Your First Bank Account After Moving to Germany

1. What you need

Banks must verify identity and tax-residency details. Common requests include a passport or identity card, address evidence and sometimes a residence document, tax number, proof of income or enrolment. The exact list and accepted branch, post, video or eID method depend on the bank and product.

The order can be awkward because some providers want registered-address evidence. Check accepted documents before applying and use the full banking guide to compare accounts that fit your actual arrival status.

2. Branch bank or online bank

Direct and app-focused banks may offer fast digital onboarding, while branch banks give you face-to-face support and may make cash services easier. Neither category is automatically cheaper or better: compare the actual account conditions and the services you will use.

Examples you may encounter include local Sparkassen, Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank for branch access; ING and DKB as direct banks; and N26 as an app-focused bank. These are examples, not recommendations, and products and eligibility can change.

Check whether the debit card is a Girocard or an international debit card. Some German shops, particularly smaller ones, still handle Girocard more reliably.

3. The Basiskonto safety net

Consumers lawfully resident in the EU generally have a right to a Basiskonto when the statutory conditions are met and they do not already have a usable payment account in Germany. The law also covers specified additional groups. Check the official eligibility and refusal grounds for your own case.

A Basiskonto provides core payments, transfers, withdrawals and a debit card, but it is not automatically free and the provider does not have to grant an overdraft or credit card.