money to or from Germany, consider these factors:
- Exchange rate: The currency is EUR. Always compare the offered rate with the mid-market rate.
- Transfer fees: Transfer fees vary — compare providers like Wise for the best rates.
- Transfer speed: Bank-to-bank (SWIFT) transfers take 2-5 business days. Digital services often complete within 1-2 days.
- Regular transfers: If sending money home regularly, set up a recurring transfer to lock in better rates.
Salary and Everyday Banking
The average salary in Germany is approximately €4,320 per month. Your employer will typically require a local bank account for salary deposits. Most banks offer:
- Debit card (Visa or Mastercard)
- Online banking portal and mobile app
- Direct debit setup for rent and utilities
- ATM withdrawals (check fee policies)
Tips for Expats
- Understand tax reporting: Bank interest may be taxable. Ask your bank about withholding tax and whether they report to foreign tax authorities.
- Open your account early: Visit a bank branch within your first week. Having a local account speeds up everything from rent to mobile contracts.
- Use a multi-currency card: A multi-currency travel card (Wise, Revolut) saves you exchange fees during the transition period.
- Get a local phone number first: Most banks require a local mobile number for SMS verification. Set this up before visiting the branch.
- Keep your home bank account: Maintain an account in your home country for at least the first year, in case you need to transfer funds back.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account in Germany as a foreigner?
Yes, foreigners can open bank accounts in Germany. The difficulty level is rated as medium. N26 fully digital. DKB also good. Cash culture strong. You will typically need your passport, proof of address (registration), and sometimes a residence permit.
Does Wise (TransferWise) work in Germany?
Wise has limited functionality in Germany. You may need to rely on traditional banks for transfers.
Can I open a bank account remotely before moving to Germany?
Remote account opening is generally not available in Germany. You will likely need to visit a branch in person with your documents.
What is the local currency in Germany?
The local currency in Germany is euro (EUR), represented by the symbol €. Most payments can be made by card, though cash may still be important in some contexts.
What are the best banks for expats in Germany?
For expats in Germany, options depend on your needs. N26 fully digital. DKB also good. Cash culture strong. We recommend comparing traditional banks with digital alternatives based on your transaction patterns and whether you need international transfers.
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About the author
António Mira is the founder of whereTOemigrate. For over a decade he has worked at the intersection of Portuguese real estate and overseas business, helping international clients navigate the cross-border decisions that come with relocating. He sits on the board of CCIAP (Portuguese-Arab Chamber of Commerce), the Portuguese-Saudi Business Council, and the Portugal-Hong Kong Business Association — always with one focus: enabling overseas business and human mobility into and out of Portugal.
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