Salary, rent, everyday life
After entering the country, you need an account for more than just money. Rent, salary, health insurance, telephone contract and many government processes practically depend on it. First clarify your address and identity, then open an account.
A German account is practically crucial: In Germany, employers, landlords, health insurance companies and mobile phone providers almost always work with IBAN, direct debit and regular transfers.
Online banks are quick, branch banks often check in more detail: Identity, address, residence status and sometimes tax ID or proof of work/study are crucial.
Blocked account is not an everyday account: It serves as proof of financing for the visa. You usually also need a checking account for rent, salary and daily payments.
Don't just apply multiple times: Any rejection can be confusing. It's better to first clarify what proof is missing and whether a basic account is the right solution.
Basics
In Germany, “open a bank account” usually means a checking account: an account for salary, rent, transfers, cards and direct debits. There are also special accounts that work differently in the migration process.
The checking account is the normal account for your life in Germany. Salary, BAföG, training allowance or maintenance come into play here. From here you pay rent, health insurance, telephone, Germany ticket or deposit.
The basic account is a payment account with basic functions. It can be important if you can't get a regular account but are legally in Germany or the EU and need basic payment services.
The blocked account is particularly relevant for certain visas. It shows the embassy that living expenses are covered. However, it does not automatically replace a normal account for everyday use.
| Account type | Intended for what? | Important to know |
|---|---|---|
| checking account | Salary, rent, everyday life, card | Usually the destination after entry |
| Basic account | Basic payment functions | Helps if normal account opening fails |
| Blocked account | Proof of funding for visa | Do not plan as a complete everyday account |
documents
Banks have to identify customers. For people who are new to Germany, opening an account often depends on three things: ID, address and a verifiable residence or income situation.
Depending on the bank and account type, the requirements may vary. You should have these documents prepared before you start the application.
| Proof | Why important? | Typical shape |
|---|---|---|
| Passport or ID card | Identity verification | Original document, VideoIdent or branch verification |
| Address in Germany | Mail, card, legal check | Registration certificate or residential address |
| Residence permit or visa | Classification of residence status | Visa, eAT, certificate of fiction |
| Proof of work/study | Plausibility of incoming payments | Employment contract, enrollment, training contract |
| Tax ID | Tax reporting requirements | Letter from BZSt, can be submitted later |
Online banks are often faster, but can stop if you have a foreign passport, a missing registration address or a complex residence status. Branch banks are slower, but are sometimes better at checking special cases manually.
Step by step
Many banks send a card, PIN and TAN letter by post. That's why a reliable address is important. If possible: first register your apartment, then open an account.
Without a mailbox with your name on it, the card can be returned. That delays everything.If your case is simple, an online bank can be quick. If you need to explain your passport, residence status or address, a bank with a branch is often better.
Have your passport, visa or residence permit ready. Check whether the bank offers VideoIdent, PostIdent or branch verification and whether your document is supported.
Once the IBAN is active, you can use it for salary, rent, health insurance, mobile communications and other contracts. Set up standing orders and direct debits consciously.
If the bank refuses, ask for the specific reason. If documents are missing, a second application with better evidence makes more sense than many parallel attempts.
If there are problems with a basic account, official complaint and inspection channels via consumer agencies or the financial supervisory authority may become relevant.If it doesn't work
Rejection is frustrating, but it's not automatically the end. What matters is whether a normal account fails only because of missing documents or whether you should apply for a basic account.
Basic service instead of premium product
For normal checking accounts, banks can check criteria such as creditworthiness, missing identification or unclear documents. What often helps here is to submit documents later, choose a different form of identification or use a bank with a branch.
The basic account is intended for basic payment functions. Official information on this is provided by, among others, the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority and consumer advice centers.
Official orientation: BaFin to the basic account and Consumer advice center for the basic account.
If account, registration and stay are related,
counts the correct order.
New arrivals who need to sort out salary, rent, blocked account, basic account or account opening.
Verify identity, address and account purpose before comparing providers.
Check start after entryAs of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.