You need a German bank account to pay rent, receive a student job salary and sign up for many services. Many banks ask for documents that you may not have yet, such as a registration certificate, so the order of your steps matters. This guide explains the account types, what to prepare and how a blocked account (Sperrkonto) differs from an everyday current account.
In short: Students can usually open a current account (Girokonto) in Germany with a passport, proof of enrolment and proof of address, although requirements differ by bank. A blocked account is a separate product that proves your finances for a visa and does not replace a current account. If a bank refuses a current account, you may have a legal right to a basic account (Basiskonto).
Key points in brief
- A current account is needed for rent, insurance, phone contracts and most payments in Germany.
- Many banks ask for proof of address, so register your address first where possible.
- A blocked account is used for visa finances only and is not a substitute for a current account.
- If a bank refuses you a normal account, you can request a basic account under German payment account law.
- Compare account fees, card conditions and online identification before you choose.
What is the difference between a current account and a blocked account?
A current account is your everyday account. You receive your salary, pay rent and set up direct debits on it. A blocked account is a financial proof product for visa and residence applications. In typical models, the money stays locked, and the provider pays you a fixed monthly amount that is set by the contract. You cannot use it like an ordinary account.
| Feature | Current account (Girokonto) | Blocked account (Sperrkonto) |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Daily payments, salary and direct debits | Proof of finances for a visa or residence permit |
| Access to the money | Available within the account conditions | Fixed monthly amount, set by the provider |
| Typical use | Rent, insurance, phone contracts, online shopping | Consulate and Ausländerbehörde checks |
| Needed for | Everyday life in Germany | Visa or residence permit, if your mission requires it |
The amount you must show depends on your mission and your situation. A consulate checklist from February 2025 named 11,904 euros in total, equal to 992 euros per month. Check the current figure before you open a blocked account. Our guide to the blocked account for Germany explains the providers and the steps in detail.
Which documents do banks usually ask for?
Requirements vary by bank and by product. Many banks accept an identity document and a proof of address, and some also ask for a student ID or proof of enrolment. Check the list on the bank’s website before you visit a branch or start an online application. The following items are commonly requested:
- A valid passport or national identity card
- Your registration confirmation (Meldebestätigung), which many banks ask for as proof of address
- Proof of enrolment or a student ID from your university
- A German mobile number and an email address for verification
- Your tax identification number (Steuer-ID), if the bank asks for it, since it is usually sent by post after registration
Many banks identify you online, for example by video call or by a postal identification procedure. Have your documents ready, make sure the lighting is good for photos and keep the reference number of your application. Some providers may also ask for a short explanation of the purpose of your account.
How do you choose the right account?
Start by comparing the monthly fee, the card fee and the conditions under which the fee is waived. Students often focus on the card, but the cost of cash withdrawals, payments in other currencies and transfers from abroad can matter more. Also check whether the bank offers an app, online banking and support in English, because this will help you during your first months.
Be careful with offers that look too good to be true. Never share your login data, PIN or transaction codes with anyone who contacts you by phone or message, even if they claim to be from your bank. Legitimate banks will never ask for your full login details by email.
What if a bank refuses you?
Banks can refuse an account in some cases, for example when identity checks fail or when they have concerns about your application. If this happens, you can ask for a basic account (Basiskonto). Under section 31 of the Payment Accounts Act (Zahlungskontengesetz, ZKG), consumers with lawful residence in the European Union have that right, and a fixed address is not required. The basic account covers the core services needed for everyday payments, although not every product is included.
Make your request in writing and keep the reply. If the bank does not respond, or if you believe the refusal is not justified, seek advice from a consumer advice centre. Do not sign a contract that you do not understand, and make sure you know which services the basic account includes before you accept it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open an account before I have my registration?
Some banks accept other documents, but many ask for proof of address. Check the requirements of the specific bank before you visit. If you have not yet registered, ask whether the bank accepts a rental contract or a temporary address in the meantime.
Do I need a German account to receive a student job salary?
Most employers pay salaries by bank transfer, so a German account is the practical solution. Ask your employer which account details it needs and whether it accepts a foreign account, since some employers only pay into German accounts.
Is a blocked account the same as a current account?
No. A blocked account is a proof of finances with restricted withdrawals. It is designed for the visa or residence process and does not replace a current account. Most students need both, one for their finances and one for everyday payments.
Can I keep my home country account?
You can keep it, but many payments in Germany, such as SEPA direct debits, work best with a German account and an IBAN. Check the fees for transfers and card payments from your home account, because they can be high.
What you can do now
- Register your address first, or confirm what the bank accepts instead of a registration certificate.
- Compare two or three current accounts on fees, card conditions and online identification.
- Open a blocked account only if your visa or residence permit requires one, and confirm the current amount first.
- Keep your confirmation letters, IBAN and reference numbers together in one folder.
- Set up direct debits for rent and insurance only after you have checked the amounts and due dates.
Related guides
- Blocked account Germany 2026: providers and amount compared
- Student visa Germany 2026: documents and timeline
- Health Insurance for International Students: Public or Private
- Working While Studying in Germany: 140 Days, Mini Job and Taxes
- Finding accommodation in Germany as an international student
Sources: Section 31 Payment Accounts Act, ZKG (current text) · German mission, checklist for study visa applicants (February 2025)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
