Moving to Germany: what to do before you arrive
Most of the German system unlocks after you register an address. Before you arrive, focus on the few things that must be ready on day one: the right to live here, health cover, somewhere to stay, and a way to pay.
Months before
- Residence permit · Aufenthaltstitel (Aufenthaltserlaubnis, eAT) Mandatory
Only if you are not an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen.
- EU Blue Card · Blaue Karte EU Depends on your situation
If you have a university degree and a qualifying job offer.
- Blocked account · Sperrkonto Usually required
Students (and some other visa types) usually need one for the visa.
- Health insurance · Krankenversicherung (Krankenkasse) Mandatory
Health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Germany. How public and private cover work, what employees pay in 2026, family cover and visa insurance.
Weeks before
- Finding an apartment · Wohnungssuche (flat hunting) Usually required
Temporary furnished housing first is normal — but check you can register there.
- Bank account · Girokonto (current account) Usually required
Some online banks let you open an account before you have a German address.
- SIM card · SIM-Karte / Prepaid-Karte / Handyvertrag Recommended
How to get a German SIM card as a newcomer: prepaid vs contract, the legal ID check, contract lengths and cancellation rules, EU roaming and eSIM.
- Driving licence exchange · Umschreibung der ausländischen Fahrerlaubnis Depends on your situation
If you plan to drive: check whether your licence can be exchanged.