Yes, you can open a German bank account online, but the process depends on where you live and which bank you choose
Most German banks let you open an account entirely online if you are a resident of Germany or another EU country. The account itself takes 10 to 20 minutes to set up on their website. The real time cost comes after: you will need to verify your identity, usually through a video call with the bank, and that step can take anywhere from the same day to two weeks depending on how quickly you respond and how busy the bank is.
If you live outside the EU, the process is much narrower. Some German banks will not open accounts for non-residents at all. Others will, but they require more documentation and the video verification step becomes stricter. A few banks have partnerships with specific countries and will accept residents of those countries only.
The account itself costs nothing to open. Monthly fees vary by bank and account type — some charge nothing for a basic current account, others charge €5 to €15 per month. You will need a German address to complete the process, even if it is temporary.
Key Takeaways
- German banks require video identity verification even for online account opening, which usually happens within days but can take up to two weeks.
- EU residents can open accounts at most German banks online; non-EU residents face stricter requirements and fewer bank options.
- You must provide a German address, a valid passport or ID card, and proof of address to complete the process.
- The account opening itself is free, but monthly fees range from nothing to €15 depending on the bank and account type.
- Once your identity is verified, your account is usually active within one business day and you can receive your card and online banking access within one to two weeks.
Which banks accept online account opening and where
Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, ING-DiBa, and Comdirect all accept online account opening for EU residents. N26 and Wise (formerly TransferWise) also offer online accounts and are more lenient with non-EU residents, though Wise's account is primarily for transfers rather than everyday banking.
For non-EU residents, the options narrow significantly. N26 accepts residents of the United States, Canada, Australia, and several other countries. Wise accepts more countries but again, their account is designed for international transfers, not as a primary bank account. Traditional German banks like Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank typically require non-EU residents to visit a branch in person or provide additional documentation like a German tax ID or proof of employment in Germany.
If you are moving to Germany, some employers and universities have partnerships with specific banks that streamline the process for their employees or students. Check with your employer or university first — they may have a faster route than explore directly to the bank.
What you need to provide before you start
Have these documents ready before you begin the online process: a valid passport or national ID card, proof of your current address (a utility bill, rental agreement, or official letter dated within the last three months), and your tax identification number if you have one. If you are an EU citizen, you may not need the tax ID. If you are a non-EU citizen, the bank will ask for it.
You will also need a German address. If you do not have one yet, some banks will accept a temporary address — a hotel, Airbnb, or the address of a friend or family member you are staying with. Once you have a permanent address, you can update it in your online banking portal. A few banks require you to provide the permanent address before they set up the account, so check the bank's specific rules before you explore.
Have your phone and a quiet space ready for the video verification call. The bank will ask you to show your ID document on camera and answer questions about your identity and the purpose of the account. The call usually lasts 5 to 10 minutes.
The timeline from process to first use
The online form itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. After you submit it, the bank sends you an email with next steps — usually a link to schedule your video verification call. This can happen within hours or take up to three business days, depending on the bank's queue.
The video call itself is scheduled at a time you choose, usually within the next few days. After the call, the bank verifies your documents and runs a background check. This step typically takes one to five business days. Once you pass verification, you receive a confirmation email and your account is active for online banking when ready.
Your physical debit card arrives by post within one to two weeks. Your online banking login and PIN arrive separately, also by post. Some banks send the PIN in a separate envelope for security. Until your card arrives, you can still use your account for transfers and bill payments through online banking, but you cannot withdraw cash or pay in shops.
Identity verification: what happens in the video call
The bank will ask you to show your ID document on camera — both sides, clearly. They will ask you to confirm your name, date of birth, and address. They may ask why you are opening the account (personal use, business, relocation, etc.) and whether you have any other accounts in Germany. Answer honestly; the bank is checking that you are who you say you are and that you are not opening multiple accounts to circumvent fraud detection.
The call is recorded for compliance purposes. You will be told this at the start. The bank uses the recording to prove to German financial regulators that they verified your identity correctly. If you refuse to be recorded, the bank will not open the account.
If the bank cannot verify you — for example, if your ID is damaged, your face does not match the photo, or you cannot provide a clear view of your documents — they will ask you to try again or to visit a branch in person. This is rare, but it happens. If it does, ask the bank whether you can reschedule the video call or whether you need to provide additional documents instead.
Fees and account types
Basic current accounts at most German banks are free. ING-DiBa and Comdirect charge nothing for their standard accounts. Deutsche Bank charges around €5 to €10 per month depending on the account tier. Commerzbank charges €9.99 per month for their basic account. N26 offers a free account and a paid "N26 You" account at €9.99 per month with additional features.
Beyond the monthly fee, watch for transaction costs. Most German banks include a certain number of free transfers per month. After that, transfers within Germany are usually €0.50 to €1 each. International transfers cost more — typically €5 to €15 depending on the destination country. Wise charges a percentage of the transfer amount (usually 0.5% to 2%) rather than a flat fee, which is often cheaper for large international transfers.
ATM withdrawals are usually free at your bank's own machines. Withdrawals at other banks' machines may cost €1 to €2. Some accounts include a debit card; others charge €5 to €10 per year for the card itself.
What to do if the bank rejects your process
Banks reject applications for a few specific reasons: your identity cannot be verified, you have a history of fraud or financial crime, you are on a sanctions list, or you do not meet the bank's residency requirements. If your process is rejected, the bank will send you a letter explaining why, though the explanation is sometimes vague for compliance reasons.
If the rejection is because of residency — for example, you live in a country the bank does not serve — there is no appeal. Try a different bank. If the rejection is because of identity verification, ask whether you can reschedule the video call or provide additional documents. If the rejection is for fraud or sanctions reasons, you will not be able to open an account at that bank, and you may have difficulty at other banks too. If you believe the rejection is a mistake, contact the bank's customer service and ask for clarification.
If you are a non-EU resident and multiple banks reject you, consider opening an account with Wise instead. Wise is not a full bank — you cannot get a loan or overdraft — but it is a regulated financial institution and you can use it for transfers, bill payments, and everyday spending through their debit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a German bank account if I do not live in Germany yet?
Yes, as long as you have a German address — even a temporary one. If you are moving for work or study, use your employer's or university's address. If you are moving to an apartment you have not moved into yet, use that address. Once you move, update your address in your online banking portal.
How long does the video verification call take?
The call itself usually lasts 5 to 10 minutes. Scheduling the call can take anywhere from a few hours to three business days depending on how quickly the bank responds to your process and how many slots are available.
What if I do not have a German address yet?
Use a temporary address — a hotel, Airbnb, or a friend's address. Some banks require you to update to a permanent address before they fully set up the account. Check the bank's terms before you explore. Once you have a permanent address, you can update it when ready in your online banking portal.
Can I open a German bank account as a non-EU citizen?
Some banks will, but not all. N26 accepts residents of the United States, Canada, Australia, and several other countries. Wise accepts more countries but is designed for transfers, not everyday banking. Traditional German banks usually require non-EU residents to provide additional documentation or visit a branch in person.
Do I need a German tax ID to open an account?
EU citizens usually do not. Non-EU citizens often do, though some banks will open accounts without one if you provide other proof of identity and address. Ask the bank during the process process whether a tax ID is required.