Hetzner Account Verification Explained: Why It Happens, Your Options and What to Prepare
Why Hetzner verifies new customers, the ID-or-PayPal and ID-only paths, which documents are requested and how they are handled, plus notes on trial credits and the port 25 policy.
New Hetzner customers are sometimes surprised when, after signing up, the Cloud Console asks for a copy of an identity document before any server can be created. This guide explains why Hetzner does that, what the different verification paths look like, what documents are involved and how they are handled, and what else to expect in the first days of a new account. It is written for people creating their own account in their own name, which is the only way a Hetzner account is meant to be created.
Why Hetzner verifies accounts #
Hetzner has said plainly that its very low prices attract scammers and spammers who try to abuse its servers. The machines are powerful, and once in the wrong hands they can do a lot of harm: spam runs, denial-of-service attacks, phishing hosting and worse. Verifying that a real, identifiable person or company stands behind each account is how Hetzner keeps prices low for everyone else. The same reasoning is behind the port 25 block that many providers apply.
The verification paths #
Hetzner’s system scores each new registration and offers a path based on how much it trusts the details provided. Customers report three outcomes:
| Outcome | What it means |
|---|---|
| ID or PayPal | You can either verify an identity document or make a small payment through PayPal (customers cite about €20) that is credited to the account. This appears when the system semi-trusts the registration. |
| ID only | Only document verification is offered. This happens when the system does not trust the information provided, so the PayPal option is withdrawn. |
| Instant verification | Occasionally an account is verified immediately with no further steps. |
What tips the score one way or the other is not published. Consistency helps: a real name matching the payment method, a residential or business address that matches billing details, and an email address on a normal domain rather than a disposable one.
Documents and how they are handled #
When ID verification is required, Hetzner asks for a copy of a passport or another identity document. You can send it through the verification form or, if you prefer, in an encrypted email. Hetzner states that it keeps the data only for the verification process and deletes it afterwards in compliance with the GDPR. Practical tips:
- Use a clear, complete image of the document with all corners visible.
- Make sure the name matches the account name exactly, including middle names where the document shows them.
- For a company account, expect to provide registration details in addition to a representative’s ID.
- Reply promptly if support asks a follow-up question; verification is handled by people, not only by the scoring system.
Trial credits #
New Hetzner accounts may receive a promotional credit. Amounts customers report vary: a €20 trial credit is commonly mentioned, some promo codes have offered more, and referral links can add to it. Offers and codes change, so verify current promotions on Hetzner’s own site before planning around a figure. Credit applies to the account it was granted to and is not transferable. Our comparison of free trials and credits puts Hetzner’s offer alongside other providers.
What else to expect on a new account #
- Limits: new accounts start with modest server limits that rise with account age and usage; you can request an increase through the Cloud Console.
- Port 25 and 465 blocked: after a month and a paid invoice you can request an unblock with a justification. Port 587 is open for authenticated relays.
- Billing: hourly, capped at the monthly price, invoiced monthly. See Hetzner billing and traffic allowances.
- Security: enable two-factor authentication and add SSH keys before creating the first server; our getting-started guide covers a sensible first setup.
Preparing before you sign up #
- Use your real, legal name and a current residential or business address that matches your payment method.
- Sign up from an email address on a domain you control or a mainstream provider, not a disposable address.
- Have a passport or national ID ready to photograph in good light.
- If you are registering for a company, have the company registration number and your role ready.
- Avoid signing up through a VPN or proxy, which the scoring system treats as a risk signal.
Company accounts #
Businesses should register the account in the company’s name with the company address and VAT details, and nominate a representative whose ID can be verified. This keeps invoices correct for accounting, avoids a later ownership dispute if the person who signed up leaves, and matches how Hetzner expects business customers to appear. Team members are then invited to projects rather than sharing the login.
Official references #
Hetzner’s documentation and support pages describe the verification process and data handling. For the platform itself, see our Hetzner platform overview.
Frequently asked questions #
Why was I only offered ID verification and not PayPal?
Hetzner’s system offers PayPal only when it partly trusts the registration details. If it does not, the PayPal option is removed and a document is required.
How long does verification take?
Instant in some cases; otherwise usually within a business day or two once the document is submitted, longer if support needs more information.
Is my ID stored permanently?
Hetzner states that verification data is kept only for the verification process and deleted afterwards in line with the GDPR.
