When you move to Germany, you need a bank account. These banks let you open an account without a registered address in Germany. You don't need to do your Anmeldung, and you don't need a registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung). This is useful if you just moved to Germany.

Banks that don't require an Anmeldung

These banks will let you open an account without a registered address in Germany:

  • bunq
  • Commerzbank
    They require a residence permit.
  • Deutsche Bank
  • DKB1
    They rarely accept people who just moved to Germany. They use WebID to verify your passport.
  • ING7
    They use PostIdent to verify your passport.2 They require a EU citizenship or permanent residence.3
  • Kontist
    Business bank for freelancers.
  • Monese
    They are based in the UK and in Belgium. Your bank account will have a Belgian IBAN.
  • N26
    They sometimes require a residence permit. It depends on what passport you have.
  • Revolut
  • Vivid
    You have 90 days to submit a valid residence permit after you open the account.
  • Wise
    They are based in the UK and in Belgium.4 Your bank account will have a Belgian IBAN.

How to choose a German bank ➞

Banks that require an Anmeldung

These banks require a registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung) to open an account:

  • Berliner Sparkasse5
  • Comdirect6

Other problems you might have

If you are an immigrant, it can be hard to open a bank account in Germany:

  • Some banks don't accept your foreign passport.
  • Some banks require a residence permit or permanent residence.
  • If you don't speak German, you might want an English-speaking bank.

German banks for expats ➞

German banks that speak English ➞

Sources and footnotes
  1. reddit.com/r/germany, reddit.com/r/berlin 

  2. ing.de 

  3. Twitter, Twitter 

  4. wise.com 

  5. Screenshot, Screenshot 

  6. Screenshot 

  7. Facebook