Last updated: April 2026
When someone in India wants to send you money in Germany, the first question they ask is: what details do I need? If you give them the wrong information — or the right information in the wrong format — the transfer stalls, bounces back, or disappears into a correspondent bank queue for a week. This guide tells you exactly what to share, how to find it, and what to watch out for.
The exact details to share with anyone sending you money
Copy this template and fill in your own details:
| Field | What it is | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| Account holder name | Your full name exactly as on the bank account | Priya Sharma |
| IBAN | International Bank Account Number | DE89 3704 0044 0532 0130 00 |
| BIC / SWIFT code | Identifies your specific bank | COBADEFFXXX |
| Bank name | Name of your German bank | Commerzbank AG |
| Bank address | Sometimes requested by older systems | Kaiserplatz, 60311 Frankfurt |
The name must match your bank account exactly. Even a missing middle name can cause a compliance hold on the transfer.
What is an IBAN and where do you find yours
IBAN stands for International Bank Account Number. In Germany, it always starts with DE and is 22 characters long. It contains your bank code and your account number encoded together in a standardised format.
Where to find your IBAN:
- Banking app: Open your account in the app, tap on account details or profile — it is almost always displayed prominently
- Bank card: Some German debit cards print the IBAN on the back
- Bank statement or letter: All official correspondence from your bank includes the IBAN
- Online banking: Log in to your bank’s website and look under account information
Never construct your IBAN manually or ask someone else to guess it. Always copy it directly from an official bank source.
What is a BIC and SWIFT code
BIC (Bank Identifier Code) and SWIFT code are the same thing — two names for the same standard. It identifies your specific bank (and sometimes branch) in the international banking system. German BICs are typically 8 or 11 characters.
Common German bank BIC codes:
| Bank | BIC / SWIFT |
|---|---|
| N26 | NTSBDEB1XXX |
| DKB | SSKMDEMMXXX |
| Deutsche Bank | DEUTDEDBXXX |
| Commerzbank | COBADEFFXXX |
| Sparkasse (Berlin) | BELADEBEXXX |
| ING Germany | INGDDEFFXXX |
| Comdirect | COBADEHDXXX |
Your BIC is also displayed in your banking app alongside your IBAN. If you are unsure, look it up on your bank’s official website — every German bank publishes its BIC publicly.
Which German banks handle international transfers best
Not all German banks are equally smooth for receiving international transfers. Some things to know:
- N26: Handles international SEPA and SWIFT transfers well. The app shows incoming transfers clearly with sender details. Good for frequent international transfers.
- DKB: Reliable for international transfers. Some users report occasional delays on first-time incoming international wires — these usually clear within 1 to 2 extra business days.
- Sparkasse: Works but processing can be slower than online banks. For cash-heavy or large transfers, the branch support is helpful.
- Deutsche Bank: Standard SWIFT handling. Branch available for any complications. Generally reliable but fees for outgoing international transfers are high.
What happens after the transfer is sent
Once the sender initiates the transfer, here is what happens on the German side:
- The sending service (Wise, Remitly, or a bank) converts to EUR and sends via SWIFT or SEPA
- Your German bank receives the transfer — usually appears as a pending transaction first
- The bank performs a compliance check (name match, sanctions screening) — this is automatic and takes minutes for normal transfers
- The EUR appears in your account balance — you receive a notification if your app is set up for it
The whole process typically takes 1 to 2 business days with Wise or Remitly. Direct bank SWIFT can take 3 to 5 days.
Common mistakes that cause delays
- Giving the wrong IBAN: The most common cause of failed transfers. Always copy-paste from your app.
- Name mismatch: If your bank account says “Rajesh Kumar” but the sender writes “R. Kumar”, compliance systems can flag or hold the transfer.
- Missing BIC: Some older transfer systems still require BIC. Even if the sender is using Wise or Remitly, provide the BIC anyway to avoid any issues.
- Using spaces incorrectly: IBANs are sometimes written with spaces for readability (DE89 3704 0044…) but the actual number has no spaces. Both formats work in most systems, but if asked for the raw number, remove spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions: Receiving International Transfers in Germany
What is an IBAN and where do I find mine?
IBAN stands for International Bank Account Number. In Germany it starts with DE and is 22 characters long. Find it in your banking app under account details, on your bank card, or in any official bank letter.
Is a BIC the same as a SWIFT code?
Yes — BIC and SWIFT code refer to the same thing. It is the code that identifies your specific bank internationally. You can find it in your banking app alongside your IBAN, or on your bank’s official website.
Can I receive Indian rupees in my German bank account?
No. German bank accounts hold euros only. When someone sends INR to your German account, the transfer service or correspondent bank converts it to EUR before crediting your account.
How long does it take to receive a transfer from India?
Via Wise or Remitly, typically 1 to 2 business days. Via direct bank SWIFT from India, 2 to 5 business days depending on the sending bank and any compliance checks.
Will my German bank notify me when I receive an international transfer?
Most German banking apps send push notifications for incoming credits. Enable notifications in your app. If you use DKB or Sparkasse online banking, you may need to set up transaction alerts manually.
What do I do if a transfer is delayed or missing?
First ask the sender for the SWIFT transaction reference number (also called MT103 reference). Contact your German bank with this reference and they can trace the transfer. Most delayed transfers are located within 1 to 2 business days once the reference is provided.
Do I pay tax on money I receive in Germany from India?
Receiving a personal transfer from family in India is not taxable income in Germany. If the money represents payment for work or investment returns, standard German income tax rules apply. Personal gifts and family support transfers are not taxed.
