Opening a bank account in Germany vs. Poland vs. Czechia

How Expats Can Open a Bank Account in Germany, Poland, and Czechia – The Practical Guide (2025 Edition)

Landing in a new country is exciting… until you realize you need a bank account, paperwork, and patience.
The good news? With the right steps – and a comfortable home base like a furnished apartment – opening a bank account becomes surprisingly easy.

Here’s your clear, expat-friendly guide to opening a bank account in Germany, Poland, and Czechia, including the most popular banks, requirements, and shortcuts.

Opening a Bank Account in Germany

Germany loves structure, rules, and paperwork. But no worries – things have become much easier for expats, especially if you’re already staying in a furnished apartment with a proper address.

✔ What you need

• Passport or EU ID
• German address (your furnished apartment works perfectly)
• Registration certificate (“Anmeldung”) – sometimes required
• Residence permit (if applicable)
• Employment contract or rental agreement (depending on the bank)

✔ Most popular banks for expats

1. N26
   Fully digital. English app. Verification in minutes. Ideal for newcomers with no German documents yet.
2. Deutsche Bank
   Classic, stable, widely accepted. Many branches with English-speaking staff.
3. Commerzbank
   Reliable all-rounder with a strong branch network.
4. Sparkasse / Volksbank
   Local banks everywhere. Great personal service, but English availability depends on location.
5. Revolut
   Not a German bank, but a quick temporary solution for payments.

✔ Tips to speed up the process

• Get your Anmeldung early – it makes everything easier.
• Start with N26, then switch to a traditional bank once settled.
• Your furnished apartment address is valid for the application.

Opening a Bank Account in Poland

Poland is one of Europe’s most digital banking markets. Translation: opening a bank account is fast, easy, and expat-friendly – perfect if you’re staying in a furnished apartment in Warsaw, Gdańsk, or Kraków.

✔ What you need

• Passport
• Polish address (your furnished apartment works)
• Local phone number
• PESEL (sometimes required, but many banks open accounts without it)

✔ Most popular banks for expats

1. mBank
   Huge favourite among expats. Fully digital. English online banking.
2. ING Bank Śląski
   Modern app, English interface, large branch network.
3. Santander Bank Polska
   International brand + reliable customer service.
4. PKO Bank Polski
   The country’s largest bank – stable, traditional, widespread.
5. Pekao S.A.
   Good English support in major cities.

✔ Insider tip

In Poland, you can often open a bank account with just a passport. Very convenient for newcomers.

Opening a Bank Account in Czechia

Prague is one of Europe’s expat capitals – but yes, sometimes the paperwork moves at a “relaxed” pace. Don’t worry: with the right bank (and a confirmed address in a furnished apartment), you’re set.

✔ What you need

• Passport
• Czech address (your apartment rental contract is sufficient)
• Residence permit (may be required depending on passport)
• Czech phone number (some banks require it)

✔ Most popular banks for expats

1. AirBank
   Modern, friendly, digital – great for expats.
2. Česká spořitelna
   The country’s biggest bank. Large branch network. Good English service.
3. Komerční banka (KB)
   Internationally oriented and reliable.
4. ČSOB
   Stable online banking, popular with foreigners.
5. Moneta Money Bank
   Fast onboarding and a user-friendly app.

✔ Expat tip

AirBank and Česká spořitelna are known for being the quickest and easiest for foreigners.

Why a Furnished Apartment Makes Everything Easier

Every bank in every country will ask for one essential thing: your address.
And that’s exactly why choosing a furnished apartment through a professional agency is a massive advantage:

• You have an immediately valid address for the bank.
• No need to buy furniture or handle utilities.
• You can register quickly (Germany: Anmeldung).
• Flexible rental periods while you settle in.
• You can focus on your job, life, and paperwork – instead of setting up a home.

A smooth banking process starts with a smooth housing solution.

Conclusion – Your Fast Track to Banking in Central Europe

Whether you’re moving to Berlin, Warsaw, or Prague, opening a bank account is simpler than expected when you:

1. Have a verified address (your furnished apartment).
2. Pick an expat-friendly bank.
3. Start digital and switch later if needed.

With the right preparation – and a comfortable home base – you’ll settle in faster, spend less time on paperwork, and enjoy your new city to the fullest.