Arrival & Setup in Germany
Step 1: Getting From the Airport to Your New Home
Last Updated: May 7, 2025Welcome to Germany! Your Arrival Made Easy Whether you’re here to study, work, or explore new opportunities — you’ve just landed. Let’s make your first steps smooth and stress free. Step 1: Getting From the Airport to Your New Home As soon as you collect your bags, your next mission is:...
Step 2: Find Short-Term Accommodation
Last Updated: May 28, 2025Step 2: Find Short-Term Accommodation Before you can do Anmeldung or open a bank account, you need a rental address. Need Help Finding a Place to Stay? Check out our full Accomodation Guide It covers everything from short-term furnished options with Anmeldung, to student housing and what documents you’ll need! Short-Term...
Step 3: Register Your Address (Anmeldung)
Last Updated: May 28, 2025Step 3: Register Your Address (Anmeldung) You can’t do much in Germany without this! From opening a bank account to getting health insurance or a SIM card — Anmeldung is your first official step. What is it? It’s your registration at the local Bürgeramt (citizen’s office) to confirm where you’re living....
Step 4: Open a Bank Account
Last Updated: May 28, 2025Step 4: Open a Bank Account You’ll need a German bank account for: Getting your salary Paying rent Signing up for insurance or mobile plans Choose a bank: Traditional Banks Sparkasse Deutsche Bank Commerzbank Digital Banks (Fast & English-friendly) N26 bunq DKB Revolut What you’ll need: Passport Anmeldung certificate Pro...
Step 5: Get Health Insurance
Last Updated: May 28, 2025Step 5: Get Health Insurance Important: You cannot live or study/work in Germany without health insurance — it’s mandatory for everyone. Choose based on your status: Public Insurance (gesetzlich) Great for employees, students TK AOK Barmer Private Insurance For freelancers or high earners Ottonova Allianz
Step 6: Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung)
Last Updated: May 28, 2025Step 6: Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) While it’s not mandatory, personal liability insurance is one of the most useful things you can get in Germany. For just a few euros a month, you’re protected from big costs due to small accidents. What Does It Cover? Damaging someone’s property (e.g., accidentally scratching...
Step 7: Your Guide to Finding Accommodation in Germany
Last Updated: May 28, 2025Step 7: Your Guide to Finding Accommodation in Germany Need Help Finding a Place to Stay? Check out our full Accommodation Guide It covers everything from short-term furnished options with Anmeldung, to student housing and what documents you’ll need!
Step 8: Book Your Residence Permit Appointment
Last Updated: May 28, 2025Step 8: Book Your Residence Permit Appointment Germany Immigration Process If you’re not from the EU, you’ll likely need to visit the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) to convert your visa into a residence permit. To Do: Book an appointment ASAP (slots can take weeks!) Gather your documents: Passport + visa Anmeldung...
Step 9: Bureaucratic Essentials
Last Updated: May 28, 2025Step 9: Bureaucratic Essentials Once you’ve registered your address and applied for your residence permit, it’s time to secure two essential numbers for living and working in Germany: your Tax ID and your Social Security Number. 1. Get Your Tax ID (Steuer-ID) – Your Financial Identity in Germany This is a...
Step 10: Buying a SIM Card in Germany
Last Updated: May 28, 2025Step 10: Buying a SIM Card in Germany Just landed in Germany and need to get connected fast? Whether you’re here to study, work, or start a new life — getting a German SIM card is one of the first things you’ll need. This guide shows you where to buy, what...