The main feature of the German banking system is the prospect of a foreigner opening an account in a local bank is determined not by the legislation of the country and often not by the policy of a particular credit institution, but by the personal position of an ordinary employee. Non-EU citizens, especially those without a residence permit in Germany, are among the least desirable clients for German banks. But that doesn't mean they don't have a single chance.
It is necessary
- - passport with a valid visa;
- - Police certificate, which is the local equivalent of registration at the place of residence (optional);
- - confirmation of the source of income in Germany, for example, a certificate from the employer (optional);
- - cash for the first installment (optional);
- - knowledge of the German language (although English may be enough, in Germany many people know it) or the services of an interpreter.
Instructions
Step 1
The easiest way is if you have a residence permit in Germany and a steady income. The bank will most likely want to see your passport with a visa (residence permit, including a temporary one), a police registration certificate and a document confirming income. Problems can arise if the source of your income is social payments (compatriots living in Germany call them "social"). For such a potential client, the likelihood of rejection increases. The same situation, if there is no income at all. But there is no need to despair: if they refuse in one place, a different result is possible in another.
Step 2
The willingness to immediately deposit any money into the account can increase the chances of a foreigner for success, but this cannot be guaranteed 100%. And a very large amount of the first installment will rather scare off a bank clerk. Germany has very strict anti-money laundering laws. However, you should adhere to the same rule: having received a refusal in one place, turn to another - and so on until the bitter end.
Step 3
The largest reserve of patience will be useful to foreigners who are in the country on a short-stay visa. The length of the chain of rejections they face depends a lot on luck. However, there is always a chance to find a bank that will be sufficient to see your passport and short-term Schengen visa.
Step 4
It is important to understand that there is no law in Germany that would prohibit banks from opening accounts for foreigners. But there is no law that would oblige them to do this on demand. And the banks themselves often do not have a firm, binding policy on this issue. As a result, the last word remains with the performer to whom you turn.
Step 5
So a refusal in one branch of the bank does not mean the same result in another branch of the bank. Moreover, it is possible that your appeal to another performer in the same department will not be successful. Therefore, if you need an account in a German bank, just go around everything, do not hesitate to contact those branches that you have already visited, but to other employees. And, perhaps, as a result, you will achieve your goal.
