What documents do I need to open an account?

Short answer: You need a valid passport, proof of your German address and, in many cases, a tax ID plus income evidence to open a bank account.

Documents you need to open an account in Germany fall into three tiers that almost every bank—whether mobile, direct or branch—will request:

• Identification: a passport (or EU ID card) that is machine-readable and unexpired; video identification or an in-branch PostIdent check will verify it.
• Proof of address (Meldebescheinigung): issued by the Bürgeramt after your Anmeldung; start with your overseas address if you apply before arrival and upload the local certificate later.
• Tax ID (Steuer-ID): many banks ask for the 11-digit number to activate online banking and meet anti-money-laundering rules; if you haven’t received it yet, we flag your application so the account opens first and the ID follows.

Some providers add a salary slip or residence permit when you apply for an overdraft or credit card, and a few traditional banks run an automatic Schufa check before issuing a girocard. At Finance for Expats we pre-screen your documents, schedule the video-ID in English and remind you to upload any missing paperwork. Need a template checklist? Download it after your free consultation or let us handle the entire setup through our bank account service.

Key take-aways:

• Passport, address certificate and tax ID are the core documents.
• Banks may add income proof or a residence permit for credit products.
• Finance for Expats checks, translates and submits everything on your behalf.