How to Open a Bank Account in Austria

What Do You Need to Open a Bank Account in Austria?

Austrian banks regulated by the FMA require a set of standard documents when opening an account. While the exact requirements can vary slightly between banks, you will generally need the following:

• Valid passport or EU national ID card

  Your primary identification document. Non-EU citizens must present a passport.

• Meldezettel (registration confirmation)

  Proof of your registered address in Austria. You get this from the local Meldeservice (registration office) within three days of moving into your accommodation. See our Vienna registration guide for details. Your Meldezettel is one of the most important documents for expats.

• Residence permit or visa (non-EU citizens)

  Your Aufenthaltstitel, Rot-Weiss-Rot Karte, student visa, or other valid residence document. EU citizens can check our EU citizens guide for details.

• Proof of employment or enrollment

  Some banks ask for an employment contract (Dienstvertrag) or university enrollment confirmation (Studienbestätigung). This is not always mandatory but can speed up the process.

• Austrian tax identification number

  Your Steuernummer or Sozialversicherungsnummer. If you do not have one yet, some banks can open an account without it initially, but you will need to provide it later. See our income tax guide for more on tax numbers.

What Is the Step-by-Step Process to Open an Account?

1. 1. Register your address

   Before visiting any bank, make sure you have your Meldezettel. Without it, most traditional banks will not open an account for you. Register at your local Magistrat or Gemeindeamt within three days of moving in.

2. 2. Choose your bank

   Decide between a traditional bank (Erste Bank, Raiffeisen, Bank Austria) for branch access and full services, or a neobank (N26) for a fast, app-based experience. Consider whether you need in-person service in German or prefer English-language digital banking.

3. 3. Book an appointment or apply online

   Traditional banks usually require an in-person appointment at a branch. Neobanks let you apply entirely online with video identification. Some branches of Erste Bank offer English-speaking staff in major cities.

4. 4. Bring your documents

   Present all required documents at your appointment. The bank will make copies and verify your identity. For online banks, you will go through a video-KYC process where you show your documents on camera.

5. 5. Sign the contract

   Review the account terms, fee schedule (Entgeltinformation), and sign the contract. Pay close attention to monthly account fees (Kontoführungsgebühr), card fees, and transaction limits.

6. 6. Receive your cards and access

   Your Bankomatkarte (debit card) and online banking credentials will either be handed to you or mailed to your registered address within 5 to 10 business days. PIN codes are always sent separately from cards for security.

What Tips Should Expats Know About Austrian Banking?

• •Many Austrian banks charge monthly account fees ranging from EUR 0 to EUR 15. Student accounts and accounts for people under 27 are often free. For a full breakdown, see our cost of living guide.
• •SEPA transfers within Austria and the EU are typically free. Be aware of fees for non-SEPA international transfers. Interest earned on savings is subject to 25% KESt -- see our income tax guide for details.
• •Most Austrian bank websites and apps are primarily in German. Erste Bank and N26 offer the best English-language support.
• •If you need a bank account before having a Meldezettel, N26 can be a good temporary option since it does not require Austrian registration. For more on registration, see our Vienna registration guide.

Which Are the Best Banks for Expats in Austria?

Based on English-language support, ease of account opening, and overall value, here are our top recommendations for expats. Once you have an account, explore your credit card options.