Official Expert Answer10 days ago
You usually don’t need a German bank account just to pay Approbation fees. Most authorities give you an invoice with IBAN/BIC and you can pay via international bank transfer (sometimes with extra fees).
Practical checklist (to avoid “payment lost” situations):
• Use the exact “Verwendungszweck” they request (often Aktenzeichen + name).
• Save the payment proof (PDF/screenshot) and send it only if they ask.
• Expect slow confirmation: many authorities confirm by post, not by email.
If international transfer is difficult, ask whether they accept SEPA transfer from a friend’s EU account—but don’t change payer name without noting it in the reference.
Practical checklist (to avoid “payment lost” situations):
• Use the exact “Verwendungszweck” they request (often Aktenzeichen + name).
• Save the payment proof (PDF/screenshot) and send it only if they ask.
• Expect slow confirmation: many authorities confirm by post, not by email.
If international transfer is difficult, ask whether they accept SEPA transfer from a friend’s EU account—but don’t change payer name without noting it in the reference.