As a German citizen, you can open a bank account in Romania relatively easily,both as a private individual and for business purposes. Here are the most important steps and information:
✅ Requirements and documents for opening an account
📄 Required documents:
Valid passport or identity card
A German ID card is sufficient; a residence permit is not absolutely necessary.
Romanian tax number (optional, but recommended)
„Număr de identificare fiscală (NIF)“ – can be applied for locally at the tax office.
Proof of residence in Romania
For example: rental agreement, hotel receipt, or registration confirmation.
Some banks also accept a German address, especially for EUR accounts.
Phone number and email address
Often required for online banking and communication.
💡 At some banks, your ID card and a Romanian address (even a temporary one) are sufficient to open a standard account.
🏦 Recommended banks for opening an account in Romania for Germans
| Bankname | Advantages / Special features |
|---|---|
| Banca Transilvania (BT) | ✅ Largest Romanian bank ✅ Many branches, even in smaller towns 🌐 Website partially available in English 📱 Good mobile app |
| BRD – Groupe Société Générale | ✅ International structure ✅ Excellent online banking 💳 A wide range of account models |
| Raiffeisen Bank Romania | ✅ Austrian roots ✅ Some contact persons speak German 📱 Solid online platform |
| ING Bank Romania | ✅ Modern app and digital banking 🚀 Quick online account opening possible 🔒 High security standards |
| CEC Bank | 🏛 Government-run 💼 Traditional services 🕰 Somewhat conservative, but reliable |
BCR – Banca Comercială Română Sparkassensymbol | ✅ Part of the Austrian Erste Bank Group ✅ Extensive branch network 📱 Well-developed app & internet banking 🌐 Website also available in English |
📍 How to open an account
On site:
Make an appointment or go directly to the branch (depending on the bank).
Show your ID, fill out the forms.
Select account type (e.g., checking account, savings account, foreign currency account in EUR or RON).
Bank cards and IBANs are usually issued directly or sent by post.
Your PIN and online access will be sent separately or activated in the app.
Online:
Some banks (e.g., ING or Revolut) allow Digital account opening with video identification.
Requirements: Internet access, smartphone, camera, ID card.
💶 Costs and account management
| Cost category | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Account maintenance fee | 0–10 RON/month |
| Bank card | 0–25 RON / year |
| ATM withdrawals | Often free of charge at your own bank |
| Foreign currency fees | Varies depending on account type |
🔒 Tax reporting & tax office
As a German tax resident, you are required to report any bank accounts you hold abroad to the Tax office in Germany (§ 138 AO).
Banks in Romania automatically report accounts to German tax authorities under the CRS (Common Reporting Standard) , so you don't have to worry about any tax tricks.
📌 Conclusion
Opening a bank account in Romania is easy, especially if you are staying in the country.
You need:
valid ID,
Ideally, a Romanian address or tax number,
and a little patience when opening an account (takes 30–60 minutes on site).
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