Een bankrekening openen in het buitenland: gids voor studenten en werkenden

One of the most critical tasks for students and employees moving abroad in their first weeks is opening a bank account: rent, salary, scholarship, phone and insurance payments all depend on it. In some countries, you even need to open the account before you move, as part of your visa application.

Before you move: blocked account and proof of funds

For a German student visa, living costs are usually proven with a blocked account (Sperrkonto): the specified annual amount is deposited into the account, and once you arrive in Germany a set portion is released each month. The amount is updated every year. In other countries, you are usually asked for bank statements in your own name or your sponsor's name and a sponsorship letter; a steady balance and regular account activity on the statements are important.

After you arrive: a local account

• What you need: Passport, visa or residence card and, in most countries, address registration (Anmeldung in Germany, Meldezettel in Austria); a student certificate for students and an employment contract for employees.
• Tax number: If you will be receiving a salary, your employer will ask for your tax identification number; some banks also ask for it when you open an account.
• Student accounts: Many banks offer students free or low-cost accounts.

Digital banks

App-only digital banks and multi-currency accounts have become widespread in Europe. An account can usually be opened within minutes with your passport and identity verification, comes with an IBAN valid across Europe and makes currency exchange easier. Even so, some institutions (e.g. for blocked accounts, rental deposits or government payments) may require a local bank account; using both together in the first months is a practical solution.

Sending money from Turkey

For SWIFT transfers from your account in Turkey to an account abroad, consider the sending and intermediary bank fees together with the exchange rate margin. Sending large amounts (e.g. for a blocked account or annual tuition) in a single transfer, with the purpose stated in the transfer description, makes the checks on the receiving side easier. Discuss the most suitable method for regular family support to your account abroad with your bank in advance.

Common mistakes

• Delaying address registration and thereby holding up the bank account — and with it, salary and rent payments — for weeks.
• Showing a balance in a visa application that was deposited only in the last month, with no explanation of its source.
• Not budgeting for the costs of the first months (deposit, insurance, transport pass, furniture).

For country-specific financial document requirements, see the visa guide; for student budgets, see our cost of living comparison.

Next step

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This page is for general information purposes only. Salary thresholds, fees and visa requirements are updated frequently; confirm the current situation with your consultant or official sources before applying.