Yes, but most German banks will not do it remotely
You can open a German bank account from the US, but the process is slower and more restricted than opening one in person. Most German banks require you to be physically present to verify your identity, or they require you to use a video call with a notary or bank representative. A few banks and fintech companies offer remote opening, but they typically charge monthly fees and have stricter limits on what you can do with the account.
The main barrier is identity verification. German banking law requires banks to confirm who you are before opening an account — this is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. In the US, banks can verify you through video, documents, or in-person visits. German banks are more cautious with remote verification for non-residents, so many straightforward require you to visit a branch or use a video notary service.
Key Takeaways
- German banks that serve US residents include N26, Wise (formerly TransferWise), and Revolut, though these are fintech accounts with monthly fees and spending limits, not traditional bank accounts.
- Traditional German banks like Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank require you to visit a branch in Germany or use a video notary service to open an account remotely.
- You will need a German tax identification number (Steueridentifikationsnummer) or a German address to open most accounts, even if you are a US resident.
- Remote accounts opened from the US typically come with monthly maintenance fees between €5 and €15 and lower transaction limits than accounts opened in person.
- If you plan to move to Germany, waiting to open an account in person at a branch is usually faster and cheaper than opening remotely from the US.
What German banks actually accept from the US
The banks most willing to open accounts for US residents remotely are fintech companies, not traditional banks. N26 (a Berlin-based digital bank) accepts US residents and opens accounts through a mobile app, though you must verify your identity using a video call. Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers a borderless account that works for US residents, primarily designed for international transfers rather than everyday banking. Revolut also serves US customers, though it operates more as a payment app than a full bank account.
These accounts are not the same as a traditional German bank account. They do not come with a German IBAN that every German business expects — or they do, but with restrictions. They charge monthly fees (usually €5 to €15), limit how much you can transfer or spend per month, and do not offer the full range of services a traditional bank does, like overdraft protection or credit products.
Traditional German banks like Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and Sparkasse (the largest savings bank network) rarely open accounts for non-residents remotely. If you contact them, they will ask you to either visit a branch in Germany or use a video notary service, which costs money and requires scheduling.
The video notary route for traditional banks
If you want a real German bank account and cannot travel to Germany, some banks will let you open one through a video notary. This is a licensed notary who verifies your identity on a video call while you hold up your passport or driver's license. The notary then sends a signed verification to the bank.
This process costs between €50 and €150 for the notary service alone, on top of any account opening fees the bank charges. It takes one to two weeks because the notary has to schedule the call, conduct it, and send the paperwork to the bank. Some banks accept this; others do not. You have to call the specific bank's international customer service line to ask whether they will accept a notarized video verification from a US resident.
Even if the bank accepts the notary verification, you still need a German address or a German tax ID number. If you do not have either, the bank may ask you to provide one before they finish opening the account. Some banks will accept a temporary address (like a friend's or a business address in Germany), but this varies.
Documents and information you will need
Regardless of which route you take, have these documents ready before you start:
- A valid passport or government-issued ID (driver's license works for some banks)
- Proof of your US address (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
- A German address, or the name and address of someone in Germany who can receive mail on your behalf
- Your Social Security Number or US tax ID
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or a letter from your employer) — some banks ask for this, others do not
If you are opening the account through a fintech app like N26, the process is simpler: you upload a photo of your ID and take a selfie, and the app verifies you through facial recognition. If you are using a video notary or visiting a branch, bring originals or certified copies of documents, not just photos.
Why a German address matters
Most German banks will not open an account without a German address. This is partly for regulatory reasons — German tax law requires banks to know where their customers live — and partly practical, because banks send statements and cards by mail.
If you do not have a German address, you have a few options. You can ask a friend or family member in Germany if you can use their address temporarily. You can rent a mailbox service in Germany (companies like Mailbox.de offer this for €10 to €20 per month). Or you can wait until you move to Germany and open the account in person at a branch.
Some fintech accounts like N26 are more flexible and may let you use a US address initially, but they will eventually ask you to provide a German address if you want to keep the account active. Read the terms carefully before signing up.
Timeline and costs for opening remotely
The speed and cost depend on which route you choose. Here is what to expect:
| Route | Timeline | Cost | Account Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fintech app (N26, Wise, Revolut) | 1 to 3 days | €5–€15/month | Digital account, limited services |
| Video notary with traditional bank | 2 to 4 weeks | €50–€150 notary + bank fees | Full bank account |
| In-person at German branch | Same day | Usually free or €5–€10/month | Full bank account |
If you are moving to Germany soon, opening in person is almost always the cheapest and fastest option. If you need an account now and do not plan to move, a fintech account is the most practical choice, even though it costs more per month.
What you cannot do with a remote account
Remote accounts opened from the US have real limitations. You usually cannot:
- Receive a physical debit card (some fintech accounts offer this, but it takes weeks and costs extra)
- Set up a German standing order (automatic recurring payment) for rent or utilities
- Overdraft or borrow money
- Transfer more than a certain amount per month (limits vary by bank and account type)
- Use the account for business purposes
These restrictions exist because the bank cannot verify your identity as thoroughly as it can in person, and because US banking regulations make it harder for German banks to serve US customers. If you need any of these features, you will have to open the account in person once you arrive in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a German tax ID to open an account from the US?
Most traditional banks require one, but fintech apps usually do not. If you do not have a German tax ID yet, you can request one from the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (German Federal Tax Office) online, though the process takes several weeks. Some banks will let you open an account with just your US Social Security Number and assign you a temporary German tax ID later.
Can I open a German bank account if I am a US citizen living abroad?
Yes, the process is the same whether you are in the US or another country. You still need to verify your identity and provide a German address. Fintech apps are usually faster for people living outside Germany.
What happens to my account if I move back to the US?
Most German banks will close your account if you move away permanently and no longer have a German address. Some fintech accounts are more flexible and let you keep the account as long as you do not live in certain countries. Check the terms before opening.
Is it cheaper to open a German account or use a US bank's international service?
It depends on what you need. A German account costs €5 to €15 per month but gives you a local IBAN and lower transfer fees within Europe. A US bank's international service is often free but charges high fees for transfers and currency conversion. If you plan to receive money in Germany regularly, a German account usually saves money.
Can I open a business account in Germany from the US?
Not remotely. German business accounts require in-person verification and proof of business registration. You will need to visit a branch in Germany or hire a German accountant to help you set one up.