World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
EU rules will tighten access to some banking services from January 2027
From 11 January 2027, new EU rules will restrict some banking services offered in Germany by banks based outside the EU.
The rules cover services such as taking deposits, lending and providing guarantees, and apply according to where customers live, not their nationality.
Banks will generally need an authorised branch that meets regulatory requirements, though exceptions can apply.
Overseas bank accounts are not banned, and German-regulated subsidiaries are not covered simply because their parent bank is foreign.
Contracts made before 11 July 2026 receive protection from the new branch requirement, but this does not guarantee that a bank will keep the account open indefinitely.
A bank may still accept a new customer who approaches it entirely on their own, provided the bank has not advertised or contacted them about that service.
Some banks may limit or stop offering services to customers in Germany, but how individual institutions will respond remains unclear.
Customers can check the bank’s full legal name in their documents and search BaFin’s company database for a German licence or branch.
From 11 January 2027, banks from outside the European Economic Area will generally need an authorised branch to provide certain banking services in Germany.
The rules cover services such as taking deposits, lending and providing guarantees.
The EU rules do not ban people from holding accounts abroad, and exceptions may apply.
Contracts made before 11 July 2026 are covered by a transition rule, but banks are not required to keep every customer relationship indefinitely.
The rules could lead some banks to change or limit their services to customers in Germany.
- Who
- Banks from outside the European Economic Area offering certain services to customers in Germany. Their customers, including individuals and businesses, may be affected.
- What
- New EU rules generally require these banks to operate through an authorised branch to provide certain banking services.
- When
- The rules generally apply from 11 January 2027. Contracts made before 11 July 2026 are covered by a transition rule.
- Where
- Germany.
- Why
- The rules set new requirements for cross-border banking services provided by banks from outside the European Economic Area.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Contracts concluded before this date are covered by a transition rule under the directive.
The new requirements are due to begin applying in Germany.
- Start date
- 11 January 2027
- Transition date
- 11 July 2026
- EU directive
- CRD VI
- Services covered
- Deposits, loans and guarantees
- Possible branch requirement
- An authorised branch is generally required for covered services in Germany