Identity Verification in Germany: Methods, Challenges and Recommendation
By: Simon Heinrich – Last updated: 03/2026
If you want to open a bank account, activate a SIM card, sign a mobile phone contract or apply for insurance in Germany, you first need to verify your identity. This is required by law and helps prevent money laundering, fraud and identity theft.
For many people who are new to Germany, this step can be a hurdle. Not every method works with every ID document – and not every method is equally practical.
On this page, we explain the four common methods for identity verification, show their pros and cons, and give you a clear recommendation on how to proceed.
The Four Methods for Identity Verification
In Germany, there are essentially four ways to verify your identity:
- In-person verification (e.g. at a branch)
- VideoIdent (via video call)
- eID (electronic identification via chip)
- PostIdent (at a post office)
Each method has its own requirements, advantages and disadvantages.
1. In-Person Verification
How it works:
You visit a branch of the provider (e.g. bank, mobile carrier) in person and show your ID. An employee verifies your identity on the spot.
Advantage:
- Simple and direct
- No technical requirements
Problem:
- Most providers no longer offer this method
- Especially online banks, fintechs and many mobile carriers have no physical branches
- Practically unavailable in most cases
Conclusion:
Not a realistic option for most transactions.
2. VideoIdent
How it works:
You have a video call with an employee of an identification service. You show your ID to the camera, move it as instructed and answer questions.
Advantage:
- Convenient from home
- Fast when everything works
Problems:
- You need a stable internet connection
- The process is often unfamiliar and awkward
- Instructions can be hard to understand
- Many providers require you to speak German or English
- Often only a limited number of ID documents are accepted – many international passports don’t work
Conclusion:
Can work, but is error-prone and not reliably usable for many foreigners.
eID (Electronic Identification)
How it works:
You use the NFC chip in your ID document together with an app on your smartphone. The app reads the chip and transmits your identity data digitally.
Advantage:
- Very fast
- Very convenient
- No waiting times
- No video call required
Problem:
- Only works with documents that have an activated NFC chip
- In practice, mainly usable for:
- Germans with ID card (online ID function activated)
- EU citizens with European ID card with NFC
- People with a German electronic residence permit (eAT)
- For newcomers from non-EU countries, usually not available at the beginning
Conclusion:
The best long-term solution – but often not yet usable when you first arrive in Germany.
4. PostIdent
How it works:
You go to a Deutsche Post branch and show your ID there. A post office employee verifies your identity and confirms it to the provider.
Advantage:
- Works with almost all international ID documents
- Very widely accepted
- Reliable and well-established
- No technical hurdles
Disadvantage:
- You have to go to the post office in person
- Possible waiting time on site
Supported documents:
Deutsche Post accepts a very wide range of ID documents.
👉 List of supported ID documents (PDF)
Conclusion:
The most reliable method for getting started – especially for people who are new to Germany.
Our Recommendation
For getting started in Germany:
Use PostIdent.
It’s the only method that works with practically any ID document. You simply go to the nearest post office, show your passport or ID – done.
This is especially important for:
- Opening a bank account
- Activating a SIM card
- Signing a mobile phone contract
- Applying for insurance
For later:
Once you have an electronic residence permit (eAT) or can use your EU ID document with an activated NFC chip, it’s worth switching to eID.
It’s faster, more convenient and works completely digitally.
How to Activate the eID Function
If you have a German electronic residence permit or a German ID card, you can use the online ID function (eID).
Step 1: Check requirements
- Document with NFC chip (eAT, ID card or EU card)
- Smartphone with NFC function
- PIN for the online ID function (received when issued or newly requested)
Step 2: Install AusweisApp2
Download the free AusweisApp2:
Step 3: Connect ID with app
- Open the app
- Hold your document against the back of your smartphone
- Enter your PIN
- The app reads the chip
Step 4: Use with providers
When a provider supports eID, select this option during identity verification. The app opens automatically and you confirm with your PIN.
Tip:
If you’ve forgotten your PIN, you can have it reset at the local registration office (Bürgeramt).
Overview: Which Method for Whom?
| Method | Suitable for? | Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| In person | Rarely available | ✗ |
| VideoIdent | Limited, often problematic | ○ |
| eID | Germans, EU citizens, people with eAT | ✓✓ |
| PostIdent | Everyone, especially newcomers | ✓✓ |
Conclusion
Identity verification is a necessary step for many important contracts and services in Germany. For getting started, PostIdent is the safest choice because it works with practically any ID document.
Once you have an electronic residence permit or an EU document with an NFC chip, you should switch to eID – it saves time and is much more convenient.
You’ll need identity verification in these areas – here you’ll find our recommendations and comparisons:
- Money and Banking – Bank accounts, savings, investments and more
- Phone and Internet – SIM cards, mobile contracts, DSL
- Health Insurance – Public, private and supplementary insurance
- Housing – Finding an apartment, rental contracts and furnishing