Starting January 1, 2026, Bürgergeld in Germany is no longer paid by check - only to a bank account with an IBAN. If you’re a Ukrainian with temporary protection and still don’t have a German bank account, it’s time to figure out how to get one without the headache.
What is a Basiskonto and why banks can’t say no¶
A Basiskonto (basic payment account) is a bank account that every German bank offering accounts to individuals is legally required to open for you. This is mandated by the Zahlungskontengesetz (ZKG), Germany’s Payment Accounts Act. It applies to Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Volksbank - all of them.
Who’s entitled to a Basiskonto:
- Anyone legally residing in the EU - and that includes Ukrainians with §24 AufenthG (temporary protection)
- People without a permanent address
- Refugees and asylum seekers
- People with Duldung (tolerated stay)
Basically, if you have any document from a German authority (Fiktionsbescheinigung, Anlaufbescheinigung, Meldebescheinigung) - the bank must open an account for you. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with BaFin (Federal Financial Supervisory Authority), and they’ll make the bank comply.
What you can do with a Basiskonto¶
- Send money transfers (Überweisung)
- Receive salary and social benefits (Bürgergeld, Kindergeld, Elterngeld)
- Pay bills via Lastschrift (direct debit)
- Withdraw cash from ATMs
- Pay by card in stores and online
- Use online banking and a mobile app
How Basiskonto differs from a regular Girokonto¶
The only real difference - the bank doesn’t have to give you a Dispo (overdraft, meaning you can’t spend more than what’s in your account). For most people, that’s actually a good thing - you won’t accidentally end up in debt.
If a bank offers online banking to its regular customers, it must offer it for Basiskonto too. So mobile app, online transfers, push notifications - you get all of that.
What documents you need to open an account¶
BaFin simplified the requirements for Ukrainians with temporary protection back in 2022. Here’s what you’ll need:
Option 1: You have an international passport¶
- Ukrainian international passport (biometric or old-style)
- One document from a German authority: Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate), Fiktionsbescheinigung, or Aufenthaltserlaubnis under §24
This is the simplest option - most banks will open your account in a single visit.
Option 2: You only have an internal passport (ID card)¶
- Internal passport (ID card) - works for opening a Basiskonto specifically
- Meldebescheinigung or Fiktionsbescheinigung
Note: some banks may also ask for an Anlaufbescheinigung (certificate from a refugee registration point). Not a problem, just bring it along.
Option 3: Documents lost due to the war¶
Even without a passport, you’re entitled to a Basiskonto. But you’ll need more documents from German authorities:
- Ankunftsnachweis (proof of arrival)
- Fiktionsbescheinigung
- Meldebescheinigung
BaFin has officially confirmed: loss of documents due to war is not grounds for refusing to open an account.
If you need to restore lost documents, check our guide on restoring documents destroyed by the war.
Which bank to choose: comparing your options¶
Sparkasse - the most popular choice among Ukrainians¶
About 300,000 Ukrainians opened their accounts at Sparkasse. Here’s why:
- Branches are literally everywhere - over 12,000 across Germany
- The mobile app is available in Ukrainian
- Staff are experienced with refugees and know the procedure
- Some regional Sparkassen offer free account maintenance for Ukrainians in the first year
Downside: Basiskonto at Sparkasse costs 3 to 8.50 euros per month depending on the region.
Online banks: DKB, N26, ING¶
| Bank | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkasse | 3-8.50 euros/month | Branches everywhere, app in Ukrainian, experienced with refugees |
| DKB | free (with 700+ euros monthly deposits) | Online bank, good conditions, but Anmeldung required |
| ING | free (with 700+ euros monthly deposits), otherwise 4.90 euros/month | Major online platform |
| N26 | free (basic plan) | Can open without Anmeldung, but need an address for card delivery |
| Norisbank | free (with 500+ euros monthly deposits), otherwise 3.90 euros/month | Deutsche Bank subsidiary, wide ATM network |
| Commerzbank | 0 euros (with active usage) or 4.90 euros/month | Branches in most cities |
Wise and Revolut - as an extra option¶
Wise and Revolut aren’t banks in the traditional sense (they don’t have a German banking license), but they’re useful as a secondary account:
- Open entirely online
- Low fees for transfers to Ukraine
- But: some Behörden (government offices) may not accept their IBAN for social benefits. For Bürgergeld, Kindergeld, and Elterngeld, you’re better off with a classic German bank account
A warning about N26¶
In 2022, N26 blocked accounts of over 100 customers without warning, including Ukrainian refugees. One woman lost access to 15,000 euros. The bank cited anti-money laundering checks. If you go with N26 - don’t keep all your savings in one account.
How much does a Basiskonto cost¶
A Basiskonto isn’t necessarily free. According to Finanztip, costs range from 0 to 100 euros per year (that’s 0 to 8.50 euros per month).
What’s typically included:
| Service | Usually included | May cost extra |
|---|---|---|
| Account maintenance | base fee | - |
| Girocard (debit card) | yes | sometimes 5-15 euros/year |
| Online banking | yes | - |
| Cash withdrawal at your bank’s ATMs | yes | - |
| Cash withdrawal at other ATMs | sometimes limited | 2-5 euros per transaction |
| Transfers (Überweisung) | yes | - |
You can compare prices across all banks on the official BaFin portal: kontenvergleich.bafin.de.
