Ask HN: How do I open an EU Bank Account?

wise.com offers a multi currency service which presents inside each economy as a valid bank sort code and account number within that economy and is 100 points legal: you provide passport and other information. I use this to pay taxes in the UK from Australia, and to transact in euros without being domiciled in the EU region.

I have previously held bank accounts as a non-dom and it is very very expensive: you are exposed to up front witholding taxes, and charges. ABN Amro (for instance) was charging me EUR10 a month at one point and positively encouraged me to close the account. Banks really don't like non-dom for over-the-counter customer accounting, its a nightmare for them.

Wise is low fee, like everyone else they make vig on the exchange rate, but they do venmo-class instant payments where they can. I have sent thousands this way, with instant arrival.

The downside? It's not a bank, and your funds are not guaranteed. But, you get a valid card, with paywave, and phone embedded valid card, and it works in a very large number of economies.

TL;DR use wise. I'm just a customer. I am not seeking a referral fee for this info. As Abraham Lincoln said: "never trust random strangers on the internet"

Revolut.com provides virtual debit card with a bank account.

I don't know a traditional bank in Germany that allows contact purely on electronic communication. Most of the banks require personal contact with the Personalausweis or passport for identifying you. The mentioned revolut, has the problem of automated suspension of accounts, among others.