Before You Arrive
Preparation starts before you even land in Germany. Having these items sorted in advance will save you significant stress in your first days:
- Valid passport: Ensure it is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. EU/EEA citizens can use their national ID card.
- Visa (if required): Non-EU citizens should have their work visa or Blue Card approval before arriving. Check with the German embassy in your home country.
- Employment contract: You will need this for your Anmeldung, bank account, and insurance applications. Have a printed copy ready.
- Temporary accommodation: Book at least 2–4 weeks of temporary housing (hotel, Airbnb, or serviced apartment). You need a physical address for your Anmeldung.
- Certified copies of important documents: University degrees, birth certificate, marriage certificate. Have these apostilled or certified if needed for visa applications.
Week 1: The Essentials
1. Register Your Address (Anmeldung)
This is the single most important step and should be your top priority. You are legally required to register your address within 14 days of moving into your new home. Visit your local Bürgeramt (citizens’ office) with:
- Your passport or ID card
- The rental contract or a confirmation letter from your landlord/host (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
- The completed Anmeldung form (available online or at the office)
Pro tip: In large cities like Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg, appointments at the Bürgeramt can be booked out for weeks. Check for cancellations online daily, or try smaller offices in neighboring districts where wait times tend to be shorter.
2. Set Up Health Insurance
Health insurance must be in place from your first day of employment. If you are an employee, your company’s HR department will typically help you choose a public health insurer (GKV). If you earn above the JAEG threshold of €77,400 per year, you also have the option of private health insurance (PKV). Self-employed expats must arrange their own coverage before starting work.
3. Open a Bank Account
You need a German bank account (Girokonto) to receive your salary and set up direct debits for rent, utilities, and insurance. Online banks like N26 allow you to open an account within minutes using just your passport. Traditional banks like Commerzbank or Sparkasse require an Anmeldung certificate. Read our detailed guide on opening a bank account for more information.
Week 2: Getting Settled
4. Tax Identification Number (Steuer-ID)
After completing your Anmeldung, the Federal Central Tax Office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern) will automatically send you an 11-digit tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer) by mail. This usually arrives within 2–4 weeks. Your employer needs this number for payroll, but they can use a temporary process for your first salary if it has not arrived yet. Keep this number safe – it stays with you for life in Germany.
5. Get a German Phone Number
A local phone number is essential for two-factor authentication, bank verification, and everyday communication. Popular options include:
- Prepaid SIMs: Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect, or Lebara offer affordable plans starting at €8–15/month. You can buy SIM cards at supermarkets and activate them online.
- Contract plans: Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 offer monthly contracts with more data and better coverage. Contracts typically run for 24 months but flex-tariffs with monthly cancellation are becoming more common.
- Important: Since 2017, German law requires ID verification for all SIM cards. You will need your passport to activate any SIM, either in-store or via video identification.
6. Set Up Internet at Home
Home internet in Germany typically takes 2–4 weeks to activate after ordering, so start this process early. Major providers include Telekom, Vodafone, and 1&1. Speeds range from 50 Mbps to 1 Gbps depending on your area. Use a comparison site like Check24 to find the best deal for your address. Most contracts require a 24-month commitment, but some providers offer flexible monthly plans at a slightly higher price.
Week 3–4: Building Your Life
7. Get a Transportation Pass
Germany’s public transportation system is excellent in most cities. The Deutschlandticket (€58/month in 2026) gives you unlimited access to all local and regional public transport across the entire country. It is available as a monthly subscription through the Deutsche Bahn app or your local transport authority. For occasional travel, single tickets and day passes are available from ticket machines at every station.
8. Register with Your Local Foreigners Office
Non-EU citizens need to visit the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Authority) to finalize their residence permit. Bring your passport, visa, employment contract, proof of health insurance, Anmeldung certificate, and biometric photos. EU citizens do not need a residence permit but should register if staying longer than 3 months.
9. Find Permanent Housing
If you are still in temporary accommodation, start searching for a permanent apartment. Popular platforms include ImmobilienScout24, WG-Gesucht (for shared apartments), and eBay Kleinanzeigen. Be prepared for a competitive market in major cities. You will typically need: proof of income (last 3 pay slips), a SCHUFA report, a copy of your ID, and a rental application (Selbstauskunft). Landlords in Germany often require a deposit (Kaution) of up to 3 months’ cold rent.
10. Explore Your Neighborhood
Take time to discover your local area. Find your nearest supermarket (Rewe, Edeka, Aldi, Lidl), pharmacy (Apotheke), doctor’s office (Hausarzt), and post office (Deutsche Post). Register with a general practitioner early, as many have waiting lists for new patients. Join local expat groups on Facebook or Meetup.com to connect with other newcomers. InterNations is another popular platform for expat networking events in German cities.
Summary Checklist
- Week 1: Anmeldung, health insurance, bank account
- Week 2: Tax ID (arrives by mail), phone number, home internet
- Week 3–4: Transportation pass, residence permit (non-EU), permanent housing, explore neighborhood
Moving to a new country is a big step, but with the right preparation and a clear checklist, your first 30 days in Germany will go smoothly. Take it one step at a time, and do not hesitate to ask for help – both your employer and local expat communities are valuable resources.
