Can't open a bank account without Anmeldung
The situation
Traditional banks want your Anmeldebestätigung, but your registration appointment is weeks away — and you need an account NOW for your blocked account payout, deposit or salary.
The way out
Go online-first:
- Online banks (N26 and similar) open full German accounts with just your passport via video identification — no Anmeldung needed. Takes ~30 minutes, gives you a real German IBAN immediately.
- Use that IBAN for your blocked account payout, salary and rent — it's a fully valid German account, not a workaround.
- Add a traditional bank later if you want branches and cash services, once your Anmeldung exists.
If video-ident rejects your passport (it happens with some nationalities): try another provider — each bank supports different document sets. Wise or Revolut with an EU IBAN can bridge the very first weeks, though some employers prefer a German IBAN.
Blocked account note: providers pay out to any German (sometimes any SEPA) account — check yours and update the payout account once your final bank setup exists.
General information, not legal advice. If your case has deadlines or legal stakes, free migration counselling (Migrationsberatung) exists in every city — use it.