How to open a bank account in Germany for British expats

Planning to study or work in Germany as a UK citizen? Perhaps you’re starting a business there, or just visiting relatives for an extended stay.

Whatever your plans, you might find it useful to open a bank account there. It isn’t essential, but a German bank account could help you to pay bills and get paid if you’re working.

But can a foreigner open a bank account in Germany, and how easy or difficult is it to do?

In this essential guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about opening a German bank account.

We’ll also show you a smart alternative to a bank account from money services provider Wise - the Wise account, which lets you manage your money in 40+ currencies in Germany, the UK and worldwide.

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**Moving to Germany and want to take your savings with you? *With Wise, you can send secure and trackable large amount transfers to Germany and 140+ countries worldwide for low fees and mid-market exchange rates.

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How to open a German bank account as a non-resident

If you’ve just moved to Germany, you may need to visit a bank in person with your documents - or apply online if the bank offers this option.

You’ll usually need to provide proof of residence, including a local address in Germany - for this, you’ll usually be asked for your registration certificate (Anmeldung).

This can make it a little difficult to apply for a *girokonto *(current account) if you’ve not yet arrived, and are trying to set things up from abroad.

However, some digital banks such as DKB Bank offer the option to open an account, upload documents and verify ID all via its mobile app.¹

You’ll just need to check whether this option is available for foreign nationals and/or people applying to open a German bank account from the UK or other foreign country.

As a foreign national, and particularly if you haven’t got your *Anmeldung *yet, you might find it easier to visit a bank branch in person.

Hopefully, there’ll be an English-speaking customer service representative on hand to help guide you through the process. You’ll also be able to verify your identity in person, without needing to go through the ‘PostIdent’ verification process.²

If you want to avoid the queues, it’s recommended to make an appointment at your chosen bank in advance.

📚 Opening a European bank account

Do you need a bank account in Germany?

It isn’t absolutely crucial to have a German bank account in order to move there. It is possible to manage without one, and you can always make use of multi-currency solutions such as the Wise account to send, spend and receive money.

However, you could find that not having any kind of local or international account creates a few headaches when it comes to managing your money in Germany.

After all, a bank account can be useful for things like paying rent and bills, getting your salary paid, signing up for a mobile phone contract and many other everyday transactions.

And if you’re planning to start a business in Germany, you’ll definitely need a local business bank account.

Can you use your UK bank account in Germany?

It might save some hassle to simply keep using your UK bank account while living in Germany, but is it actually possible? Well, it all depends on who you bank with.

Since the UK left the European Union in 2020, major UK banks such as Barclays announced that it would be closing the accounts of British people living overseas in Europe.³ This was to do with the change in regulations, which required banks to have separate authorisation in every EEA country they operate in.

There are exceptions to this, however. For example, you can keep your UK account if you’re only living in Germany for less than 6 months and plan to move back, or if you’re a UK Crown employee.³

And not all banks are affected by the change in regulations after Brexit. Some international banks such as Santander say they will continue to service accounts when the holder moves abroad. However, you will need to be a UK resident to open a new account.⁴

Another thing to bear in mind is the currency. If you’re using a UK bank account, it’ll likely be denominated in GBP. You’ll be spending in EUR while in Germany, so you could lose out when it comes to currency exchange.

📚 Keeping UK bank account abroad

Can you open a bank account in Germany as a British expat?

You shouldn’t experience any problems opening a bank account in Germany as a foreign national, as long as you have the right paperwork. The country is welcoming to new arrivals, which is one of the reasons it’s such a good country to move to.

However, you might find it more difficult as a British expat compared to the process for EU citizens.

As a non-EU national, you’ll need to provide proof of a German address, your ID and a valid visa and/or residence permit. Some banks are less expat-friendly than others, and may turn you down for an account if you can’t show evidence of a financial history in Germany.³

Can you open a bank account online in Germany as a non-resident?

It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to open a bank account online if you’re not yet living in Germany. This is because most banks require evidence of a residence permit, plus that all-important proof of a German address.

