Last updated: August 2026
Moving to Germany involves more than receiving a visa and booking a flight.
After arrival, you may need to register your address, arrange health insurance, give information to your employer, organize a bank account, receive your tax identification number and apply for a residence permit.
Some of these steps depend on one another. Others need to happen at the same time.
The most important first steps in Germany are usually:
Put your name on the mailbox.
Register your address.
Confirm your health insurance.
Give the required information to your employer.
Organize a suitable bank account.
Receive or retrieve your tax identification number.
Apply for your residence permit before the current permission expires.
Deal with the broadcasting contribution.
Organize electricity, internet and mobile service.
Check healthcare, driving and family-related requirements.
The exact order depends on your immigration route, accommodation and employment situation.
Before and immediately after arrival
Keep the most important documents accessible during your first weeks.
These can include:
passport
visa
employment contract
rental agreement
confirmation from the landlord
health insurance documents
qualification documents
marriage and birth certificates
employer contact details
copies of submitted visa documents
Store digital copies in a secure location.
You may need the same documents repeatedly for:
address registration
your employer
health insurance
banking
residence procedures
family applications
Also check the dates and conditions printed on your visa.
Do not assume that every national visa gives the same employment permission or remains valid for the same period.
Put your name on the mailbox
This is one of the simplest but most important first steps in Germany.
Put your full name on the mailbox and, where possible, on the doorbell.
Your name should match the form used in your official documents.
Important letters may arrive from:
the tax authority
your health insurance provider
your employer
the foreigners authority
the broadcasting contribution service
your bank
social insurance institutions
A letter carrier may not deliver mail when the recipient’s name is not visible.
If you live in a sublet or shared apartment, ask the main tenant or landlord how your name can be added.
Do not wait until the first official letter is already missing.
1. Register your address
Registering your address is called Anmeldung in German.
You generally need to register within two weeks after moving into a residence.
The responsible office may be called:
Bürgeramt
Bürgerbüro
Einwohnermeldeamt
Meldestelle
Meldebehörde
The name and appointment system differ between cities.
What you usually need for the Anmeldung
Commonly requested documents include:
passport or identity document
completed registration form
Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
documents for a spouse or children
marriage or birth certificates where relevant
The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is a confirmation from the landlord, owner or authorized housing provider that you moved into the accommodation.
A rental contract alone does not normally replace it.
Check that the confirmation includes the correct:
address
move-in date
names of all registered residents
housing provider details
The registration certificate
After completing the Anmeldung, you receive a registration certificate, commonly called a Meldebescheinigung or Anmeldebestätigung.
Keep it safely.
It may be required or useful for:
residence applications
banking
tax matters
health insurance
employment records
family procedures
other local services
The Anmeldung is not the same as applying for a residence permit.
They are separate procedures handled by different authorities.
What if no appointment is available?
Appointment availability differs significantly between cities.
Check whether your city offers:
online appointments
appointments released at certain times
several Bürgeramt locations
walk-in hours
postal or online procedures in specific cases
Keep evidence that you tried to arrange the registration when local appointments are unavailable.
Do not intentionally delay registration because another administrative task appears more urgent.
Moving within Germany
When you move to a new address in Germany, you normally register the new residence.
The new registration usually updates the previous German address, so a separate deregistration from the old address is generally not required.
When leaving Germany permanently, you normally need to deregister.
2. Organize your health insurance
Health insurance is compulsory in Germany.
The correct arrangement depends on your status before and after arrival.
Possible situations include:
temporary incoming insurance
statutory health insurance
private health insurance
family insurance
student insurance
coverage connected to another country
Do not assume that travel insurance is suitable as a long-term solution after taking up residence.
Before employment begins
Some newcomers arrive with temporary insurance that covers the period before employment or another long-term arrangement begins.
Check:
start date
end date
coverage in Germany
exclusions
whether it meets the requirements of the visa or residence procedure
what happens when employment begins
Avoid gaps between temporary insurance and your later coverage.
When employment begins
Many employees become members of a statutory health insurance fund.
You normally choose the provider yourself and inform the employer.
The health insurance provider then confirms the membership electronically.
The employer uses this information for payroll and social insurance registration.
Do not assume that the employer automatically chooses the best provider for you.