If you’re on Bürgergeld and the account fee is a burden, let your Jobcenter know. They may factor these costs in.
Do you need document translations to open an account¶
Short answer: for opening an account, usually no. But there are situations where translations come in handy.
When you DON’T need a translation¶
- International passport - the bank reads the data directly
- Meldebescheinigung - it’s already in German
- Aufenthaltserlaubnis - also in German
- Steuer-ID - just a number
When you might need a translation¶
- Income certificate from Ukraine - if you want to open a regular Girokonto (not Basiskonto) and the bank asks for proof of income
- Marriage certificate - if you’re opening a joint account and the bank needs confirmation
- Power of attorney - if someone else is opening the account on your behalf (for example, for an elderly relative)
For these cases, you’ll need a certified translation (beglaubigte Übersetzung) from a sworn translator. You can find one on justiz-dolmetscher.de.
On ChatsControl you can order a certified translation of your documents online - no queues, no trips.
Step-by-step guide: from zero to IBAN¶
Step 1: Gather your documents¶
Minimum set: passport + Meldebescheinigung (or another document from a Behörde). Bring everything you have - better to carry extra papers than to make two trips.
Step 2: Pick a bank¶
If you want the least hassle, go to Sparkasse. If you want to save money, look at online banks. Compare conditions at kontenvergleich.bafin.de.
Step 3: Visit a branch (or apply online)¶
At Sparkasse - walk in with your documents and say “Ich möchte ein Basiskonto eröffnen” (I’d like to open a basic account). If you don’t speak German, bring someone who can interpret, or call ahead and ask if there’s an English-speaking staff member.
For online banks (N26, DKB) - you’ll go through video verification with your passport.
Step 4: Sign the contract¶
The bank will give you a contract (Kontovertrag). Make sure to ask:
- How much is the monthly maintenance fee
- Are there fees for cash withdrawals
- What are the transfer limits
If you don’t understand something - don’t sign until you do. Ask for a copy to take home and show someone who reads German.
Step 5: Get your card and online banking access¶
Your Girocard (debit card) usually arrives by mail within 5-10 business days. The PIN comes in a separate letter. Online banking is activated immediately or after you receive your card.
Important: timelines¶
The bank has 10 business days to process a Basiskonto application. If you haven’t heard back after 10 days - follow up. If they decline, demand a written refusal and file a complaint with BaFin.
Common problems and how to fix them¶
“The bank says they don’t offer Basiskonto”¶
That’s against the law. Every bank that offers accounts to individuals must open a Basiskonto. Tell the employee this, ask to speak with a manager. If that doesn’t work, file a complaint with BaFin.
“They’re asking for documents I don’t have”¶
If you don’t have an international passport because of the war - explain this. BaFin has officially allowed account opening for Ukrainian refugees without an international passport. Show your Ankunftsnachweis or Fiktionsbescheinigung.
“They opened my account but froze it months later”¶
This happens with online banks (N26, Revolut) due to anti-money laundering (AML) checks. The reason is usually that the bank couldn’t verify your data. Advice: keep receipts, don’t receive suspiciously large cash amounts, keep your main account at a traditional bank (Sparkasse, Volksbank).
“Jobcenter wants my IBAN but I don’t have an account yet”¶
Explain the situation to your Sachbearbeiter (Jobcenter case worker). While the account is being set up, ask for a temporary solution. In extreme cases, Jobcenter can issue a one-time cash or check payment (though since 2026, this has become harder).
Where to get help¶
- Verbraucherzentrale (consumer protection center) - free advice on bank accounts
- Handbook Germany - bank account info in Ukrainian
- BaFin - official Basiskonto information and account comparison tool
- Migration counseling (Migrationsberatung) - free, they’ll help with documents and communication with the bank
- Germany4Ukraine - official portal for Ukrainians
FAQ¶
Can Ukrainians with §24 open a bank account in Germany?¶
Yes. Ukrainians with a residence permit under §24 AufenthG have a legal right to a Basiskonto (basic account) at any German bank. The bank cannot refuse - this is directly mandated by the Zahlungskontengesetz (ZKG). If they do refuse, file a complaint with BaFin.
How much does a Basiskonto cost in Germany?¶
From 0 to 8.50 euros per month depending on the bank. At Sparkasse, it’s usually 3-8.50 euros. Online banks like DKB or N26 may offer a free basic account. You can compare prices on the official kontenvergleich.bafin.de website.
Do I need a document translation to open a bank account in Germany?¶
For opening a Basiskonto - usually no. The bank just needs your passport and a Meldebescheinigung or Fiktionsbescheinigung. A translation may be needed if the bank requests additional documents (income certificate, marriage certificate) - in that case you’ll need a certified translation from a sworn translator.
Can I open a bank account in Germany without an international passport?¶
Yes. BaFin simplified requirements for Ukrainian refugees. If your international passport was lost due to the war, you can open a Basiskonto with an internal passport (ID card) or even without a passport - as long as you have an Ankunftsnachweis, Fiktionsbescheinigung, and Meldebescheinigung from German authorities.
Which bank is best for Ukrainians in Germany?¶
For most Ukrainians, the easiest option is Sparkasse: branches everywhere, app available in Ukrainian, staff experienced with refugees. If you want to save on fees, consider DKB or N26 as online alternatives. For transfers to Ukraine, it’s handy to have an extra account with Wise.
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