Skip to main content
Coming to Vechta
Studies, research, short-term stay: We support you on your way to the University of Vechta and during your stay or studies.

Opening a bank account

ascending stacks of coins with a small tree sprout on top

If you are planning to stay for a long time in Germany, it makes sense for you to open a German bank account. This will be a necessary step if you have a job in Germany, in order to receive your salary. Moreover, having a German bank account will make it easier to pay the rent and transfer money for other purposes. With a German debit card you will also be able to withdraw cash without having to pay a commission.

In order to open a bank account in Germany, you will usually need the following documents (but depending on the bank, you might need additional documents):

  • Passport
  • Residence Permit
  • Confirmation of matriculation or proof of employment
  • Address registration confirmation ("Meldebescheinigung")

You can open a bank account in person, in the local branch of the bank you are interested in, or online. It is generally a good idea to compare the conditions of the various banks to see how much they charge. Moreover, you should choose a bank that features ATMs in your neighbourhood, in order to be able to withdraw cash without having to pay a commission. At the Welcome Centre we will be happy to provide further information and support to choose a bank and open a bank account.

In order to pay the rent or other bills, you might want to initiate a periodic money transfer order ("Dauerauftrag") or a direct debit procedure ("Lastschriftverfahren"). A periodic money transfer order can be disposed online. By choosing this option, you will be able to transfer the same amount of money regularly (e.g. monthly) to another bank account (e.g. your landlord's), without having to transfer it manually every time.

If you enable a direct debit procedure, you will allow a person or institution (e.g. the GEZ for the radio/television fees) to withdraw a fixed amount of money directly from your bank account. In order to do so, you have to provide them your bank account details and allow the (possibly regular) withdrawal from your bank account (e.g. by signing a document). If you have any questions on these procedures, please contact us at the Welcome Centre.