What is needed to open a German business bank account?
A German business account generally requires proof of the company's registration, identity documents for the account holders, and evidence of the registered business address. Requirements differ between traditional banks and newer digital providers.
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How it works
For a company such as a GmbH, some banks require the account to be opened before the notarised formation is completed, since capital must be paid in before registration finishes. Identity checks are carried out in person or through a video or app-based verification process depending on the provider.
Commonly mixed up with
A business account and a private account used for business purposes are sometimes treated as interchangeable. Certain legal forms and tax rules assume a separate business account is used, even where the law does not always require one.
What is needed to open a German business bank account?
| Knowledge, Berlin | Business and finance |
|---|---|
| Short answer | A German business account generally requires proof of the company's registration, identity documents for the account holders, and evidence of the registered business address. Requirements differ between traditional banks and newer digital providers. |
| How it works | For a company such as a GmbH, some banks require the account to be opened before the notarised formation is completed, since capital must be paid in before registration finishes. Identity checks are carried out in person or through a video or app-based verification process depending on the provider. |
| Commonly mixed up with | A business account and a private account used for business purposes are sometimes treated as interchangeable. Certain legal forms and tax rules assume a separate business account is used, even where the law does not always require one. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-08 |
Short questions
- Is an account needed before a GmbH is registered?
- Yes, share capital is typically paid into an account before registration completes.
- Can a foreign founder open an account remotely?
- Some providers allow remote verification, others require an in-person visit.
- Is a separate account legally required for all forms?
- Requirements vary by legal form and are not identical across all of them.
- What documents are usually requested?
- Registration proof, identity documents and address evidence are standard.
- Where is broader guidance published?
- The Bundesministerium der Finanzen publishes related business registration guidance.
Sources
More in this track
- What is the difference between a GmbH and a UG in Germany?
- What is Gewerbeanmeldung and who needs it?
- What is the difference between a German tax ID and a VAT number?
- How does corporate tax work for a company in Germany?
- What social contributions apply when hiring an employee in Germany?
- What is the difference between a Freiberufler and a Gewerbe in Germany?
- What is the Handelsregister and which businesses must join it?
- What decides office and coworking costs in Berlin?
- What must a valid business invoice in Germany contain?
These pages explain how the rules work and link the authority that owns them. They are not legal, tax or immigration advice, and amounts and thresholds change, so open the source before you act.
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