What is the SWIFT/BIC code format used in Germany?

Every bank, EMI and PSP in Germany that sends international payments has an 8 or 11 character SWIFT/BIC code. Ohmyfin lists 1,183 institutions in Germany with an assigned BIC. You can verify any of them on this page or through the Ohmyfin API.

Is IBAN mandatory in Germany?

Yes. IBAN is required for bank accounts in Germany. The local IBAN follows the format DE2!n8!n10!n.

Germany: SWIFT/BIC Codes & Payment Info

Browse banks, EMIs, PSPs and other organizations in Germany that hold a SWIFT/BIC code. See correspondent banking data and review the country's payment requirements.

Currency

EUR (Euro)

IBAN

Mandatory (DE2!n8!n10!n)

SEPA

Yes

Cross-border payments and banking in Germany: Overview: Remitter should obtain all required bank information from the Beneficiary, such as SWIFT BIC, IBAN, and beneficiary bank address. For more information, visit www.bundesbank.de.

Country Requirements/Restrictions:

Payment Restrictions: Payments exceeding EUR 12,500 between residents and non-residents must be reported to the central bank.
Account Restrictions: Residents and non-residents can open and maintain accounts in local (EUR) and foreign currencies both locally and abroad. Account opening requires authorized signatures and company registration documents.
SEPA: Strict SEPA guidelines apply for euro payments. IBAN and SWIFT BIC are essential for all euro transactions, especially for accounts in Germany.

Payment Formatting Rules for EUR:

Ordering Customer (SWIFT MT103 F50): Include full account details, including the account number, full name (no initials), and address to avoid delays.
Beneficiary Customer (SWIFT MT103 F59): Ensure to provide the IBAN, full name (no initials), and address of the beneficiary to prevent delays.
Include IBAN numbers for beneficiaries with accounts in Germany in the payment instructions.

Beneficiary Bank (SWIFT MT103 F57): Include SWIFT BIC with required branch identifier, full name, and address of the beneficiary bank. SWIFT BIC has 8 or 11 characters (e.g., xxxxDExx or xxxxDExxxxx). SWIFT BIC is essential for routing payments as there are no specific bank clearing codes for cross-border payments.

Cross-border invoice requirements for Germany E-invoicing rules, tax IDs, mandatory fields and invoice language for invoices issued in Germany.

SWIFT/BIC code holders in Germany (1183)

Banks, EMIs, PSPs and other organizations with an assigned BIC. Click any entry for SWIFT/BIC details, correspondent banking data and supported currencies.

Germany: SWIFT/BIC Codes & Payment Info

SWIFT/BIC code holders in Germany (1183)

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