Buying property in Germany is a comparatively simple and transparent process: information about the owner and the property is recorded in the land register, and anyone with a normal, legitimate reason can look it up. Here is what documents you need to buy property in Germany, and the personal information a buyer must provide.
Documents You Need to Buy Property in Germany
- Copy of your passport
- Proof of address, in English
- Phone number
- Email address
This information is mainly needed for the land registry. Because the land register entry is sent to the buyer both by post and by email once registration is complete, you need both a physical address that can receive mail and an email address.
Documents You Need for a German Bank Mortgage
Overseas buyers can also borrow from a bank to buy property in Germany, but most banks require a valid German residence visa (student visas are excluded).
Documents required for a German bank mortgage:
- Valid German or EU residence visa or proof of identity
- Recent tax returns (whether required depends on the bank)
- Proof of personal assets
- Proof of employment
- Company or personal bank statements for the last 3 years (for the self-employed)
- SCHUFA report (a personal credit rating report — the German equivalent of Hong Kong’s TransUnion report)
- Copy of your passport
In practice, applicants mainly need to give the bank three categories of documents. The first is proof of identity — specifically, proof that the applicant holds legal residence status in Germany; student, business and tourist visas do not qualify. The second is proof of income and assets, to show the bank the applicant’s ability to repay. The third is proof of personal credit, to show the bank a good repayment record. Individual banks’ requirements vary, so check with the bank directly.
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