Non resident business accounts in Germany, who can open and how

Snapshot

A non resident can often open a German business account, but it is harder than for residents. As of 12 May 2026 traditional banks tend to expect a director with a German address and extra checks, while digital providers such as Wise Business, Revolut Business, Finom and Qonto onboard online for a range of countries, subject to eligibility.

Possible for non residents: Often yes, with extra checks. Acceptance depends on nationality, residence and legal form. Verify with the provider.
German address: A registered company usually needs a German business address. Many banks prefer a local address for a director.
Remote opening: Digital providers can onboard online, though some are electronic money providers rather than banks.
Identification: By VideoIdent, PostIdent or in a branch, depending on the provider.

Fees and features as of 12 May 2026Last reviewed 12 May 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

A non resident can often open a business account in Germany, but expect more checks than a resident faces. As of 12 May 2026 traditional banks such as Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank usually prefer at least one director with a German address and may require certified documents or in person identification. Digital providers such as Wise Business, Revolut Business, Finom and Qonto handle onboarding online and serve a range of countries, though acceptance depends on your nationality, residence and business type. A registered German company normally needs a German business address regardless of where its owners live. Confirm eligibility for your exact situation with the provider.

How non resident opening works in Germany

Non resident covers two common cases: a person living abroad who wants an account for a German company, and a foreign company that needs a German account. For a registered German company such as a GmbH or UG, the company is German even when its owners are not, so a German business address and the company documents usually carry the application. For a foreign founder with no German presence, the question is whether a provider will accept your country of residence and identify you remotely. As of 12 May 2026.

Traditional banks compared with digital providers

Traditional banks weigh a local relationship and often expect a director with a German address, certified documents and sometimes in person identification, which can be a barrier from abroad. Digital providers such as Wise Business, Revolut Business, Finom and Qonto open remotely and cover many countries, but acceptance still depends on your nationality, residence and activity, and Wise Business and Revolut Business are electronic money providers rather than banks. Weigh remote convenience against the services you need. As of 12 May 2026.

When a position is unclear

Eligibility for non residents changes often and varies by country of residence and business type. If you cannot confirm whether a provider accepts your situation, treat the position as unclear and verify with the provider before you rely on it. Do not assume acceptance from a general country list. As of 12 May 2026.

Compare business accounts available in Germany

These providers accept business customers in Germany, with eligibility for non residents that varies by country and business type. Fees and eligibility shown as of 12 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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Questions about non resident accounts in Germany

Can a non resident open a business account in Germany?

In many cases yes, but it is harder than for residents. Traditional banks often prefer at least one director with a German address and may ask for certified documents or in person identification, while some digital providers can onboard remotely. Eligibility depends on your nationality, residence and legal form, so confirm with the provider. As of 12 May 2026.

Do I need a German address to open a business account?

Often, but not always. A registered German company usually needs a German business address, and many traditional banks expect a local address for at least one director. Some digital providers accept applicants without a German residential address depending on the country and business type. Confirm what is required with the provider. As of 12 May 2026.

Which providers may open remotely for non residents?

Digital providers such as Wise Business, Revolut Business, Finom and Qonto handle onboarding online and serve a range of countries, though acceptance depends on your nationality, residence and business type. Wise Business and Revolut Business are electronic money providers rather than banks. Check eligibility for your situation with the provider. As of 12 May 2026.

Why might a non resident application be declined?

Common reasons include no German address or local presence, a higher risk country of residence, an unclear business activity, or missing certified documents. Requirements vary by provider, so if your position is unclear, verify with the provider before applying. As of 12 May 2026.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 12 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.