If you don't already have a business bank account, follow these steps to open one quickly and efficiently.

Opening a German bank account is not difficult, but it does take some time. It's best to start the process early on so that everything can be completed before your first deposit. In this guide, we'll walk you through each step of opening a bank account.

Choose a bank.

  • Choose a bank that is close to your business. If you’re based in Berlin, for example, and have a business office in Frankfurt, it makes sense to choose a bank that has branches near both locations. If possible, find out if the bank has a branch near your business; this will make it much easier for you to go there and handle any issues that may arise.

  • Find out if the bank offers the services you need. The German banking industry is highly competitive—banks offer many different services and products for businesses of all sizes and industries. Some banks specialize in corporate banking; others are focused on consumer lending or investment management services (such as stocks). When choosing which bank to work with, start by considering what types of accounts would benefit your business most—for example: checking accounts vs savings accounts vs mortgages vs overdraft protection plans, etc…

  • Find out if they are reliable/trustworthy/have good customer service reviews online from other customers who have used them before (Google reviews). You can also ask other people who have used them before about their experiences as well!

Gather your identification and paperwork.

  • Bring your passport, birth certificate, and residence permit. You will also need to bring evidence of ownership of the business you are opening an account. This may be a copy of the deed or title to land if you are operating a farm or brewery, or it could be proof that you own shares in another company that owns those assets.

  • Bring your tax ID number (Steuernummer). If there is no tax ID yet because it's just been set up, this can be written on a piece of paper instead and handed over when available.

  • Bring proof that you have registered as self-employed with local authorities (Gewerbeanmeldung). This should include both copies: one for yourself and one for the bank employee who will create your new account for you at their computer terminal.

Provide information about your business.

  • Provide your business address.

  • Provide the name of your business.

  • Provide your business's tax ID number (if applicable).

Make an initial deposit.

You must deposit a small amount of money into your account when you open it. This is called "opening capital".

The amount varies by bank, but it's usually around 10 euros or 20 US dollars. The minimum number of Euros you can deposit will be shown in the application process on [bank name]'s website.

Opening a bank account is not complicated.

Opening a bank account is not complicated. You can do it online, in person, over the phone, or by mail. If you are opening your account on behalf of a company or organization, you will need to submit additional paperwork and typically pay an annual fee. However, each bank’s requirements vary so it’s important to contact them directly before doing anything else.

Conclusion

If you want to start a business in Germany, you will need to open up a business account. This article has all the information you need to get started.