Guide for international students on how to open a bank account in Germany

Open a bank account in Germany is an important step for any international student when coming to this country to study and work. Not only does it help manage personal finances, a bank account is also a necessary condition to carry out many other administrative procedures such as renting a house, receiving scholarships, subsidies or paying tuition and living expenses. Let's join SHD Academy to learn in detail about the necessary documents and how to open a bank account through the following article!

>> Reference: 

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Types of bank accounts in Germany 

In Germany there are three main types of bank accounts:

• Current Account (Girokonto): This is the standard type of bank account in Germany, used to receive your salary and pay bills. German banks typically offer both general current accounts as well as specialized accounts (for teenagers and students).
• Blocked account (Sperrkonto): This is a special bank account required by the German Government for applicants. apply for visa to study vocational training in Germany and work visa. If the student comes from a country that is not part of the European Union or a Schengen Member State, he/she will need to apply for a blocked account.
• Savings account (Sparkonto): This account is used to save money and earn interest. International students can open two Girokonto accounts at the same time. Sparkonto.

>> Reference: What is Schengen visa? What countries can the Schengen visa go?

Forms of banking in Germany 

Below are the forms of banking in Germany that international students need to know when opening a bank account in Germany.

Savings and Cooperative Bank

Savings and cooperative banks (Sparkassen & Volksbanken) are financial institutions that operate primarily at the local level, focusing on serving small businesses and long-term individual customers. With the aim of promoting economic development in each region and being easily accessible, these banks have a wide network of branches, from city centers to suburbs and even rural areas.

National Bank

National banks, also known as private banks, include major banks such as Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, HypoVereinsbank and Postbank. These banks are linked together in a network called CashGroup, which allows their customers to withdraw money free of charge at ATMs within the network. However, if you use an ATM from a bank outside this group, you may be charged a withdrawal fee of up to 5 Euros per transaction.

Online and mobile banking

In Germany, banks operating through online and mobile platforms are increasingly attracting users. Some prominent names include DKB Cash, 1822direkt, N26, O2 Banking or Santander. Compared to traditional banks, these digital banks often have lower service fees and offer superior convenience thanks to operations such as opening an account, managing finances and receiving customer support, all done entirely via the internet or mobile applications.

Many digital banks also offer international payment cards such as MasterCard or Visa, allowing users to withdraw money at any ATM displaying the corresponding logo. In addition, many online banks also cooperate with major banks so that customers can use the available ATM system without any fees or with only low fees.

Documents needed to open a bank account in Germany 

To open a bank account in Germany, you need to provide the following documents:

• Application for opening a bank card
• Valid passport and current residence permit in Germany
• Proof of registration or address
• Initial deposit (the amount varies depending on the bank you choose)
• Proof of income or employment
• Proof that you are a student (if opening a student account)
• SCHUFA credit rating (required only by some banks).

The requirements for opening a German online bank account are as follows:

• Identity verification is required using a webcam, Email verification code or using PostIdent. Verification costs will be borne by the respective online bank.
• To verify your identity with PostIdent, you will be asked to download a verification form from the bank's website and submit it to the post office along with your passport. The documents will be signed and sent to the bank in turn.

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• German Passport: The Country with the Most Powerful Passport in the World 
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Suggestions for reputable, leading banks in Germany 

Below are suggestions for reputable, leading banks in Germany that international students should know, helping to ensure convenient and safe personal financial management.

Traditional banking

Deutsche Bank

• Germany's largest national bank, most foreigner-friendly, especially suitable for international students.
• Providing many convenient services for international students or other professionals.
• There is an extensive network of ATMs, making access to money and banking especially convenient.
• Offers a Girocard bank card and a free Girokonto if you maintain a minimum automatic deposit of 1,000 Euro/month.

Commerzbank

• The bank is highly rated for its customer service, accounts and website dedicated to English-speaking customers, making it suitable for those with limited or basic German skills.
• Offers free service, no monthly fees, no foreign currency fees and no ATM withdrawal fees. 

Sparkasse

• The bank operates as a non-profit public service and has a network of branches and ATMs throughout Germany.
• Offering international student accounts with low fees, free online services and the opportunity to connect with financial advisors for personalized guidance.

Online Banking 

N26

• 100% digital bank and one of the best bank savings accounts for international students. 
• There are no fees for opening a bank account in Germany or minimum deposit required for student accounts. 
• Allows international students to withdraw cash for free from over 55,000 ATMs. 

BayernLB

• Fully owned by DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank), it is a perfect choice if international students want to choose a low-cost bank and do all transactions online.
• Providing private and commercial clients with a wide range of services.

>> Reference: 5 Ways to Send Money from Germany to Vietnam Safely and Quickly

Detailed instructions on how to open a bank account in Germany

In Germany, there are many banks for international students to choose from, including traditional banks and online banks. such as Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Sparkasse, Volksbanken, N26,... Here are detailed instructions on how to open a bank account in Germany:

How to open a bank account online

Here is a guide to opening a Girokonto Sparkasse account for international students in Germany. For example, if you live in the Manheim area and want to register for a bank account, go to the Sparkasse website in Manheim. 

Step 1: It is necessary to decide whether the bank account is owned by one person (Ein Kontoinhaber) or by two people (Zwei Kontoinhaber).

Step 2: You will then be redirected to the online application form. Note that the boxes marked with (*) are required and cannot be left blank.

Step 3: Click on Weiter and check the information again, then click Absenden and your online bank account opening application is complete. After a few days to a week, the bank card will be available and you can pick it up at the Sprakasse branches in Manheim. Remember to bring your Passport and Residence Permit (Meldebescheinigung) when you pick up the card.

How to Open a Traditional Bank Account

Step 1: Prepare necessary documents including:

• Application for opening a bank card
• Passport
• Certificate of residence registration (Meldebescheinigung) in Germany
• Certificate of admission (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung) to a vocational school in Germany
• Certificate health insurance in Germany (only a few banks require).

Step 2: Take the above documents directly to the bank branch of your choice to open an account. Then, the bank staff will guide you in detail and support you to open a bank account in Germany.

Step 3: After completing the registration process, you will receive your account details and bank card by post. Activate your account by setting a password and PIN for your bank card, then you can start using banking services.

>> Reference: Total cost of vocational study in Germany latest 2025

Important notes when opening a bank account in Germany

Before deciding to open a bank account in Germany, you need to pay attention to the following important issues:

• Account maintenance fee: Some banks may charge monthly account maintenance fees, so check these carefully before choosing a bank. Look for free account packages for international students.
• International money transfer: If you need to transfer money from Vietnam to Germany, you need to learn about the bank's international money transfer fees and procedures. Choose banks that offer international money transfer services with preferential fees for international students.
• Online banking services: Make sure that the bank you choose has online services for convenient account management anytime, anywhere. Also check if the bank has a mobile application and online support services such as email or hotline.
• ATM network: Check your bank's ATM network to make sure you can easily withdraw money when you need it. Some banks have partnerships with other banks that allow users to withdraw money for free at partner ATMs.

Hopefully this article has provided you with useful information so you can confidently carry out the process. open a bank account in GermanyIf you are planning to study vocational training in Germany and want to learn more about living, studying and working in this country, don't forget to refer to the section News or contact us immediately SHD Academy Call hotline (+84) 336 760 276 for detailed advice and answers!