When you move to Germany, you need a bank account to get your paychecks and pay your rent.
You often need a registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung) to open a bank account. You can't get a registration certificate if you don't register your address (Anmeldung). You can't register your address without a place to live. You can't find a place to live without a bank account. It's a big problem if you are new in Germany.
These banks let you open an account without doing your Anmeldung.
Banks that don't require an Anmeldung
These banks will let you open an account without a registered address in Germany:
- bunq
- Comdirect
- Commerzbank
They require a residence permit. - Deutsche Bank
- DKB1, 2
They rarely accept people who just moved to Germany. They use WebID to verify your passport. - ING1
They use PostIdent to verify your passport1. They require a EU citizenship or permanent residence1, 2. - Kontist
Business bank for freelancers. - Monese
They are based in the UK and in Belgium. Your bank account will have a Belgian IBAN. - N26
They sometimes require a residence permit. It depends on what passport you have. - Revolut
- Vivid
You have 90 days to submit a valid residence permit after you open the account. - Wise
They are based in the UK and in Belgium1. Your bank account will have a Belgian IBAN.
You will find more information about these banks in my comparison of German banks.
Banks that require an Anmeldung
These banks require a registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung) to open an account:
Other problems you might have
Some banks might not accept your passport. Some banks require a residence permit. If you don't speak German yet, you might prefer a bank that speaks English. My comparison of German banks can help you choose the best bank for your needs.