Opening a Bank Account in Germany: What South Africans Need to Know

Moving to Germany comes with its fair share of paperwork and protocol — and right near the top of your to-do list should be opening a local bank account. Whether you’re here to study, work, or start fresh, having a German bank account is essential for renting a flat, receiving a salary, or setting up mobile and utility contracts.

But let’s be honest — if you’re coming from South Africa, where online banking is slick, instant, and intuitive (thanks, Capitec and FNB), the German system might feel… a little vintage. So let’s dive in.

What You’ll Need to Open a Bank Account

Most banks will ask for the following:

Valid passport
Visa or residence permit
Proof of address (Anmeldung – your registration certificate from the local Bürgeramt. Do this as soon as possible after arriving in Germany, see link below)
Proof of income or employment (work contract or university enrollment letter)
Sometimes: Schufa credit report (for full-service accounts, especially with traditional banks)

Pro tip: If you’re new to Germany and haven’t completed your Anmeldung yet, online banks like N26 or Wise may allow you to open an account using just your passport and a selfie video call. A small win in the paperwork jungle.

Applying for residence

A visa allows you to enter Germany. If you want to stay longer than 3 months you will need to apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at

Registering at the Local Town Office

If you plan to stay in Germany for longer than 3 months, you will need to register at your local Bürgeramt (Town office).This is called

Monthly Account Fees – German banks often charge a fee just to keep the account open. Free accounts are becoming rarer.
Language Barrier – Not all bank staff speak English. Online-only banks are often more expat-friendly.
Debit ≠ Credit – Most German “credit” cards are actually debit cards. Real credit cards are harder to get as a newcomer.
SEPA vs. SWIFT Transfers – Sending money outside the EU is expensive through traditional banks. You’ll want a smart workaround for remittances to South Africa.
South Africa is still Greylisted (May 2025), which can slow down or complicate international money transfers. You must provide extra documentation or face longer processing times. Some institutions no longer allow transfers between South Africa and Germany
Cards and PINS – These will usually be sent by post in two separate letters to your registered address.

Major Banks in Germany

Traditional Banks (with physical branches)

Online Banks (good for expats)

Types of Bank Accounts in Germany

Girokonto (Current account)

This is your everyday account — for receiving your salary, paying rent, groceries, insurance, etc. It usually comes with a debit card (EC-Karte) and online banking access. Think of it as your main financial hub.
➤ What it's for: Daily transactions, direct debits, SEPA payments.
➤ English equivalent: Checking account / Current account.

Tagesgeldkonto

This account earns interest and lets you withdraw anytime, with no fixed term. It’s usually managed online and offers more flexibility than a Sparkonto.
➤ What it's for: Short-term savings with better interest than a Girokonto.
➤ English equivalent: High-interest savings account.

P-Konto

A special type of Girokonto that protects part of your balance from being seized by creditors. It’s used by people in debt or facing legal claims.
➤ What it's for: Financial protection when under garnishment or debt recovery.
➤ English equivalent: Protected or garnishment-free account.

Sparkonto (Savings Account)

A basic savings account — often with lower interest rates, but very safe. It's usually linked to your Girokonto and might limit how often you can withdraw.
➤ What it's for: Putting aside money you don’t plan to use right away.
➤ English equivalent: Savings account.

Festgeldkonto (Fixed Deposit Account)

You lock in a sum of money for a fixed period (e.g. 6 months, 1 year, etc.) at a set interest rate. Early withdrawal isn’t allowed or comes with penalties.
➤ What it's for: Long-term savings with higher, fixed interest.
➤ English equivalent: Fixed deposit / Certificate of deposit.

Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)

A special account for foreign students coming to Germany. It's required by the German government to prove that the student has enough financial resources to support themselves while studying.
➤ A set amount of money is locked in the account until the student arrives.
➤ English equivalent: Blocked account for foreign students.

Sending Money between Germany and South Africa

If you’re looking for detailed info on sending money between Germany and South Africa, be sure to check out our two dedicated pages on forex and international transfers. They cover everything from legal limits and SARS declarations to the best services for low fees and fast transfers. It’s your go-to guide for moving money across borders without the headache.

Foreign Exchange- EUR to ZAR

We are not financial advisors and therefore cannot give financial advice. The information here should not be seen as financial advice in any way.Always make

Foreign Exchange- ZAR to EUR

We are not financial advisors and therefore cannot give financial advice. The information here should not be seen as financial advice in any way.Always make

Financial Advisors

We have Financial Advisors listed on our Website. They have a South African Background and now operate in Germany. They can also assist you in opening a Bank account in Germany.

Chad Joubert – Wealth Advisor

At Allfinanz, we do online meetings with you before you come over and can help with setting up a Bank account for you with Deutsche Bank.

The Website and App can be viewed in English, and I would be your Banker, essentially, so need to worry about speaking to someone in German. You just reach out to me (Chad Joubert) and I will help you with whatever you need.

The account has no monthly fee.

You can open up an investment account and view your investment on the same App.

We can also provide Credit cards, private financing and mortgages for you.

Feedback from our Community

N26 has been a breeze to deal with as a foreigner. Their basic plan is also free an it has been accepted everywhere I go so far. I have also been able to send money to SA directly from the app.

Mary-Ann Goldswain

Know the lingo

German	English	Description
IBAN	International Bank Account Number	A unique identifier for a bank account, used for international payments within Europe.
SEPA	Single Euro Payments Area	A system that allows for easy and efficient euro transfers across European countries.
EC-Karte	Debit Card	A debit card used for making payments or withdrawing cash from ATMs. It’s directly linked to your Girokonto (current account).
BIC	SWIFT Code	A unique identifier for banks used in international transactions. It is often paired with the IBAN for cross-border payments.
Zahlungsverkehr	Payment Transactions	The system of managing transfers, payments, and all financial transactions in an account, often referring to SEPA or SWIFT transfers.
Überweisung	Bank Transfer	A direct transfer of money from one bank account to another, often used for paying bills, salaries, or transferring funds within Germany.
Lastschrift	Direct Debit	A payment method where funds are automatically withdrawn from your account, often for recurring payments like utilities or subscriptions.

Final Thoughts

Germany’s banking world might feel a bit “old school,” but with a bit of planning, you can set yourself up for smooth sailing. Start with an expat-friendly account to get going, then branch out once you’re settled. And don’t forget to keep those FICA docs handy for when you need to move money across continents — bureaucracy, like winter, always arrives eventually.

South Africans in Germany