Compare factors such as:
additional contribution rate
English-language service
digital services
bonus programs
availability of local offices
optional benefits
Private health insurance
Private health insurance is not simply a premium version of statutory insurance.
Eligibility and suitability depend on factors such as:
employment status
income
age
health
family situation
long-term plans
Premiums, family coverage and future switching options can differ substantially.
Do not select private insurance only because the starting premium looks low.
For complicated questions, consult an independent insurance specialist or another appropriately qualified professional.
Personal liability insurance
Personal liability insurance is not generally mandatory, but it is widely recommended.
It can cover accidental damage you cause to:
another person
another person’s belongings
rented property
certain third parties
Compare:
coverage limits
exclusions
deductible
protection for spouses
protection for children
coverage for rented accommodation
international coverage
Professional liability risks are not automatically included in a private policy.
3. Give your employer the required information
Your employer needs several details to complete payroll and social insurance registration.
Commonly requested information includes:
full name
registered address
date of birth
bank details
tax identification number
selected health insurance provider
social insurance number, if available
visa or residence document
employment permission
marital or family information relevant to payroll
The exact list depends on the employer and your situation.
Provide copies only through the employer’s official and secure process.
Social insurance number
Employees in Germany are registered for social insurance.
This can include:
health insurance
long-term care insurance
pension insurance
unemployment insurance
accident insurance
If you already worked in Germany, you may already have a social insurance number.
The number normally remains the same.
If you do not yet have one, the registration process is usually initiated through your employment and health insurance information.
You should not normally need to pay a private agency to obtain a standard German social insurance number.
Check the employment permission
Before starting work, make sure the employment is permitted under your current immigration status.
Check:
visa wording
supplementary sheet
residence permit
restrictions
employer name, if specified
permitted working hours
start date
Do not rely only on what was discussed verbally.
The written immigration document and its conditions are important.
If the wording is unclear, contact the responsible authority or obtain legal advice.
4. Open or organize a bank account
A German bank account is often practical, but it is not always legally necessary for receiving a salary.
An employer should generally be able to make a euro payment to another eligible SEPA account.
A German account can nevertheless make daily life easier.
It may be useful for:
rent
utilities
direct debits
insurance payments
salary
local card payments
cash withdrawals
certain identification procedures
building a German banking history
What to compare
Before opening an account, compare:
monthly fee
debit card type
Girocard availability
cash withdrawal options
foreign currency fees
transfer fees
overdraft conditions
English-language support
mobile banking
deposit protection
identification process
residence requirements
Some banks require:
registered German address
residence document
tax identification number
video identification
postal identification
employment information
Others allow the process to begin earlier.
Basic payment account
People legally resident in the European Union may have a right to a basic payment account under certain conditions.
This does not mean that every bank must provide every account product or credit facility.
Ask specifically about a Basiskonto if opening an ordinary current account becomes difficult.
Avoid unnecessary account packages
Do not select an account only because it is bundled with other relocation products.
Check:
total annual cost
cancellation terms
card limitations
cash access
conditions after a free introductory period
A temporary solution may be useful at first, but review it once your situation is stable.
5. Receive your tax identification number
After registering your address, your personal tax identification number is normally sent automatically to your registered address.
It is commonly called:
Steuer-ID
IdNr.
tax identification number
The number is normally issued once and remains valid for life.
If you lived in Germany previously, you usually keep the same number.
The tax ID is not a tax number
The Steuer-ID is a personal lifelong identifier.
A Steuernummer is different. It can be issued by the local tax office for tax filings or self-employed activity.
Employees usually give the Steuer-ID to their employer for payroll.
Self-employed people may additionally need:
tax registration
a Steuernummer
other tax-related registrations
This article does not provide tax advice.
What if the tax ID does not arrive?
First check:
whether your name is on the mailbox
whether the address registration is correct
whether you already had a German tax ID
whether the letter may have been returned
You can request the number again through the responsible federal service.
For data protection reasons, it is generally sent by post rather than provided informally by email or telephone.
6. Apply for the residence permit
The required step depends on how you entered Germany.
Arrival with a national visa
A national visa is usually issued for a limited period.
If you intend to remain longer, apply for the appropriate residence permit before the visa expires.
Do not assume that the foreigners authority will automatically contact you.
Check your local authority’s process early.
It may use:
online application
contact form
email
appointment booking
postal submission
a dedicated portal
Visa-free arrival
Citizens of certain countries can enter Germany without a visa and may be allowed to apply for a residence permit after arrival in specific situations.
