Q&A

🏦 Bank Account Opening Checklist

Documents needed to open a German bank account — branch or online bank.

German terms
Girokonto Bankkonto eröffnen Sparkasse SCHUFA
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Passport or ID card Required
Reisepass / Personalausweis
Original. Also needed for Video-Ident.
Registration certificate Required
Meldebescheinigung
Not older than 3 months. Some online banks don't require it.
Tax ID (Steuer-ID) Required
Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer
Received after Anmeldung. Bank may accept later submission.
Residence permit (non-EU citizens) Optional
Aufenthaltstitel
EU citizens not required.
Employment proof / work contract Optional
Arbeitsvertrag / Einkommensnachweis
Not always required, but helps with better conditions.
SCHUFA report (optional) Optional
SCHUFA-Auskunft
Some banks check automatically. New to Germany = no SCHUFA. Try N26, Vivid or Tomorrow.

Other checklists

📋
Anmeldung Checklist (Address Registration)
Complete document list for registering your address at the Bürgeramt.
6 items
👶
Kindergeld Application Checklist
255€/month per child (from 2025). Apply at the Familienkasse.
8 items
🛂
Residence Permit Appointment Checklist
Appointment at the immigration office — renewal or issuance of a residence permit.
8 items
💼
Starting a New Job Checklist
Documents and information you need before your first day at work in Germany.
7 items