Bank Account and Broadcasting Fee
With a German bank account, regular payments such as rent and insurance are easier to handle. The broadcasting fee is the model for financing the public broadcasters in Germany.
Bank Account
It is advisable to open a bank account in order to process the payment transactions. The German account is used to receive scholarship or salary payments, for example. In addition, a German bank account is a convenient way to make payments for rent, insurance or electricity and internet bills.
To open a bank account you need:
- a valid identification document (identity card or passport),
- a registration certificate or residence permit
- a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN or tax ID)
The TU Dortmund University usually transfers the net salaries to a current account. Cash payments are unusual in Germany. Please, review our respective website for further information on employment contracts and taxes.
You can open an account at any German branch or online bank. It is a good idea to compare the current account offers beforehand. The banks hardly differ in their offers and services, but in their fees. You should therefore get information beforehand. Branch banks can be helpful compared to online banks, as they offer a higher level of advice.
Important note: You will receive a registration certificate after you have registered your residence. You will receive the Taxpayer Identification Number automatically by mail after you have registered your place of residence.
In the following you will find links to some banks with branch offices in Dortmund (no claim to completeness):
- Sparkasse Dortmund
- Dortmunder Volksbank (only in German)
- Deutsche Bank (only in German)
- Commerzbank (only in German)
- Postbank (only in German)
- ING (only in German)
- Deutsche Kreditbank (only in German)
On this page we can only provide information on this topic, but we cannot provide comprehensive advice or make recommendations.
Broadcasting Fee
In Germany, the public radio and television stations are financed by broadcasting fees (Rundfunkbeitrag, but also called ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice) paid by all citizens. The broadcasting fee is charged at a flat rate per apartment. The actual number of receivers is irrelevant. The monthly contribution per apartment is currently 18.36 € (as of August 2021).
You can easily register online or make changes to your personal data (e.g. after a move within Germany). If you do not register online, you will automatically receive a letter from the ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio contribution service.
Important note: As a resident of the guest house of the Gesellschaft der Freunde der Technischen Universität Dortmund e.V. you do not need to pay the broadcasting fee.
Registration and further information can be found on the official website of the broadcasting fee (only in German) (Rundfunkbeitrag). While the registration can still only be done in German, the website now contains general information about the broadcasting fee in English and several other languages.
If you need help in filling out the forms, please contact us.