Your Germany Checklist
Seven questions, about a minute. You get your steps in the right order, with the official source for each one. No account, and your answers stay in your browser.
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What the checklist covers
Depending on your answers, your list includes some of these steps:
- Check which residence permit or visa you need · AufenthaltstitelWithout the right permit you may not be allowed to live, work or study here. Most people from outside the EU need a visa before they travel.
- Set up proof of funds (often a blocked account) · SperrkontoNon-EU students usually have to prove they can pay their living costs before the visa is issued.
- Get health insurance · KrankenversicherungHealth insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Germany. Employers, universities and immigration offices will ask for proof.
- Arrange student health insurance · Krankenversicherung für StudierendeYour university can only enrol you once you show proof of health insurance.
- Find somewhere to live where you can register · WohnungYou need an address you are allowed to register at. Many other steps (tax ID, bank, residence permit) depend on it.
- Get a German phone number · SIM-KarteBanks, landlords, doctors and authorities expect a German number. A prepaid SIM works immediately.
- Get your landlord's move-in confirmation · WohnungsgeberbestätigungThe registration office needs this form from your landlord (or main tenant). Without it, you can't register.
- Register your address · AnmeldungIt is required by law, and it unlocks your tax ID, many bank accounts and your residence permit appointment.
- Open a bank account · GirokontoYour salary, rent and most contracts are paid by bank transfer or direct debit.
- Watch for your tax ID letter · Steuer-IDYour employer needs it to deduct the right tax. If it is still missing after three months, your employer must use the highest tax class (VI) until it arrives.
- Get your social security number · SozialversicherungsnummerYour employer needs it for payroll. It is usually issued automatically once you are insured.
- Register with the tax office as self-employed · Fragebogen zur steuerlichen ErfassungYou need a tax number to write invoices, and the tax office needs to know about your business.
- Check or register the broadcasting fee · RundfunkbeitragOne payment per home — even without a TV. If a flatmate already pays, don't open a second account; just give their contribution number when asked.
- Set up electricity · StromIf electricity isn't included in your rent, you are put on the expensive default tariff until you choose a supplier.
- Order home internet · InternetanschlussInstallation can take weeks, so order as soon as you have a fixed address.
- Check your tax class · SteuerklasseYour tax class decides how much tax comes off each payslip. Married people can choose a combination.
- Know how much you may work · Arbeiten im StudiumStudents from outside the EU have a yearly work limit. Going over it can risk your residence permit.
- Register for childcare or school · Kita / SchuleFor young children, Kita waiting lists in big cities are long — there is a legal right to a place from age one, but you must apply. School-age children need to be registered with a school.
- Apply for child benefit · KindergeldA monthly payment for each child if you are eligible (for non-EU citizens this depends on your residence permit). It is not paid automatically.
- Check whether your driving licence is valid here · Führerschein umschreibenLicences from outside the EU are usually only valid for six months after you move here.
- Register and insure your car · Kfz-ZulassungCar liability insurance is mandatory, and a car must be registered before you drive it.
- Consider the Deutschlandticket · DeutschlandticketOne monthly ticket for local and regional public transport across Germany.
- Consider personal liability insurance · PrivathaftpflichtOptional, but very common and inexpensive. It pays if you accidentally damage someone else's property.
- Understand your SCHUFA credit record · SCHUFALandlords and phone or internet providers often check it. You can request a free copy of your data.
- Start learning German · Deutsch lernenEveryday life, many jobs and permanent residence get much easier. Some people qualify for a subsidised integration course.
- Plan your first tax return · SteuererklärungMany newcomers get money back — for example moving costs in their first year. Some people must file.