When inheriting assets in Germany from abroad, dealing with German banks and financial institutions is often one of the first practical challenges heirs encounter.

Before funds can be accessed, transferred or distributed, banks will generally require documentation confirming the account holder's death and establishing who is entitled to act on behalf of the estate. The specific requirements vary depending on the circumstances of the estate, the available inheritance documents and the policies of the individual financial institution.

An Erbschein (German Certificate of Inheritance) is not always required. In some cases, a notarised will together with the probate court's official record of its opening may be sufficient proof of inheritance. However, banks may request additional documentation where the legal succession is unclear or where several heirs are involved.

Financial assets in Germany may include current and savings accounts, investment portfolios, securities accounts, fixed-term deposits, life insurance proceeds payable to the estate and safe deposit boxes.

Foreign heirs are often surprised to learn that access to inherited assets is not always straightforward. Multiple heirs may need to act together, banks may require additional documentation, and account information is sometimes incomplete or unavailable. In some estates, previously unknown accounts, securities portfolios or safe deposit boxes come to light only after the administration of the estate has begun.

We assist international heirs with both the legal and practical aspects of dealing with German financial institutions. This may include obtaining the necessary inheritance documentation, communicating with banks, identifying estate assets and facilitating the release, transfer or administration of inherited funds. Where appropriate, we can act on your behalf under a power of attorney, allowing many matters to be handled remotely without the need to travel to Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access a German bank account immediately after a relative's death?

Usually not. German banks will generally require proof of death and documentation establishing who is entitled to inherit or act on behalf of the estate before granting access to accounts or releasing funds.

Do I always need an Erbschein?

No. Depending on the circumstances, a notarised will together with the probate court's official record of its opening may be sufficient. However, some banks may require an Erbschein if the succession is unclear or if the available documentation is considered insufficient.

What happens if there are several heirs?

Where multiple heirs inherit together, they often form an inheritance community (Erbengemeinschaft). In many situations, decisions concerning estate assets must be made jointly by all heirs, which can complicate access to accounts and the administration of the estate.

What if I do not know where the deceased held accounts or investments?

This is not uncommon, particularly where family members lived in different countries or did not have access to the deceased's financial records. Identifying and gathering information about assets is often one of the first steps in the administration of an estate.

Can inherited funds be transferred to a foreign bank account?

In principle, yes. However, banks may require documentation confirming inheritance rights and completion of their internal verification procedures before funds can be transferred abroad.

Will documents from my home country be accepted by German banks?

Often, but additional formalities may be required. Depending on the circumstances, foreign documents may need to be translated, notarised or provided with an apostille before they can be accepted by German institutions.

Do I need to travel to Germany?

Not necessarily. Many matters can be handled remotely through a lawyer acting under a power of attorney, reducing or eliminating the need for personal attendance in Germany.

What other financial assets may form part of a German estate?

In addition to ordinary bank accounts, estates may include securities portfolios, investment accounts, fixed-term deposits, life insurance proceeds, safe deposit boxes and other financial assets.

Can a lawyer help me deal directly with German banks?

Yes. Subject to the circumstances of the case and the necessary authorisations, we can communicate with banks and other financial institutions on your behalf, obtain information, assist with inheritance documentation and support the practical administration of inherited assets.