Getting a SIM card in Germany: prepaid, contract and eSIM

Who needs it

Anyone staying longer than a short trip. A German phone number is recommended because banks, doctors, delivery services and many apps send codes or calls to it. If you have an EU/EEA SIM, you can use it in Germany at home prices for a while (see roaming below). A SIM from outside the EU can become expensive fast.

When

Get a SIM in your first days. A prepaid SIM does not need an Anmeldung or a bank account, so it is a good first step. You can switch to a contract later, once you have a German bank account and an address.

What you need

• A valid photo ID: passport, national ID card, residence permit or an official arrival document.
• An address. The provider records your name, address and date of birth. For prepaid, a temporary address is usually fine.
• For a contract: usually an IBAN for direct debit and a credit check (see SCHUFA).

How to do it

1. Choose prepaid or contract

Prepaid brands sold in supermarkets and drugstores are a common first choice. Many budget providers also offer monthly-cancellable plans that work almost like prepaid.

2. Verify your identity

Common methods:

• In a shop: staff check your ID and activate the SIM.
• VideoIdent: an online video call where you show your ID.
• PostIdent: you take your ID and a coupon to a post office branch.
• Online ID function (eID) of a German ID card or electronic residence permit.

3. Activate and top up

Once your identity is confirmed, the SIM is activated. For prepaid, you choose a package and top up by card, bank transfer or vouchers sold in shops.

Contract rules under the TKG

Since the new Telecommunications Act took effect on 1 December 2021:

• The initial minimum term may not exceed 24 months. Providers must also offer a contract with a maximum 12-month term.
• After the minimum term, a contract that renews automatically can be cancelled at any time with one month's notice.
• Before you sign, the provider must give you a short Vertragszusammenfassung (contract summary).
• Contracts made online or by phone can be cancelled within 14 days (Widerruf, right of withdrawal). This does not usually apply in a shop.
• Keeping your number when you switch (Rufnummernmitnahme) is free of charge.

EU roaming

With a German SIM, you can use calls, texts and data in other EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway at your domestic price ("roam like at home"). The rule also covers Moldova and Ukraine. Fair-use limits may apply, especially for data on cheap or unlimited plans.

eSIM

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. Many German providers offer eSIMs for both prepaid and contract plans. The same ID check applies. Check that your phone supports eSIM and is not locked to another network.

Common problems

Can I get a German SIM card without Anmeldung?

Yes, for prepaid. You need a valid ID, and you give an address during registration. Contracts often need a German bank account and a credit check, which are easier after registration.

Can I get a phone contract without SCHUFA history?

Sometimes. Some providers accept customers with little history, some ask for a deposit, others refuse. A prepaid or monthly plan is the safe choice until you have a history.

Can I keep using my foreign SIM in Germany?

EU/EEA SIM cards work at home prices under EU roaming, but providers can apply fair-use limits if you live permanently abroad. SIMs from outside the EU follow their own roaming prices, which are often high.

My contract was extended automatically. Am I stuck for another year?

No. Once the minimum term has ended, an automatically renewed contract can be cancelled at any time with one month's notice.

Costs

Prepaid packages start at a few euros per month; data volume and network quality drive the price. Contracts may include a phone, which you pay for over the term. Look at the total cost over the whole minimum term, not just the monthly price.