How can I open a German bank account before I arrive?

Short answer: You can open a German bank account before you arrive by choosing an online-first bank that accepts foreign addresses, completing a video-ID check, and forwarding proof of your future German residence once you register.

Open a German bank account before you arrive by following three practical steps we organise for you:

1 —> Select an expat-friendly online bank. A handful of digital providers (for example N26 or Vivid) let you start the application with a foreign passport and overseas address. We compare fees, English apps and SEPA transfer limits, then send you the link that matches your visa type.

2 —> Complete video identification. Have your passport ready for a live video call or automated selfie check. We explain the process in English and make sure the call time fits your time zone, so no paperwork is rejected.

3 —> Add your German address after Anmeldung. The account opens instantly, but you must upload a registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung) once you land. We remind you by email, then switch correspondence to your local address so your debit card and PIN arrive safely.

Need a full onboarding kit? We bundle the bank setup with tips for transferring your first salary and activating Apple Pay, and, if you later outgrow the starter account, we handle a seamless switch via our bank-change service.

Key take-aways:

• Digital banks allow pre-arrival accounts with foreign passports and addresses.
• Video-ID and a quick upload of your German registration complete the process.
• Finance for Expats compares providers, schedules ID checks and tracks your paperwork.