Open a Bank Account

You will likely need a German bank account for things such as paying rent, direct deposit for your salary, proof of financing for your residence permit, etc. There are numerous banks in Regensburg and online to choose from, each with its own particular terms and conditions. The Welcome Package includes a list of local banks and their conditions.

Generally speaking, checking accounts (Girokonto) are free for PhD students who are enrolled at the University. Otherwise, one can expect to pay a small monthly fee for their account.

Please make an appointment with the bank of your choice.

Documents generally needed to open a bank account are:

• Address Confirmation (Anmeldebest?tigung)
• Passport/ European national ID
• Work contract or proof of scholarship
• Tax ID (can be handed in later)
• If you are enrolled as a PhD student at the Registrar's Office (Studentenkanzlei): Proof of enrollment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung)

Make sure you cancel your bank account before you leave. With some banks (e.g. Sparkasse) the account must be cancelled at the branch.