How to open a business account in Germany

How to open a business account in Germany

The steps depend on your legal form. A freelancer or sole trader trading in their own name can often open an account online in a day or two once identity is verified. A GmbH or UG must first be formed before a normal company account opens, because the account holder is the company. Across all forms the bank runs identity and anti money laundering checks, and a company also goes through checks on its owners and beneficial owners. Figures and steps below are shown as of 30 January 2026.

For freelancers and sole traders

If you trade in your own name, you usually need a valid identity document, your tax number or tax identification number, and for a registered trade the trade licence, the Gewerbeschein. Members of the liberal professions, the Freiberufler, register with the tax office rather than the trade office, so they may not have a Gewerbeschein. Identity is verified by video or post, the Video Ident or Post Ident procedure, and the account can open within a day or two. A separate business account is not legally required for the self employed, but it keeps the tax return clean.

For a GmbH or UG

A company account is opened in the company name, so the company must be formed first. A GmbH requires share capital of EUR 25,000, of which at least EUR 12,500 is paid in before registration, and a UG can start from EUR 1. The founders sign the deed before a notary, deposit the share capital into a capital deposit account, and the notary files the entry in the commercial register, the Handelsregister, which commonly takes about two weeks. After the register entry the company holds a normal business account and registers the trade, the Gewerbeanmeldung, where required. A GmbH, UG or AG is legally required to hold a business account in the company name.

Documents you usually need

Have these ready before you apply, since a missing document is the most common cause of delay. Requirements vary by provider, verify before applying

• A valid identity document for each authorised person, verified by Video Ident or Post Ident, as of 30 January 2026.
• Your tax number or tax identification number, and for a registered trade the trade licence, the Gewerbeschein.
• For a company, the commercial register extract, the Handelsregisterauszug, the articles or deed, and details of the owners and beneficial owners. Foreign documents may need a certified German translation and legalisation. Confirm the list with the provider.

How to choose where to open

1. Confirm your legal form, since it decides whether you need a company account or can use a personal name account.
2. List the features you need, such as a German IBAN, team cards, invoicing, accounting sync, cash handling or multi currency receiving.
3. Total the monthly fee plus the per item charges for your usage, read the provider price and services list for the current figures, and confirm before you apply.