German Bank Account for Foreign Buyers

A German IBAN is required to receive mortgage disbursements, pay notary fees, and set up property-related direct debits. This guide explains which banks accept non-residents and how to open an account before your purchase.

Start early — allow 4–8 weeks

Non-EU non-residents should begin the bank account process as soon as they decide to buy. Banks require a German tax ID (2–6 weeks to obtain) and KYC checks add further time. Running this in parallel with your property search avoids delays at the notary appointment.

Bank Comparison

Most German banks only accept residents with a registered address (Anmeldung). The four banks below are the most accessible options for foreign buyers.

N26
EU only

Accepts

EU / EEA residents

Account fee

€0 – €16.90/mo

Time to open

5–10 min (VideoIdent)

English support

Full English app

Process

100% online — VideoIdent via smartphone

Best for EU residents. No branch visits. Free tier available. Non-EU applicants and non-residents are not accepted.

DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank)
EU residents only

Accepts

EU residents with Anmeldung

Account fee

€0 (free)

Time to open

1–3 business days

English support

German only

Process

Online application + PostIdent at a post office

Free current account with Visa card. Requires a registered German address (Anmeldung). Good for EU residents already in Germany.

Deutsche Bank
Non-EU accepted

Accepts

EU and non-EU, residents and non-residents

Account fee

€5.90 – €12.90/mo

Time to open

1–2 weeks (branch appointment)

English support

English available in major cities

Process

Branch appointment required for non-residents

One of the few major banks accepting non-residents. Appointment required. Processing for non-EU non-residents can take 2–4 weeks due to KYC checks.

Commerzbank
Non-EU accepted

Accepts

EU and non-EU, residents and non-residents

Account fee

€0 – €12.90/mo

Time to open

1–2 weeks (branch appointment)

English support

English available in major cities

Process

Branch appointment; online possible for EU residents

Wide branch network across Germany. Free tier available for salary accounts. Non-residents should book an appointment in advance and bring full documentation.

Required Documents

EU / EEA Citizen
Easiest
  • Valid EU/EEA passport or national ID
  • German address (Anmeldebestätigung) — for DKB, Volksbank, etc.
  • Tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer) — optional but speeds up process
Non-EU Resident in Germany
Moderate
  • Passport
  • Valid Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit)
  • Anmeldebestätigung (registered address certificate)
  • German tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer)
  • Proof of income or employment contract
Non-EU Non-Resident (Foreign Buyer)
Requires planning
  • Passport (certified copy may be required)
  • German tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer) — apply via Finanzamt
  • Proof of purpose: purchase agreement, notary correspondence
  • Last 3 months' bank statements from home country
  • Proof of income (payslips or tax returns)
  • Home country address proof

Opening Process

1

Get your German tax ID

2–6 weeks

Apply at your local Finanzamt (tax office) or, for non-residents, via the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern. The Steueridentifikationsnummer is required by most banks and is also needed for property ownership.

2

Choose a bank and apply

1 day

EU residents: apply online at N26 or DKB — VideoIdent or PostIdent verification takes minutes. Non-EU or non-residents: book a branch appointment at Deutsche Bank or Commerzbank. Allow 2–4 weeks lead time.

3

Complete identity verification

1–3 days

VideoIdent: video call with a verification agent via your smartphone. PostIdent: visit any Deutsche Post branch with your documents. Branch: in-person appointment. Non-residents typically need PostIdent or branch.

4

Receive your IBAN and card

5–14 business days

Once verified, your IBAN arrives by post or email. The debit/credit card follows within 7–10 business days. You can share your IBAN with your notary and mortgage lender immediately upon receipt.

Mortgage guide for foreign buyers

Understand mortgage eligibility, LTV limits, and required documents based on your residency status.

View mortgage guide

Pre-qualify for a mortgage

Hypofriend specialises in German mortgages for international buyers and provides binding pre-approvals online.

Visit Hypofriend

Still deciding whether to buy or rent?

Compare the true long-term cost of buying versus renting — including closing costs, equity, and investment opportunity cost.

Rent vs. Buy Calculator