This does not automatically mean that work can begin before the residence permit is issued.
The rules depend on:
nationality
planned activity
residence route
existing permission
local procedure
Do not begin employment unless you have the required authorization.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland do not generally need a German residence permit to live and work in Germany.
They still need to follow other requirements, including address registration and health insurance.
Different documentation can apply to non-EU family members.
Apply early
Appointment availability and processing times differ substantially between cities.
Do not wait until shortly before the visa expires.
Keep:
a copy of the application
submission confirmation
appointment confirmation
uploaded documents
reference number
authority correspondence
Whether a particular submission creates specific legal effects depends on the applicable procedure and the completeness of the application.
For individual legal questions, contact the authority or a licensed German lawyer.
The electronic residence permit
Many residence permits are issued as an electronic residence card.
The process can include:
appointment
biometric photograph
fingerprints
fee payment
card production
postal PIN letter
collection or postal delivery
Production can take additional time after the decision.
Keep your passport and current permission valid during the process.
7. Deal with the broadcasting contribution
The German broadcasting contribution is called the Rundfunkbeitrag.
It is generally charged per residence, not per person.
The standard amount is currently €18.36 per month per residence.
It normally applies regardless of whether the household watches television or uses public broadcasting services.
Shared apartments and couples
Only one contribution is normally paid for each residence.
If another person in the household already pays, you may need that person’s contribution number when responding to the Beitragsservice.
Do not register and pay twice for the same apartment unnecessarily.
Do not ignore the letter
The Beitragsservice may contact you after receiving registration data.
Respond even if:
another household member already pays
you believe you qualify for an exemption
you moved again
the information is incorrect
Some people may qualify for exemption or reduction, but it must normally be requested and documented.
Address registration with the city is not the same as completing the broadcasting contribution process.
8. Set up electricity, internet and mobile service
Check the rental agreement and handover documents before arranging utilities.
Some costs may be included in the rent or additional charges.
Others must be organized separately.
Electricity
Household electricity is often the tenant’s responsibility.
When moving in:
photograph the meter
record the meter number
record the meter reading
note the date
keep the handover record
If you do not select a provider, the apartment may enter the local basic supply arrangement.
Basic supply can be convenient temporarily but may not be the cheapest long-term option.
Compare:
price
base fee
contract duration
price guarantee
cancellation period
bonus conditions
estimated consumption
Do not sign energy contracts offered unexpectedly at the door.
Heating, gas and water
Whether you need separate contracts depends on the property.
Ask the landlord which services are included in the additional costs.
Possible arrangements include:
central heating through the landlord
individual gas contract
district heating
water included in service charges
hot water generated through electricity
Do not assume that every apartment follows the same system.
Internet
Internet installation can take time.
Before selecting a provider, check:
connection available at the exact address
download and upload speed
installation date
router cost
minimum contract period
activation fee
cancellation conditions
temporary mobile options
Ask whether an active connection already exists in the apartment.
Do not rely only on advertised maximum speed.
Mobile service
A German mobile number can be useful for:
banks
employers
delivery services
authorities
doctors
account verification
A prepaid SIM can provide a quick temporary option.
Identification is normally required.
Longer mobile contracts can include:
minimum duration
automatic renewal
credit check
device financing
cancellation deadlines
Compare the full cost rather than only the monthly headline price.
9. Find a doctor
You do not always need to register formally with one permanent family doctor, but finding a general practitioner early can be useful.
The German term is:
Hausarzt
Allgemeinmediziner
general practitioner
Not every practice accepts new patients.
Search near your home or workplace and ask:
whether new patients are accepted
which insurance types are accepted
whether English is spoken
how appointments are arranged
what to do in urgent cases
Also consider finding:
dentist
pediatrician
gynecologist
relevant specialist
Important numbers
112: Medical emergencies and fire
110: Police emergencies
116117: Non-emergency medical service and medical on-call assistance
Use 112 for potentially life-threatening situations.
Do not use emergency services for routine appointments.
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Prescription medication is normally obtained from a pharmacy.
The German word is Apotheke.
Outside normal opening hours, emergency pharmacies operate according to a local schedule.
Bring information about regular medication and ask a doctor early if a German prescription will be required.
