Opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, registering with a crypto exchange and signing many contracts in Germany require official identity verification under the Money Laundering Act (Geldwäschegesetz, GwG).

Video-Ident: verification from home

Video-Ident is a secure video call of about five minutes with a trained agent (through services such as IDnow, WebID or Postident). You hold your passport at different angles in front of the camera so that the holograms can be checked, read out the document number and state your personal details.

Difficulties with some foreign passports

Not all foreign passports are accepted for Video-Ident, because certain security features cannot be recognised through a smartphone camera. If the agent has any doubts about the image quality, the call is ended and an in-person check is recommended.

Postident at a Deutsche Post branch

If video verification does not work, Postident at a post office branch is the alternative. The service creates a coupon with a barcode, which you print or save on your phone. You take the coupon and your passport to any Deutsche Post branch and show them at the counter.

Online identification with your residence permit's chip (eID)

The fastest option is the online ID function of your electronic residence permit. Hold the card against a smartphone with NFC and confirm your identity with your PIN in the official AusweisApp – no video call needed.

What to check

  • For Video-Ident, make sure there is good daylight without glare on your passport's holograms.
  • Make sure you have a stable, fast internet connection on your phone.
  • If there is a technical problem, use the Postident coupon and go to a post office.
  • Set the six-digit PIN for your residence permit's eID function so you can log in to government portals quickly.

Example situation

A newcomer with an older passport is rejected during the video chat, uses the barcode coupon, is identified at the post office in two minutes and can use his bank account the same evening.

Next step

Postident at a post office branch accepts most foreign passports; keep it as a backup if video verification fails.

Official information on this topic

Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.

This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.