Commerzbank Business Account for Freelancers & Self-Employed
The professional business account for your freelance career in Germany
Start with 12 months at no monthly fee, then €15.90, and use around 5,000 ATMs nationwide with the Commerzbank KlassikGeschäftskonto.
Separate your business and personal finances from day one. You get English support, a dedicated business Girocard, and the Corporate Banking App.
Quick answer
The Commerzbank business account for freelancers and sole proprietors starts with the KlassikGeschäftskonto: 12 months without the monthly fee, then €15.90. You get a business Girocard, 10 free electronic bookings a month, and cash at around 5,000 Cash Group ATMs. The €100 online bonus is reserved for the two Premium models, so the PremiumGeschäftskonto pays it and costs €8.90 a month for two years, then €34.90. Either way, your freelance income stays separate from your private account from day one.
Updated September 2026
Why choose Commerzbank for your freelance business?
The KlassikGeschäftskonto costs nothing for the first 12 months. After that you pay €15.90 a month, with 10 electronic bookings included.
Commerzbank pays a €100 bonus when you open a PremiumGeschäftskonto or Premium Plus online. The Klassik model gets the 12 fee-free months instead.
Withdraw cash for free at around 5,000 Cash Group ATMs across Germany. Deposit cash at Commerzbank machines at no cost.
Get in-person help at over 450 Commerzbank branches nationwide. Many offer English-speaking business advisors.
Choose your business account model
Commerzbank offers three business account tiers to match your transaction volume and business needs. The €100 online bonus comes with the two Premium models; the Klassik model starts with 12 months at no monthly fee.
KlassikGeschäftskonto
- No monthly fee for 12 months, then €15.90
- 10 free cashless transactions per month
- €0.20 per additional cashless transaction
- €2.50 per paper-based transaction
- 1 free Business Girocard
- Business credit card available (€79.90/year)
- Corporate Banking App & online banking
- Cash Group ATM access (around 5,000)
- Apple Pay & Google Pay
PremiumGeschäftskonto
- Higher free transaction allowance
- €0.20 per additional cashless transaction
- €2.50 per paper-based transaction
- 1 free Business Girocard
- 1 free Business credit card included
- Corporate Banking App & online banking
- Cash Group ATM access (around 5,000)
- Apple Pay & Google Pay
- Extended business advisory services
PremiumGeschäftskonto Plus
- Highest free transaction allowance
- Cashless transactions included
- €2.50 per paper-based transaction
- 2 free Business Girocards
- 2 free Business credit cards included
- Corporate Banking App & online banking
- Cash Group ATM access (around 5,000)
- Apple Pay & Google Pay
- Premium business advisory services
- Best suited for high transaction volumes
Everything you need to run your business
Corporate Banking App
Manage your business finances on the go. View balances, approve payments, and track transactions from your smartphone. The app is available for iOS and Android.
Real-Time Transfers
Send and receive instant payments 24/7. Ideal for paying suppliers or receiving client payments without delays.
Multi-Banking
View and manage accounts from other banks directly within the Commerzbank Corporate Banking interface. Keep all your finances in one place.
HBCI/FinTS & EBICS Support
Connect your accounting software (DATEV, Lexoffice, SevDesk) directly to your business account using standard German banking interfaces.
Apple Pay & Google Pay
Pay contactlessly with your phone using your Business Girocard or credit card. Set up in minutes through the Corporate Banking App.
Business Financing Options
Access business credit lines, overdraft facilities, and financing options as your freelance business grows. Speak with a dedicated business advisor.
Topzinskonto Plus
Park spare business cash at 2.75% p.a. on balances up to €100,000. The rate applies to money you move in from another bank and runs 4 months, after which Commerzbank pays its then-current rate. You reach the money any day.
Free Cash Deposits
Deposit cash at any Commerzbank cash machine for free. No limits on the number of deposits, perfect if your business handles cash.
Requirements to open a business account
Freelancers (Freiberufler)
- Valid passport or EU/EEA ID card
- German registration certificate (Anmeldung)
- Tax identification number (Steueridentifikationsnummer)
- Description of your freelance activity
- No trade registration (Gewerbeanmeldung) required for Freiberufler
Sole Proprietors (Einzelunternehmer)
- Valid passport or EU/EEA ID card
- German registration certificate (Anmeldung)
- Trade registration certificate (Gewerbeanmeldung)
- Tax identification number (Steueridentifikationsnummer)
- Trade register extract (Handelsregisterauszug) if applicable
Additional requirements for expats
- Non-EU/EEA citizens need a valid residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel)
- German address from your Anmeldung (city registration)
- Identity verification via VideoIdent, PostIdent, or in-branch
- IBAN delivered by email within 1-2 business days
- Business Girocard arrives by post in approximately 4 business days
- You do not need a German tax return, just a Steueridentifikationsnummer
How Commerzbank compares to other business accounts
Commerzbank stands out as the best choice for expat freelancers who need a traditional German business bank with full branch access and English support.