10. Check your driver’s license
A foreign driver’s license is not always valid indefinitely after establishing residence in Germany.
A non-EU or non-EEA license is often recognized for only six months after establishing normal residence.
Exceptions and country-specific rules apply.
Depending on the issuing country, conversion may require:
application
translation
eye test
first-aid course
theory test
practical driving test
Some licenses can be exchanged more easily than others.
Start early
Contact the local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde before the recognition period expires.
The process can take time because of:
appointments
document checks
translations
driving school registration
tests
An international driving permit normally supplements the original national license. It does not replace it.
Check the official rules for your issuing country and license category.
Additional steps for families
Families may need to organize several parallel processes.
Residence documents
Each family member may need:
separate residence application
passport
biometric photograph
health insurance
registration
civil-status documents
Do not assume that one family appointment automatically includes everyone.
Health insurance
Check whether a spouse or children can join family insurance or require separate coverage.
The result can depend on:
insurance type
employment
income
residence status
family relationship
Childcare
Childcare places can be limited.
Research early:
Kita
Kindergarten
childminder
municipal application portals
waiting lists
fees
opening hours
Registration in the city does not automatically secure a place.
School
School enrollment depends on:
age
address
federal state
previous education
language ability
local placement procedure
Contact the local school authority or assigned school early.
Bring:
school records
vaccination documents
birth certificate
registration certificate
custody documents where relevant
Family benefits
Depending on status and circumstances, families may need to research:
child benefit
parental benefit
tax classification
childcare support
Eligibility can be complex.
Use official information or qualified tax and social-law advice.
A checklist for the first month
Address and documents
Put your name on the mailbox.
Register your address.
Keep the registration certificate.
Store copies of important documents.
Check the visa expiration date.
Employment
Confirm the permitted employment.
Give your employer the required information.
Select a health insurance provider where necessary.
Provide the tax ID when received.
Confirm salary bank details.
Immigration
Identify the responsible foreigners authority.
Check the local application procedure.
Apply before the existing permission expires.
Keep proof of submission.
Home
Record meter readings.
Clarify which utilities are included.
Arrange electricity where required.
Arrange internet and mobile service.
Deal with the broadcasting contribution.
Daily life
Find a general practitioner.
Check the driver’s license rules.
Learn the local emergency numbers.
Research public transportation.
Review insurance needs.
Family
Confirm health insurance for all family members.
Arrange residence documents.
Research childcare or school.
Check family-related deadlines.
Common mistakes
Confusing address registration with a residence application
The Anmeldung and the residence permit are separate procedures.
Waiting until the visa almost expires
Start researching the local residence procedure early.
Leaving the mailbox unlabeled
Important letters may not arrive.
Assuming the tax ID is issued at the Bürgeramt
It is normally sent separately after registration.
Confusing the tax ID with a tax number
They serve different purposes.
Assuming travel insurance is enough long term
Long-term residence and employment normally require suitable health insurance.
Ignoring the broadcasting contribution letter
Respond even when another household member already pays.
Forgetting to register electricity
The apartment may enter a more expensive basic supply arrangement.
Believing every employer requires a German IBAN
Another eligible SEPA account may be usable, although a German account is often practical.
Starting work without checking the written permission
The employer’s willingness to hire does not replace immigration authorization.
Missing the driver’s license deadline
Country-specific conversion rules can require early preparation.
Signing contracts too quickly
Check duration, cancellation, fees and renewal conditions.
Organize the immigration side of your move
The Germany Immigration Call can help you organize published information about your immigration route and next procedural steps.
During the call, we can:
discuss the general residence procedure
identify published document requirements
organize the sequence of immigration-related steps
prepare questions for the responsible authority
distinguish immigration procedures from other relocation tasks
The call does not include:
legal interpretation of your work authorization
confirmation that a particular submission extends your status
representation before the authorities
tax advice
insurance advice
review of rental or utility contracts
a binding assessment of driver’s license recognition
a guarantee that an application will be approved
→ Book the Germany Immigration Call
Still looking for work after arriving?
→ Explore my Job Search Resources and Services
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This article provides general immigration and relocation information. Local procedures, accepted documents and deadlines can differ between cities and individual situations. Always follow the current instructions of the responsible authority, employer, insurer and service provider. For individual legal, tax, insurance or contractual advice, consult an appropriately qualified professional.
