How to Open an N26 Business Account Online in 2025

N26 is a German neobank headquartered in Berlin, Germany. It is licensed and regulated by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).

Founded in 2013, N26 operates in various member countries within the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), including Germany, France, and Ireland. N26 discontinued its services in the US in 2022 to focus on the European market. 

N26 provides business banking products targeting Europe-based freelancers and sole traders, including business accounts and electronic device insurance. N26 has no physical branches, and users can access all their services online from their mobile phones.

This article will guide you through the N26 account opening process, covering essential details from eligibility, types of bank accounts available, and account opening fees.

N26 offers bank accounts for personal and business purposes. Both are current accounts with four plans: N26 Standard, N26 Smart, N26 You, and N26 Metal. However, this guide will focus on their business accounts. 

N26 business accounts are designed for sole traders, self-employed individuals, or those working freelance. With an N26 business bank account, you can send and receive euro SEPA transfers for free. You will also receive a physical and virtual Mastercard® debit card to make business purchases on the go. 

You can only have one active N26 account in your name, meaning that you cannot open an N26 business account if you already have a personal one. 

Additionally, you must be over 18 years old and be able to verify your identity in English, German, Spanish, Italian, or French.

Countries Eligible

You must be a resident of one of the countries where N26 operates, including:

Company Types Eligible

You can open an N26 business account if you are:

• a freelancer enrolled in a professional register or order (i.e., architects, lawyers, pharmacists, and nurses),
• a self-employed and individual entrepreneur with a VAT number, or
• a registered sole proprietor in the Business Register of the Chamber of Commerce.

Companies (i.e., LLCs and INCs), partnerships, or other entities, including subjects with legal status and liability, are not eligible to open a bank account with N26. 

You must provide valid proof of identity when opening an N26 business account. The type of ID you can use varies depending on your nationality and country of residence.

You can use your passport or ID card if you hold the nationality of an EU country, including Germany, France, and Ireland. You must provide a residence permit if your citizenship is outside the EU, such as the UK, Hong Kong, or Singapore. Please note that your residence permit must be valid for at least 1 year.

If you live in France, you will also be asked to provide proof of address issued within the last 90 days.

Do note that document requirements can change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to N26's FAQ page to confirm the current documentation needed for your specific situation.

You can open an N26 bank account online on their website or via the N26 app on compatible smartphones. 

The first step is to head to N26’s website and click “Open business account” at the top right of the page, where you will be led to their account opening portal.

You will have to select your country of residence at this step. You will be asked to join a waiting list if N26 services are unavailable in your region.

The next step is to provide additional information, including:

Personal details - Such as your first and last name, email address, nationality, date of birth, city of birth, and gender.

Tax information - You may have to provide your tax identification number, which depends on your country of residence.

After completing this process, you must create a password for your account.

If you register on the N26 website, the next step is to download the N26 app and connect your phone to your new account. 

On your first login to the N26 app, you will be prompted to verify your login. To do this, you must click a confirmation link sent to your email and enter a 4-digit code sent by SMS.

You must confirm your identity as a part of the KYC process.

The ID verification method varies based on nationality, residence country, and ID type. In most cases, you will have to take a photo or video of yourself as instructed.

If you’re in Germany and have a disability that makes standard verification challenging, N26 offers an alternative solution. You can complete the initial registration and then contact their customer service team for personalised support with identity verification.

Lastly, after verifying and approving your account, N26 will send your Mastercard® by post. You can activate your card by simply making deposits to your account.

You can use your N26 card for payments through Apple Pay and Google Pay wallets before the physical card arrives.

You can email support@n26.com or chat with the N26 chatbot for general queries.

Once you’ve successfully opened an account with N26, you can chat with their customer support team via the app on your smartphone. Support is available daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. CET, including Sundays and bank holidays. This in-app chat support is available in multiple languages, including English, German, and French.

You can get phone support if you have an N26 You, Smart, or Metal account. However, you must only call from the number you provided in the application process.