Opening a bank account in Germany

castra

Hopefully this is in the correct forum? Apologies in advance if not. Moderators, please move if so.

I am semi retired and working part time in this country atm. I intend moving to Germany within the next four to six months where my partner is based. I obviously want to open a bank account prior to arriving. I have researched but I am struggling to find a German bank that will offer an account to a non resident. The only one that did until last year was DKB but they have now ceased this facility.

Does anyone with knowledge of German Banking know of any bank that will open an account without a “Meldebescheinigung”? (Proof of residency) Despite extensive searching I am struggling.

Or on my next visit, could I apply for “Meldebescheinigung”.despite not planning to reside in Germany for at least three months? That would solve the problem but that could in theory lead to 'tax issues' re still being resident in this country I suspect?

Thank you in advance for any advice.

Paul_1977

I found this guide, sorry if you have already seen it.

http://banks-germany.com/german-bank-accounts-for-non-residents

Cyberman60

I worked in Frankfurt 2003/5 and opened an account with Sparkasse Bank. All I needed was an address in Germany, passport and a work permit as far as I recall. My euro salary was paid in monthly automatically and I had an ATM card to withdraw.

https://www.sparkasse.de/privatkunden/konto-karte/online-banking.html

Archi_Bald

I think you will find it difficult to open an account in a country if you cannot prove residency. All the UK current account T&Cs stipulate UK residency, for examples.

There have been plenty of threads about Euro accounts - - - https://www.google.com/search?as_q=&as_epq=euro+account&as_oq=&as_eq=&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&lr=&cr=&as_qdr=all&as_sitesearch=forums.moneysavingexpert.com&as_occt=any&safe=images&tbs=&as_filetype=&as_rights=&gws_rd=ssl

May be your best bet is to apply for account in Ireland. Or wait until you get to Germany and apply in person, or try using Postident.

A friend of mine recently move to Munich and was able to open a Postbank account in person within days of his arrival, using his British passport and a letter from his german landlord.

In any case, I think you would be well advised keeping your british bank account in the short term, with online access and a forwarding address agreed with your UK bank.

jaburgan

For specialised questions about moving to Germany, I can recommend the discussion forums at Toytown Germany - as an addition to Money Savings Expert, of course ;-)

Catapa

Postbank (part of Deutsche Bank) and Commerzbank do. Commerzbank's internet banking is superior.

[Deleted User]

Why open a bank account before you move? Once you have moved, with your "Meldebescheinigung" in hand and a valid passport, open a bank account in minutes.