How Do I Open a German Bank Account as an Expat? (2023)

FAQs

How can an expat open a bank account in Germany? ›

Commerzbank

For the third year in a row, it was voted the best branch bank in 2020. It is a private bank and part of the Cash Group (Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, HypoVereinsbank & Postbank). In the past years, Commerzbank has invested heavily to keep up with current trends and to also appeal to foreigners.

Yes, foreigners can open German bank accounts. However, you'll often be asked for a German proof of address, or at the very least an address from another Eurozone or EEA country. If you're still based in the US a flexible multi-currency account from a specialist provider like Wise or Revolut may be a better option.

Although it is theoretically possible for anyone to open a business account with any bank, non-German citizens who don't reside in Germany can usually only open accounts with so-called direct banks (Direktbanken).

To open a bank account, you usually require the following documents: a valid passport, a residence permit, a certificate of registration, and a wage statement (depending on the type of account).

It's possible to open a bank account in Europe for many US citizens. However, providers, such as Wise offer multi-currency accounts in several different European currencies. You can also get a card that lets you spend like a local in over 170 countries.

If you speak German, look at DKB and ING. People often recommend them. If no banks accept your passport, try Deutsche Bank. Online banks like bunq, Monese, Revolut and Wise also accept more passport types.

Can I set up a German bank account online? ›

You can even open an online account before arriving in Germany, although you'll need to verify your address before receiving your debit card.

And, while it is absolutely legal to own a foreign bank account, there are some additional reporting and tax requirements that US persons should be aware of so that they can remain in IRS tax and reporting compliance and avoid unnecessary fines and penalties.

Avoid Trying to Cash a US Personal Check in Germany

Even though written personal checks are becoming increasingly rare in the US, if you want to cash one at a German bank, it can be almost impossible. The German banking system is simply not geared to deal with a check drawn on a US bank.

We offer our accounts in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France (not available for residents in the DOM/TOM), Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

As a rule, anyone 18 or over with a valid passport or other form of national ID is eligible to open a European bank account. Residents of a certain country can usually apply with just their passport and proof of address. Slovenia, for example, even lets tourists open a bank account without having official residency.

These banks require a social security number, which non-citizens don't have. This is the most common problem that foreigners realize. However, larger banks such as US Bank, TD Bank, Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo will allow non-residents to set up a checking account and a savings account.

Open an online account in just 8 minutes—all you'll need is your smartphone, a valid address in Germany, and a valid photo ID. You'll get an official German IBAN, so you can pay and be paid like a local.

N26 operates with a full European banking license, which protects deposits up to €100,000, as directed under EU law. With 3D Secure and Mastercard Identity Check, as well as fingerprint and face recognition, your online payments are even better protected.

If you have no proof of where you live, you could use a temporary address. You could provide a letter from a hostel, refuge or the council. Ask the bank if they can be more flexible with their checks and try another bank if the staff aren't very helpful.

us bank Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany.

Can I use my US debit card in Germany? ›

Debit cards from any major US bank will work in any standard European bank's ATM (ideally, use a debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo). As for credit cards, Visa and MasterCard are universal, American Express is less common, and Discover is unknown in Europe.

German American is a very strong financial services provider in southern Indiana and Kentucky, specializing in banking, insurance, investments and wealth management for business and retail customers.

Cash sums totalling 10,000 or more euros on trips to and from Germany must be declared to the customs authorities. This applies to both cash and equivalent means of payment.

No, Zelle® can only be used to send funds to someone who has a bank account in the United States.

Bank Transfer

Bank transfers are usually the cheapest option when it comes to funding your international money transfer with Wise. Bank transfers can be slower than debit or credit cards, but they usually give you the best value for your money.

What is this? The good news is that, in some countries, like Lithuania, Poland and Bulgaria, you can easily open a bank account without being a resident. In some cases, all you need to provide is your passport. In other cases, you will need to provide a proof of residency from your country.

Switzerland

While privacy is fully guaranteed in Swiss bank accounts, these are also generally considered the safest possible investment due to the financially stable economic system.

The best bank in Europe is KfW in Germany, which was voted number one in the list of the 50 safest banks in Europe 2023.

What is the best way to send money from USA to Germany? ›

Many expats prefer to keep their German banking account(s) even after they have left the country. In any event, it's a good idea to keep your account at least for several months after you leave, in order to pay last-minute expenses and take care of other financial matters.

Citibank is one of the best international banks in the US for expat banking because of their very international model. It currently physically operates in 97 markets ², supporting clients from more than 160 countries, making access to their ATMs more convenient.

Overseas Mail Forwarding Services

The most convenient way to maintain a functional U.S. address while living abroad is to use a virtual mailbox service that you can activate online. This service scans, holds, and offers mail forwarding services for a few dollars per month.

To apply for a bank account in Germany, you need the following documents: Your ID card or passport. Proof of address registration or Meldebescheinigung (a registration certificate you must get within 14 days of living at your new address in Germany) German tax ID number.

Yes, eventually the IRS will find your foreign bank account. When they do, hopefully your foreign bank accounts with balances over $10,000 have been reported annually to the IRS on a FBAR “foreign bank account report” (Form 114).

Do foreign banks report to IRS? ›

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requires foreign banks to report account numbers, balances, names, addresses, and identification numbers of account holders to the IRS.

Although it is theoretically possible for anyone to open a business account with any bank, non-German citizens who don't reside in Germany can usually only open accounts with so-called direct banks (Direktbanken).

If you live in a foreign country other than Switzerland: Ask your local bank about depositing the US Treasury check. Many European banks no longer allow check deposits, they have moved past checks, so you may have trouble in those situations. When that's the case, opening a US bank account may be the best alternative.

Contacts. Bank of America, National Association Frankfurt Branch/ Filiale Frankfurt am Main is located in Frankfurt Am Main.

All you need are your passport and money for the initial deposit. You may also be asked to show proof of a German address. If you bring cash, your account is opened immediately. If you are transferring funds from your home bank, it may take some time for the amount to be credited to your account.

DKB: Foreigners can also open a bank account. Identity verification is possible at a local bank or a lawyer abroad. The lawyer or bank must complete the registration form and send it directly to the bank. The costs incurred for this are not covered by the DKB.

Is it possible to open a US bank account online as a non-resident? No. Most US banks will require non-residents to apply for an account in person. That means you have to travel to the US and walk into a bank branch to set up your account.

As a rule, anyone 18 or over with a valid passport or other form of national ID is eligible to open a European bank account. Residents of a certain country can usually apply with just their passport and proof of address. Slovenia, for example, even lets tourists open a bank account without having official residency.

It's possible to open a bank account in Europe for many US citizens. However, providers, such as Wise offer multi-currency accounts in several different European currencies. You can also get a card that lets you spend like a local in over 170 countries.

If you come from a country in the European Union, you can open your bank account with Berliner Sparkasse online in just a few steps. Enter your data into the online application form. Verify yourself in a few minutes with a valid ID card or passport via video ident on your computer, tablet or mobile phone. All done!

Which bank is best for expats? ›

ACA teamed up with the State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU) to help provide accounts for Americans residing abroad. This is the same account used by US citizens working at US embassies as well as many other people living around the world. You can reside full-time or part-time abroad and still qualify.

Yes, but you will likely need to provide extra documentation to verify your identity, place of residence, and the legal purpose of the account.

Yes. Cards issued by U.S. Bank can be used in most foreign countries for transactions.