Business accounts for founders: top 4 accounts for starting a business in Germany (2026)

A business account for founders is a key part of setting up a company in Germany, especially if you’re coming from abroad. Here’s how four popular options compare on eligibility, cost, account opening and everyday features.

Why Do International Founders Need a Business Account in Germany?

A separate business account offers several practical benefits: 

• Keep your business and personal spending separate. Once you start paying from both accounts, it gets hard to tell which transactions belong to the company. A separate account means your business expenses have their own trail.
• Run the business payments through one account. Customer money can come in there, while supplier bills, tax payments, salaries and other expenses go out. This makes it easier to identify and track business transactions.
• Make bookkeeping less complicated. Your accountant can see the business transactions without having to sort through unrelated personal spending. It also makes it easier to line up payments with the right invoices.
• Some legal forms require an account as part of the setup. A GmbH is one example. You pay the share capital into the company’s account before the business can be entered in the Commercial Register.

What Do You Need to Open a Business Account for Founders?

Before the account is ready to use, the bank needs to know some information about you and the business. Where you live matters, as does the company you’re setting up. The documents and steps required to open a business bank account in Germany depend on the provider and legal form. 

For international founders, there are a few additional points to consider. Depending on the provider, legal form and individual circumstances, they may need:

• proof of residence or visa status
• a valid passport or other accepted ID
• company formation documents
• the company’s registered address and details
• to meet the requirements for companies without a German presence

You may be able to get the account running before the GmbH or UG is on the Commercial Register. Some providers accept companies that are still in formation, with the relevant notarised formation documents needed at that point. The account can then be used to deposit the share capital when opening a company in Germany.

Which Documents Does a Business Account for Founders Require?

The exact documents you need vary based on your citizenship, legal status, company type and the bank you apply to. The bank may also ask for additional documents, depending on your circumstances.

✓ Generally required

(✓) Required in some cases

✗ Not necessary

Best Business Accounts for International Founders in Germany

There are plenty of business accounts in Germany, but the choice is smaller once you look at options for founders based abroad. We’ve narrowed it down to four providers that work with international founders:

Finom

Finom combines its business account with invoicing and accounting integrations. Cards and payments are available, and you can use the account alongside your accounting tools, too. This means fewer providers are involved overall. Finom can also work for founders who come to Germany to set up different types of businesses, from one-person businesses to larger companies.

N26

N26 offers a relatively small range of options. The business account is for freelancers and self-employed people who work under their own name, rather than founders who set up a separate company, such as a GmbH or UG. Other than that, N26 users get a clear view of their spending in the app and eligible card payments can earn cashback each month.

bunq

bunq suits businesses that need to work across borders. You can hold accounts in different currencies, which may be useful if your business still has clients, suppliers or other financial ties outside Germany. The higher plans also give you more control over who can access the account and how cards are used.

Qonto

Qonto has most of the main features you’d expect. Different business structures can use the account, and additional users and cards can be added as the company grows. Beyond the account itself, there are tools for invoices and cash flow, allowing users to manage routine financial tasks in one place.

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FAQ

When should international founders open a business account?

For a GmbH or UG, the business account must be opened before registration. The share capital needs to be transferred to the company’s bank account before the Commercial Register can record the company. With other business types, there’s no share capital to deposit, but it’s still best to open the account before you make or receive any business payments.

Do I need to live in Germany to open a business account?

Not always. Some providers allow non-residents to open an account. But where you live, your citizenship and the type of company you’re setting up can all change the answer. Some providers also limit non-resident applicants to certain countries or require the company to have a local presence.

Can a non-EU founder open a business account in Germany?

Yes, in principle. You’ll normally need a passport or ID, proof of residence and documents for your business. For a GmbH or UG, the bank may also ask for the formation documents and details of the shareholders and directors. Some providers only accept founders who live in certain countries, so your place of residence can matter as much as your nationality.

Do I need a SCHUFA check to open a business account?

Not necessarily. A SCHUFA check (a check of your credit history) isn’t always required when you open a business account. Some providers check the founder’s personal credit history, especially for accounts with an overdraft or credit facility. Others offer standard business accounts without a SCHUFA check.