Banking & Money: how it works in Germany — first-hand
Real experience of people from chats on «Banking & Money» in Germany — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
Opening a bank account in Germany for non-EU citizens (especially Russians) is challenging and highly inconsistent.
1. **Deutsche Bank**: May have a policy of not opening accounts for Russians, even with residence permits.
2. **Sparkasse**: May reject applicants with short-term visas.
3. **Volksbank**: Can be an option.
4. **Strategy**: Be persistent and try multiple branches. Using a formal 'Basisconto' (basic account) application might help, as banks are legally obligated to offer them under certain conditions. Having a German-speaking companion can facilitate communication and improve chances of success. Success is largely dependent on the specific branch and clerk encountered.
For a guest (Schengen) visa to Germany with full financial support from relatives: an invitation (Verpflichtungserklärung) copy/scan is accepted for application, but the original is recommended at border control. An additional free-form invitation is also needed. Travel insurance can be arranged by the inviting party, especially if the applicant lacks an international payment method. Tickets can be bought by the applicant, but if sponsored, the inviting party may buy them. A work certificate with vacation dates is required. Visas are typically issued for exact travel dates. Always prioritize embassy information over third-party agencies.
To open a German bank account, a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) is not always required. A visa D may suffice, but requirements vary by bank.
In Germany, some banks like Sparkasse offer specific services for opening accounts for Ukrainian refugees (those under Paragraph 24). The requirements and procedures for other categories of refugees may differ.
Russian citizens in Germany, even with residency and property, may face bank account closures (e.g., Deutsche Bank) due to sanctions. While some banks (e.g., Sparkasse) might only request updated personal data, a formal closure notification is definitive. Legal challenge is a complex and lengthy process without guaranteed immediate resolution. Opening new bank accounts for Russian citizens in Germany has become increasingly difficult.
A German Verpflichtungserklärung (VE) often becomes invalid after the first departure from the Schengen area. For subsequent trips, a new VE might be required. Alternatively, a free-form invitation can be used if the invited person takes on the financial responsibility for their trip. A template for a free-form invitation is usually available on the German Embassy's website.
In Germany, a 'Mietkautionsversicherung' (rental deposit insurance) is an alternative to a traditional cash deposit (Kaution). Instead of paying the deposit directly to the landlord, the tenant pays a premium to an insurance company, which then acts as a guarantor for the deposit amount. This prevents the landlord from independently accessing the funds. However, not all landlords accept this form of deposit, with many preferring a direct cash payment. Tariffs for Mietkautionsversicherung can be compared on platforms like Check24.
Revolut frequently freezes accounts without prior notice in Germany, particularly for transactions involving non-EU banks (e.g., Freedom Bank, Kazakhstan). Compliance teams scrutinize non-EU transfers. The most effective way to resolve freezes is to demand escalation from the automated chatbot to a human agent.
Paying German government invoices (e.g., for school certificate recognition/Zeugnisanerkennung) from Russia is highly restricted due to sanctions. OTP Bank is currently one of the few Russian banks still processing EUR SWIFT transfers to European IBAN accounts. Alternatively, trusted payment agents listed in verified expat community directories can be used.
Kleinanzeigen (formerly eBay Kleinanzeigen) has an extremely strict anti-fraud system. Registration or usage from outside the EU, via VPN, or using virtual phone numbers will trigger an immediate permanent ban. Even new accounts registered within Germany on local SIM cards may be flagged and suspended upon sending the first inquiry. Unblocking via support (Kundenservice) requires identity verification and can take up to 3 weeks.
Opening a bank account in Germany (Sparkasse/commercial banks) typically requires a Steuer-ID (tax identification number). This number is automatically sent by the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) to the resident's registered address after the initial Anmeldung (registration of address). Some bank branches may allow account opening with an agreement to provide the ID later, but policies vary by branch.
German Schengen visa requirements: A formal sponsorship declaration (Verpflichtungserklärung) from the Ausländerbehörde is mandatory if no other proof of financial stability is provided. Bank statements from third-party countries are not accepted without a valid residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) for that specific country. When applying via another Schengen country, the applicant must ensure that the primary duration of the trip is spent in the issuing country.
Recommended daily budgets for a tourist in Germany vary widely. Suggestions range from €100 (excluding accommodation) to €1,000 or even €10,000. Actual expenses depend on activities like dining, souvenir shopping, transportation, and museum visits.
To transfer PayPal funds received from an employer using an Azerbaijani bank card in Germany, explore options such as linking the Azerbaijani card directly to PayPal (if supported), using intermediary money transfer services, or considering cryptocurrency exchanges as a conversion method. Direct bank transfers from PayPal to non-EU accounts may have limitations or specific procedures.
Clarify the process and potential issues of paying for the DE Ticket using a foreign bank card. Determine if such payments are automatically reported to SCHUFA (credit bureau) and investigate successful payment methods, referencing successful transactions on platforms like Immobilienscout24.