So, you may need to wait until you’ve moved to Germany to open your new account.

Can you open an account as an international student?

The process for opening a bank account if you’re studying in Germany is much the same as for travellers and expats.

Ideally, you should look for banks which offer dedicated student accounts. For example, Deutsche Bank has a Das Junge Konto for students, trainees and school pupils. These accounts will often offer fee-free banking, along with other student-friendly perks and features.

To apply for one of these student accounts, you’ll usually need a valid ID and proof of your student status.

What documents do you need to open a German bank account?

Now for the paperwork you’ll need to apply for your new German bank account. The list of requirements may vary from bank to bank, but generally you’ll need the following:²

• Proof of ID, such as your valid UK passport
• A valid visa or residence permit
• Proof of your address/registration (Anmeldung)
• Evidence of income/employment (if required banks, may depend on the account you want to open)
• SCHUFA credit rating (some banks may ask for this).
• Proof of your student status, if you’re applying for a student account.

Proof of ID

Your UK passport is the best form of photo ID you can provide, and it’ll be accepted as proof of identification by all banks.

Visa/residence permit

Alongside your ID, you’ll also need to provide evidence of your visa or work permit. You may also find it difficult (although not impossible) to open a bank account in Germany without a residence permit.

*Anmeldung *- proof of address/registration

The *Anmeldung *document is a registration certificate which proves you live at a certain address. There’s also a different document called a Meldebescheinigung, which proves you still live at the same address.

You only get the *Anmeldung *once, whereas you can request a new *Meldebescheinigung *any time. You can get the documentation you need by applying at your local *Bürgeramt *(citizen’s office).⁵

Evidence of income/employment

Not every bank will require this, but some may ask to see proof of your annual/monthly income and employment details. You’ll need to check with the bank to find out what specifically they will accept, but the following should be sufficient:

• Recent bank statements
• Pay slips
• A letter from your employer.

SCHUFA credit rating

The SCHUFA in Germany is a credit score, used by banks and lenders to assess the creditworthiness of applicants.⁶
As a foreign national, you’ll only be able to get this if you’ve been living in Germany for a while already and have had a German bank account before. If so, you can apply for and download it online for a fee.

For newcomers, you might need to provide some other proof of your financial reliability. For example, an official letter from your current bank in the UK.⁶

Proof of student status

If you’re opening a student account, you’re likely to be asked for some proof of your student status. For example, an unconditional acceptance letter from your college or university.

Best bank accounts for expats in Germany

The banking sector in Germany is known for being well-organised and efficient, so you should find the process of opening an account relatively quick and easy.

But watch out for banks that aren’t too hot on providing services, support and information for non-German speakers, as this can make applying and everyday banking difficult.

The different types of bank accounts available include Girokonto (current accounts), Sparkonto (savings accounts) and digital or mobile-only accounts.

There are many German banks to choose from but the most popular ones are:

Deutsche Bank

One of the biggest international banks in the world, and one of Germany’s most famous, Deutsche Bank offers a choice of Girokonto.

These include its standard AktivKonto and BestKonto premium account, which comes with a Mastercard Gold credit card among other perks. There’s also the Das Junge Konto for students.

One major drawback though is that its website is in German, which could make everyday banking tricky. There is a microsite for English-speaking customers which outlines the range of current accounts available, but the application process is in German. There is also an English-speaking customer service phone line you can contact.

Commerzbank

Commerzbank has a choice of current accounts to suit all kinds of customers. These include its popular standard current account, along with a Klassik account and Premium account - both offering extra perks and services in exchange for a higher monthly fee.

Commerzbank is a great choice for non-German speakers, as it has an English version of its website. There’s also a 24hr phone line for advice and making an appointment.⁷

HypoVereinsbank

Part of one of the leading banking groups in Europe, HypoVereinsbank offers a range of girokonto accounts.

