Closing or Converting Your Bank Account

You have two main options:

🔒 Option 1 — Close the account completely:
Best if you have no ongoing ties to Germany (no tax refund pending, no pension refund expected, no future plans to return). Clean break.

🔄 Option 2 — Keep or convert to a non-resident account:
Best if you might need a German IBAN for a while (pending tax refund, pension refund application, remaining deposits, planned return). Some banks allow non-resident accounts:

• N26 — Can keep your account as a non-resident if you remain in a supported EU/EEA country. If you move outside the EU, the account must be closed.
• DKB — May allow non-resident accounts with a foreign address. Contact them directly.
• Sparkasse — Generally requires a German address. Most will close your account when you deregister.
• Deutsche Bank — Can sometimes maintain accounts with a foreign address. Ask your branch.

Important: Even banks that allow non-resident accounts may change their policies. Confirm directly with your bank before making plans.

If you're expecting a German tax refund, keep the account open until you receive it — the Finanzamt pays into German accounts much faster than international transfers.

Don't just close the account — prepare it first. This checklist prevents nasty surprises:

1️⃣ List all direct debits (Lastschriften):
Log into your banking app and note every recurring direct debit. Common ones:
• Health insurance
• Rundfunkbeitrag
• Phone/internet contracts
• Gym memberships
• Streaming services
• Liability insurance

2️⃣ Cancel or redirect each one:
• Cancel the underlying contract first (with proper notice period)
• Then revoke the SEPA direct debit mandate with your bank
• If you're switching to a foreign payment method, update your payment details with the service before closing

3️⃣ Cancel standing orders (Daueraufträge):
• Rent payments, savings transfers, etc.
• Cancel these in your banking app

4️⃣ Transfer remaining balance:
Transfer your remaining money to your home country bank account. For large amounts, compare transfer services:
• Wise (formerly TransferWise) — usually the best exchange rates and lowest fees
• Your bank's international transfer — convenient but often expensive
• PayPal — possible but high fees for currency conversion

Do this at least 2–3 weeks before account closure to ensure all pending transactions clear.

The process for closing (Kündigung) your German bank account:

🖥️ Online banks (N26, DKB, etc.):
• Usually closable through the app or website
• N26: Settings → Close Account (can be done in the app)
• DKB: Contact customer service or write a closure letter
• Process is usually completed within a few business days

🏦 Traditional banks (Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, etc.):
• Write a formal closure letter (Kündigungsschreiben) — sample below
• Include: your name, account number (IBAN), request to close the account on a specific date, and where to transfer remaining funds
• Deliver it to your branch in person or send by registered mail (Einschreiben)
• Some banks allow you to close in person at the counter during your final visit

📝 Sample closure letter:

"Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
hiermit kündige ich mein Girokonto (IBAN: DE89 3704 0044 0532 0130 00) zum [Datum].
Bitte überweisen Sie das verbleibende Guthaben auf folgendes Konto: [Empfänger-IBAN].
Bitte senden Sie mir eine schriftliche Bestätigung der Kontoschließung an: [Adresse im Ausland].
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
[Name]"

Always request a written confirmation (Bestätigung der Kontoschließung) and save it. This protects you from any future disputes.

💳 Sperrkonto (blocked account):
If you still have funds in your Sperrkonto (Expatrio, Fintiba, Deutsche Bank), contact the provider about closing it and refunding the remaining balance. Each provider has a different process — check their website or email support.