When seeking to extend a blocked account (like Fintiba) or adjust the account balance due to obtaining a work contract in Germany, individuals may be required to provide a specific document from the immigration authorities. This document should confirm the basis for opening or maintaining an account with a reduced amount, ensuring compliance with German banking and immigration regulations.
When transferring funds from Russia to a blocked account (Sperrkonto) for a German student visa, some users report issues with Finteiba scrutinizing the 'origin of funds.' It is suggested to consider alternative providers like Edubao to potentially avoid such complications, as Finteiba's policies or enforcement may have become stricter in recent years.
It is possible to open a bank account in Germany without a residence permit ('Anmeldung' or residence card). Several banks, including Sparkasse, N26, and potentially others like Revolut, may allow account opening with just a valid visa. It is advisable to visit multiple bank branches to inquire about their specific requirements for non-residents.
Sberbank mobile applications may function in Germany with limitations. Using a VPN is recommended for better connectivity. While bill payments are possible, functionality varies by merchant. Some users report successful usage without a VPN via mobile data or home Wi-Fi.
Commerzbank is reportedly known for being uncooperative with Russian passport holders, even those with a German residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) and tax number. Some users label the bank as 'Russophobic' due to repeated rejections for account openings.
Commonly mentioned German banks with legal entities in Germany include Sparkasse and N26. Some users also utilize Revolut. Opinions on user experience with specific banks, like Sparkasse, can vary.
When applying for a German visa with an official invitation (Verpflichtungserklärung), the Verpflichtungserklärung typically serves as sufficient financial proof, unless specifically noted otherwise on the document. However, applicants are still advised to provide a bank statement showing transaction history for the last three months. The purpose of this bank statement is not to demonstrate a specific minimum balance, but rather to serve as supplementary evidence of the applicant's intent to return to their home country.
Recommendations for opening bank accounts in Germany for individuals with a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel). While Commerzbank reportedly denied an application, Sparkasse and Volksbank are suggested as more accessible options. Revolut is also mentioned as a possibility.
Living in Germany without a stable income solely on savings is challenging. While savings are not taxed, their depletion can severely impact financial stability. German bureaucracy is known for long waiting times for appointments (e.g., 3 weeks for an appointment in a city of 200k), potential last-minute cancellations, and slow email responses from public offices (Ausländerbehörde). It's advised to have a clear financial plan beyond just savings.
For Schengen visa applications requiring proof of financial means, a bank statement from a Russian bank not under sanctions might be considered, but its acceptance by the German embassy is uncertain. It is advisable to open an account with an EU-based bank for a higher chance of acceptance. However, obtaining a formal invitation with financial commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) is generally the most reliable way to secure a German Schengen visa, as it bypasses some of the stringent financial proof requirements for purely tourist applications.
The user has a Vodafone tariff that expires on the 14th. They have topped up their balance but cannot pay for the tariff early or extend it. The system should advise the user to: 1. Check the specific terms and conditions of their Vodafone contract regarding early payment or renewal. 2. Contact Vodafone customer support directly to inquire about options for extending or re-purchasing the tariff, or if they can use the topped-up balance towards a new plan. 3. Be aware that some tariffs might not allow early renewal and require waiting for the current one to expire.
If obtaining an official 'Verpflichtungserklärung' (formal obligation declaration) for inviting parents to Germany is not feasible, an informal invitation letter accompanied by bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover their expenses during the visit can be attempted. While this method is not guaranteed to be accepted, it's a viable alternative. If unsuccessful, consider exploring the possibility of obtaining a 'Verpflichtungserklärung' through friends or acquaintances, which involves its own set of procedures.
If an official 'Verpflichtungserklärung' (formal obligation declaration) cannot be obtained for inviting parents to Germany, an alternative is to issue an informal invitation letter. This should be supported by bank statements from the host in Germany, demonstrating sufficient funds to cover the visitors' expenses during their stay. While not officially mandated like the 'Verpflichtungserklärung,' this approach can sometimes be accepted by authorities.
To update your details at Sparkasse with a new Aufenthaltstitel, you must visit the specific branch where your account was opened. Other branches cannot process this update. It is advisable to call your branch beforehand to confirm if an appointment is necessary.
For German visa applications, a balance statement is insufficient. Provide a 3-month account movement history. If a Verpflichtungserklärung (VE) is present, financial proof is secondary, but additional documents (deposit certificates) strengthen the application by proving ties to the home country.
A Russian citizen with a Blue Card in Germany has been denied opening investment accounts at Commerzbank, S-Broker, and Scalable Capital. This suggests potential difficulties for Russian citizens in accessing certain financial services in Germany.
Regarding the Verpflichtungserklärung (VE) for visa applications, a key point to check is a mark in a specific box on the reverse side. While the exact meaning of this mark can be confusing, it relates to proof of financial solvency. The term 'glaubhaft gemacht' (credibly made) in a box above may also be relevant, and both are considered equivalent by the embassy.