Open a bank account

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:
  1. Valid passport or identity card

  2. Romanian tax number (optional, but recommended)

    • „Număr de identificare fiscală (NIF)“ – can be applied for locally at the tax office.

  3. 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.

  4. 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
BanknameAdvantages / 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:
  1. Make an appointment or go directly to the branch (depending on the bank).

  2. Show your ID, fill out the forms.

  3. Select account type (e.g., checking account, savings account, foreign currency account in EUR or RON).

  4. Bank cards and IBANs are usually issued directly or sent by post.

  5. 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 categoryTypical amount
Account maintenance fee0–10 RON/month
Bank card0–25 RON / year
ATM withdrawalsOften free of charge at your own bank
Foreign currency feesVaries 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).

Karpatenkalle

Writer & Blogger

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About Me

Karpatenkalle

I was born and grew up in 1965 in the Raabestadt Eschershausen / Germany until I moved to Nuremberg (Bavaria) in 1995. After years in steady jobs and a stable life, I decided to take a new direction. Since fall 2023, I have been living in Transylvania in the beautiful city of Sighisoara and, so to speak, again
"in the countryside". 

Viscri

It was founded by Transylvanian Saxons at the end of the 12th century and was first mentioned in a document in 1185.

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