Step-by-step plan for the first 3 months after arriving in Germany
The first three months in Germany are crucial. During this period, you must register, open a bank account, arrange health insurance, and start building your new life. This chapter provides a week-by-week action plan.
This is a preview. Buy the complete guide to receive all 15 chapters as PDF.
Buy — €29.95Complete guide for emigrating to Germany.
Overview of cost of living in Germany.
Anmeldung in Germany: steps and documents.
Explanation of the German tax system.
Everything about healthcare in Germany.
The mandatory address registration at the BĂĽrgeramt within 14 days of moving. Without Anmeldung you cannot open a bank account, sign an employment contract or pay taxes in Germany.
Proof of your Anmeldung. You need this document for almost everything: bank account, tax number, health insurance, employment contract. Keep it safe!
The citizens office where you register your address, request identity documents and handle other administrative matters. Always make an appointment — without a Termin you will not be served.
Your personal tax identification number, automatically assigned after your Anmeldung. Your employer needs this number. It arrives by mail — takes 2-4 weeks.
The local tax office. Here you register as a taxpayer, file your Steuererklärung (tax return) and handle all fiscal matters. Much can be done online via ELSTER.
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Choose between gesetzliche (public: TK, AOK, Barmer) or private Krankenversicherung. Employees earning under ~€69,300/year must be publicly insured.
The German credit information agency. Your Schufa score determines whether you get a rental apartment, can get a phone contract or a loan. Build your score by opening a German bank account and paying bills on time.
The mandatory broadcasting fee of €18.36/month per household. Everyone with a registered address must pay, regardless of whether you watch TV or listen to radio.
A confirmation from your landlord that you live at the address. This document is required for your Anmeldung. Your landlord is legally required to provide it within 2 weeks.
The residence permit for non-EU citizens. EU citizens do not need to apply for an Aufenthaltstitel, but must register via the Anmeldung.