N26 Business
Pros
- ✓No monthly fee (Standard tier)
- ✓Fully English app and onboarding
- ✓0.1% cashback on purchases (You tier)
- ✓Quick online account opening
Cons
- ×No physical branches for in-person support
- ×No HBCI/FinTS or EBICS for accounting software
- ×No business credit cards
- ×No cash deposit option
- ×Limited business financing options
Revolut Business
Pros
- ✓Multi-currency accounts
- ✓Low international transfer fees
- ✓Modern app with expense management
- ✓Free plan available
Cons
- ×Not a full German bank (Lithuanian banking license)
- ×No German HBCI/FinTS or EBICS support
- ×No physical branches
- ×No Cash Group ATM access
- ×Customer support can be slow
- ×Some German authorities may not accept Revolut for tax payments
Qonto
Pros
- ✓Modern interface with receipt scanning
- ✓Good invoicing and expense tools
- ✓Multiple user access
- ✓DATEV integration available
Cons
- ×No physical branches (online only)
- ×Higher monthly fees for comparable features (€9-€39/month)
- ×No Cash Group ATM access
- ×No free cash deposits
- ×Less established in Germany than Commerzbank
Start your freelance business in Germany with the right bank
Join thousands of expat entrepreneurs who trust Commerzbank for their business banking needs. Take 12 fee-free months on the Klassik model, or the €100 online bonus on a Premium account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Commerzbank business account as a foreigner in Germany?
Yes! Commerzbank welcomes expat freelancers and sole proprietors. You need a valid passport or EU/EEA ID, a German registration (Anmeldung), and your tax identification number. Non-EU citizens also need a valid residence permit. The process works via VideoIdent, PostIdent, or at any Commerzbank branch.
Do I need a Gewerbeanmeldung (trade registration) to open a business account?
It depends on your status. Freelancers (Freiberufler) do not need a Gewerbeanmeldung. That covers translators, consultants, software developers, designers, and journalists. Sole proprietors (Einzelunternehmer) running a trade or commercial business do need one. If you are unsure whether your activity qualifies as Freiberufler, consult your local Finanzamt or a Steuerberater.
What is the difference between KlassikGeschäftskonto and the Premium models?
The KlassikGeschäftskonto costs €15.90/month after 12 fee-free months and includes 10 free cashless transactions, 1 Girocard, and access to a credit card for €79.90/year. The PremiumGeschäftskonto starts at €8.90/month for 2 years (then €34.90) and includes a higher transaction allowance plus a free credit card. The PremiumGeschäftskonto Plus (€54.90/month) includes the highest transaction allowance, 2 Girocards, and 2 free credit cards. One catch worth knowing: the €100 online bonus only applies to the two Premium models, never to Klassik.
Can I connect my accounting software to the business account?
Yes. Commerzbank supports HBCI/FinTS and EBICS, which are the standard German banking interfaces. This means you can connect popular accounting tools like DATEV, Lexoffice, SevDesk, FastBill, or Debitoor directly to your business account for automatic transaction imports and bookkeeping.
How long does it take to open a business account as an expat?
The online application takes about 10-15 minutes. After identity verification (VideoIdent takes 5-10 minutes), you receive your IBAN by email within 1-2 business days. Your Business Girocard and PIN arrive by post within approximately 4-7 business days. You can start using online banking as soon as your account is activated.
Is it legally required to have a separate business account in Germany?
Freelancers (Freiberufler) and sole proprietors are not legally required to have a separate business account in Germany. However, it is strongly recommended by tax advisors and the Finanzamt for clean bookkeeping and tax separation. A dedicated business account makes your annual Steuererklärung much simpler and helps avoid issues during tax audits.
Start your freelance business in Germany with the right bank
Join thousands of expat entrepreneurs who trust Commerzbank for their business banking needs. Take 12 fee-free months on the Klassik model, or the €100 online bonus on a Premium account.
Open Your Business Account Now