These include HVB AktivKonto and HVB PlusKonto, and the premium HVB Exclusive Account. This comes with extra perks in exchange for a higher monthly fee, but it’s free for 2 years if you sign up to the bank’s HVB valyou benefits program.⁸

In good news for new arrivals, HVB says that all you need to open an account is an official photo ID, a valid email address and a mobile phone number. It doesn’t mention needing proof of address/registration, although this may still be required later in the application process.⁸

Like Deutsche Bank though, HypoVereinsbank’s website is in German, which isn’t ideal.

Postbank

Postbank has a free online-only current account, along with Das flexible Konto and Das Komfort-Konto - accounts which offer an increasing level of features and benefits in exchange for a monthly fee.

If you’re under 22, you can open a Postbank Das junge Konto account for free – this is a good option for undergraduate students.⁹

Other banks and alternatives worth looking into

If you don’t have a German address yet, or you need an account fast, it’s worth checking out these neobanks:

• N26 - a mobile bank with no physical branches, offering a digital account, app and cards.
• Revolut - an all-in-one finance app with a debit card and banking services.
• Bunq - a mobile-first bank licensed in the Netherlands offering personal and business accounts.
• Vivid Money - a German mobile banking platform available across the EU. It offers accounts and cards for personal and business customers.

Other alternatives worth looking into are providers like Wise and Monese, which don’t have banking licences in Germany but offer many of the same features as a bank account. This includes sending and receiving money internationally.

What are the banking fees and costs in Germany?

Just like in the UK, there are some fees and costs to look out for when banking in Germany.

These vary between banks, and you should check the small print before signing up for an account. But here’s a roundup of what to expect:

Transaction/fee type	Typical fee
Current account - monthly fee	€09 to €13.9010 a month No fee for some accounts, if you meet minimum monthly deposit
ATM cash withdrawal	Usually free at ATMs owned by your bank
Getting a debit card	Usually free
Domestic payments (i.e. within Germany)	Usually free
International payments (i.e. to the UK from Germany)	- Free SEPA transfers (EUR) within the EU - Around 1.5% + extra fees for other international transfers10

Can you get a free bank account in Germany?

It is possible to get a bank account in Germany without paying any monthly fees. Some banks offer fee-free accounts for students, or basic bank accounts with limited services and no monthly charge.

The account fee may also be waived if you meet certain conditions. For example, there is no monthly fee with the Postbank Giro extra plus account if you pay in at least €3,000 EUR a month.⁹

Wise – An international alternative to a bank account

Need to manage your money in multiple currencies or send transfers back home to the UK? There are alternatives to using a bank, such as Wise.

Open a Wise account and you’ll only pay a small, transparent fee* to send money in 40+ currencies (including EUR and GBP).

Better still, you’ll get the mid-market exchange rate for every foreign currency transaction and your transfers are always secure and trackable.

Here are the main benefits for using Wise:

• Fast and easy setup with no physical paperwork
• Low, upfront, transparent fees*
• Fully trackable transfers
• Fast transfer times
• Two-factor authentication and real-time notifications
• Dedicated support for large transfers

You can also get a Wise card for a one-time fee of just £7 and use it to spend in Germany and 150+ countries worldwide. There are no hidden fees, and you can even connect your Wise card to Google Pay or Apple Pay.

Importantly, you can open a Wise account in advance of your move to Germany. This means you’re not left without a payment method while you’re waiting for your new bank account to be opened.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

For more help settling into your new life in Germany, read our handy guides:

• Moving to Germany from the UK
• Buying and financing property abroad
• Cost of living in Germany
• Expat wealth management
• Payment methods in Germany

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Sources used:

1. DKB - DKB Bank verification
2. Expatica - documents needed to open a German bank account
3. Barclays - Living outside the UK
4. Santander - Brexit and Santander
5. All About Berlin - how to register your address in Berlin
6. Hallo Germany - Schufa
7. Commerzbank - Commerzbank products
8. HypoVereinsbank - current accounts
9. Postbank - current accounts
10. Deutsche Bank - fees

Sources last checked on date: 18-Aug-2025