🐰
Bunq
Best for expats and Indians
- ✅ No address proof needed to open
- ✅ Multi-currency
- ✅ Instant IBAN
- ❌ €3.99/month fee on basic plan
Monthly: €3.99
Open Bunq Germany
Germany is the EU's largest economy, offering an excellent infrastructure, a clear path to permanent residency for skilled professionals, and strong worker protections.
🇪🇺 EU Member 🛂 Schengen Zone
Updated April 2026 2 min read
Banking in Germany for Expats
To open a bank account in Germany, expats typically need to visit a bank branch in person with their passport and proof of address, such as a utility bill or rental agreement. Some banks like N26 and Wise offer online account opening, but may still require verification through a video call or by mailing documents. Expats can consider banks like Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank, which have English-speaking staff and may offer more support for international customers.
If you're coming from your home country:
Bank Account Comparison
| Bank | Type | Expat-friendly | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Bank | Full-service bank | ✅ | Largest German bank. English-language service available in major branches. Requires Anmeldung (registration certificate) at account opening. |
| Commerzbank | Full-service bank | ✅ | Second-largest German bank. Offers English onboarding in major cities. Free current account available with regular salary deposit. |
| N26 | Digital bank | ✅ | Digital bank, fully English app. No branch visits required — open account online with passport and video ID verification. No salary requirement. Popular with expats for its simplicity. |
| DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank) | Digital bank | — | Online bank with a free Visa card. German-language only. Requires German address for application. |
| Wise (formerly TransferWise) | Multi-currency account | ✅ | Not a full bank but a multi-currency account. Ideal for receiving salary in EUR and sending money home at mid-market exchange rate. IBAN accepted by most German employers. |
Top banking options for Indians in Germany
💳
N26
Digital bank, widely accepted
- ✅ Free basic account
- ✅ Apple/Google Pay
- ❌ Limited customer support
Monthly: €0
Open N26 🏦
Deutsche Bank
Traditional — needed for some visa applications
- ✅ Full branch network
- ✅ Trusted for Anmeldung proof
- ❌ Requires in-person appointment
- ❌ German language
Monthly: €7.90
Open Deutsche Bank | 🐰 Sponsored Bunq Best for expats and Indians | 💳 N26 Digital bank, widely accepted | 🏦 Deutsche Bank Traditional — needed for some visa applications |
|---|---|---|
Monthly: €3.99 Open Bunq |
Monthly: €0 Open N26 |
Monthly: €7.90 Open Deutsche Bank |
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🪪 About BankID
Germany does not have a universal digital identity system like Sweden's BankID. The ePerso (electronic ID card) can be used for online verification with compatible apps but adoption is limited. ELSTER certificate is used for tax filing.
Documents you'll need
- ✓ Valid passport or national ID
- ✓ Anmeldung (residence registration certificate from Einwohnermeldeamt)
- ✓ Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) — if non-EU national
- ✓ Proof of address (Anmeldung usually suffices)
- ✓ Tax identification number (Steueridentifikationsnummer) — issued automatically after Anmeldung