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First: What is a Geschäftskonto (business account)?
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A Geschäftskonto is a bank account dedicated to business activities (for a company, sole trader, online shop, etc.).
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It clearly separates private money from business funds.
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It is officially required in particular when:
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You set up a UG or GmbH
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You are registered in the commercial register (Handelsregister)
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You issue regular invoices as part of your business
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Bank requirements for newly arrived residents
Typical basic documents required:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Or a valid residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel). |
| Proof of residence (Meldebescheinigung) | Issued by the Bürgeramt (local registration office). |
| Business registration (Gewerbeschein) | Or articles of association / formation documents for UG/GmbH. |
| Tax number (Steuernummer) | Or confirmation from the Finanzamt that it is being processed. |
| Short business plan (sometimes) | Especially if you are new to Germany or the project is brand new. |
| Commercial register extract (Handelsregisterauszug) | Only required for GmbH or UG. |
| Residence permit allowing work | For example, an entry stating „Selbständige Tätigkeit erlaubt“. |
Some banks may also request:
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Proof of source of funds
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A CV (curriculum vitae)
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Links to your website / online presence, if available
Types of banks offering a Geschäftskonto
Traditional branch banks (Filialbanken)
| Bank | Advantages | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkasse | Local, well-established and trusted | Procedures often slower, fees can be relatively high |
| Deutsche Bank | Very reliable business accounts | Suitable for larger / more complex projects |
| Commerzbank | Special offers for new founders | Usually requires an appointment and branch visit |
Digital / online banks
| Bank | Advantages | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| N26 Business | Fast and easy, good for freelancers | Does not support UG/GmbH |
| Kontist | Designed specifically for the self-employed | No GmbH accounts; excellent for beginners |
| Qonto | Suitable for UG, GmbH and teams | Interface in English, strong customer support |
| Penta | Strong focus on companies and start-ups | Proof of active business required for full activation |
Costs
| Account / Bank | Approximate monthly fee |
|---|---|
| N26 Business | About €0 – €16 |
| Kontist Freiberufler | About €0 – €12 |
| Qonto / Penta / Finom | About €9 – €29 |
| Sparkasse / Deutsche Bank | About €10 – €40 |
Important notes for newly arrived residents
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You do not need a permanent residence permit, but your status must allow self-employment or commercial activity.
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If you do not yet have a Steuernummer or Gewerbeschein, you can often open the account preliminarily and complete activation later once you submit the missing documents.
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Digital banks such as Kontist and Qonto are often more flexible with newcomers than traditional branch banks.
Summary
| Situation | Most suitable business account |
|---|---|
| New sole trader (Einzelunternehmen) or freelancer | Kontist or N26 Business |
| UG or GmbH | Qonto, Penta or Commerzbank |
| You want a traditional bank with branches | Deutsche Bank or Sparkasse |
| Low income, need very low fixed costs | Kontist Free or Finom Solo |
The authors and editorial team of the website make every effort to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors may occur or individual details may remain uncertain. Please regard this article as an initial guide only and always consult banks, tax advisors or the relevant authorities for binding and officially reliable information.
