Bank account

What it is

You need a German bank account to receive your salary, pay rent, and set up direct debits for things like health insurance and internet. Most German landlords and employers will only accept a German IBAN.

Do your Anmeldung first — most banks require your Anmeldebescheinigung (address registration certificate) to open an account.

Options

N26 — the easiest route for newcomers. Fully online, English-language app, no branch visit required. Standard account is free. Takes 10 minutes to apply and 2-3 days to receive your card. Requires passport, Anmeldebescheinigung, and a video identity check.

Deutsche Bank / Commerzbank — traditional banks with branches. More paperwork, need an appointment, but have a full range of services. Useful if you need complex banking (business account, mortgage).

DKB — free online account, good for international transfers. Application is in German but straightforward.

What you need

• Passport
• Anmeldebescheinigung (address registration certificate from Anmeldung)
• German mobile number (for SMS verification — get a SIM card first or use a temporary number)

Step by step (N26)

1. Go to n26.com and click “Open an account”
2. Enter your email, create a password
3. Choose your account type (Standard is free)
4. Fill in your personal details
5. Complete the video identity check (VideoIdent) — takes about 5 minutes, you’ll show your passport to camera
6. Enter your German address (needs to match your Anmeldebescheinigung)
7. Your card arrives by post within 2-3 business days

Common mistakes

• Applying before Anmeldung. N26 and most banks require a registered German address. Do Anmeldung first.
• Not having a German mobile number. Banks send verification codes by SMS. If you don’t have a German SIM yet, use a temporary number from your UK/US/EU SIM (most work for SMS) or get a SIM card first.
• Choosing a paid account when you don’t need to. N26 Standard is free and covers everything most newcomers need.