Send Money from Germany to India
Compare current EUR → INR rates from 17+ providers. Find the best deal in seconds.
Why People Send Money Germany → India
Germany hosts over 200,000 people of Indian origin — software engineers, doctors, students, and skilled tradespeople. Regular transfers cover family support, property EMIs, educational fees, and investments. India has one of the world's most advanced payment infrastructures: NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, and UPI all allow recipients to receive money directly into any bank account, often within hours.
Pro Tip: Use IMPS for Same-Day Delivery
Many providers route Germany→India transfers via IMPS (Immediate Payment Service), which credits the recipient within minutes once processed. Ask your provider whether they use IMPS — Wise supports it. Transfers above €10,000 require identity verification by German law, so have your documents ready.
How to send money from Germany to India
- Compare current EUR→INR rates: Use the comparison table above to check the exact INR amount your recipient would receive from each provider. The exchange rate margin matters more than the fee for larger transfers.
- Create a free account: Register with your chosen provider using your German ID or passport. Most providers complete KYC (identity verification) within minutes via a selfie and document upload.
- Enter Indian bank details: You will need the recipient's 11-character IFSC code and bank account number. IFSC codes identify the specific branch — your recipient can find it in their bank app or on a cheque leaf.
- Choose how to pay: A SEPA transfer from your German bank account is the most cost-effective payment method. Debit or credit card payments are faster but usually carry an additional 1–2% fee.
- Confirm and track: After confirming, you will receive a tracking reference. Most providers send SMS or email updates to both sender and recipient when the money is credited.
What to know
IFSC code is required
Every Indian bank branch has a unique IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) — an 11-character alphanumeric code. You cannot send money to an Indian bank account without it. Your recipient can find their IFSC code in their bank app, passbook, or cheque book. Common banks: SBI IFSC starts with "SBIN", HDFC with "HDFC", ICICI with "ICIC". For IMPS transfers, your recipient also needs to provide their mobile number registered with the bank.
UPI and IMPS: fast delivery options
India's IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) and UPI (Unified Payments Interface) are the fastest domestic payment rails. International providers like Wise and WorldRemit route funds via IMPS, meaning your recipient's account is credited within minutes after the provider processes the transfer. UPI-linked accounts (registered via a VPA such as phone@upi) receive IMPS deposits instantly. Ask your provider which rail they use — it can mean the difference between hours and days.
FEMA and purpose of transfer
India's Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) governs incoming remittances. Personal transfers (family support, gifts) are generally tax-free for the recipient. However, amounts above ₹7 lakh per year may require documentation. For property purchases, additional FEMA compliance is required. Providers ask for the purpose of transfer — keep supporting documents (rent invoices, tuition receipts) handy for transfers above €5,000.
Wise and InstaReM are top choices for EUR→INR transfers from Germany, as both offer rates close to the mid-market rate. WorldRemit is excellent for first-time senders with its promotional offers and has strong customer support. For very large transfers (above €50,000) such as property payments, OFX offers dedicated account managers and competitive rates. Avoid using your German bank's international wire service — a typical Sparkasse or Deutsche Bank SWIFT transfer to India can cost €25–€40 in fees plus a 3–4% exchange rate markup, which on a €5,000 transfer is over €200 in hidden costs.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to send money from Germany to India?
Wise is consistently the cheapest option for EUR→INR transfers, using the mid-market exchange rate with a transparent fee of around 0.5–1%. On a €1,000 transfer, Wise typically delivers 80–150 INR more per euro than a German bank SWIFT transfer. InstaReM is another low-cost option. Avoid your German bank's international wire service — typical fees are €20–€40 plus a 3–4% exchange rate margin hidden in the spread.
How much does Wise charge for Germany to India transfers?
Wise charges a flat fee plus a small percentage for currency conversion. For EUR→INR transfers from Germany, the typical total cost is around 0.6–1% of the transfer amount. On €500 that's approximately €3–€5. Wise uses the real mid-market rate — there is no exchange rate markup. You can see the exact fee on the Wise website before confirming.
How long does a transfer from Germany to India take?
Most providers deliver within 1–2 business days. For the fastest transfers, choose a provider that uses IMPS — Wise and WorldRemit both do. IMPS credits the recipient's Indian bank account within minutes once the payment is processed. Same-day delivery is available for transfers submitted before noon CET on weekdays.
How do I send money to India from Germany fast?
The fastest method is to use Wise or WorldRemit and ensure IMPS delivery is selected. Both providers can process transfers and credit an Indian account within hours on business days. For even faster delivery, WorldRemit's "Express" option (funded by card) can deliver within minutes, though it costs slightly more. Avoid traditional bank SWIFT transfers — these take 2–5 business days.
Can I send money to a UPI-linked account in India from Germany?
Indirectly, yes. You cannot send directly to a UPI address (VPA) from Germany, but you can send to the underlying bank account that the UPI address is linked to. Provide the IFSC code and bank account number — once the funds arrive in the account, your recipient can use UPI for further payments. IMPS delivery means the funds land in seconds.
Can I send money to any Indian bank from Germany?
Yes. All major providers support transfers to Indian bank accounts using IFSC codes. This covers all nationalised banks (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, Kotak, etc.) and most private banks. You'll need the recipient's account number and 11-character IFSC code. For IMPS transfers, the recipient's mobile number registered with their bank is also needed.
Are there taxes on receiving money from Germany in India?
Receiving foreign remittances in India is generally not taxed for personal purposes (family support, gifts). However, amounts above ₹7 lakh per year from abroad may require documentation under FEMA rules. For property purchases, additional FEMA compliance is required. Consult a tax advisor for large or commercial transfers.
Can I send money for a property purchase from Germany to India?
Yes, but large transfers for property purchases require additional documentation under India's FEMA regulations. You will typically need to show the sale agreement and may need to use a provider with NRI (Non-Resident Indian) transaction experience. OFX offers dedicated account managers for large transfers. Notify your provider in advance for amounts above €50,000.