Just arrived in Germany: your first weeks
Your first job is the Anmeldung (address registration). Almost everything else — tax ID, bank account, residence permit, internet contract — depends on it. Do it within two weeks of moving in.
Week 1–2
- SIM card · SIM-Karte / Prepaid-Karte / Handyvertrag Recommended
A prepaid SIM works immediately and you need a German number for many sign-ups.
- Wohnungsgeberbestätigung · Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (Einzugsbestätigung) Mandatory
The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is your landlord's written move-in confirmation, needed for the Anmeldung. What it contains, who signs, and what if they refuse.
- Anmeldung · Anmeldung (Wohnsitzanmeldung) Mandatory
Everyone who moves into a home in Germany must register the address within two weeks. Documents, steps, online option, fines and what to do without an appointment.
- Anmeldung form · Anmeldung bei der Meldebehörde (Meldeschein) Usually required
The German address registration form explained field by field in English: new and old address, personal details, religion (church tax), marital status and documents.
- 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 2–6
- Tax ID (Steuer-ID) · Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer (IdNr, Steuer-ID) Mandatory
Arrives by post after your Anmeldung.
- Bank account · Girokonto (current account) Usually required
How to open a bank account in Germany: online vs branch banks, opening without Anmeldung, ID checks, your right to a Basiskonto and why any EU IBAN must be accepted.
- Residence permit · Aufenthaltstitel (Aufenthaltserlaubnis, eAT) Mandatory
Non-EU citizens: book the immigration office early.
- Social security number · Sozialversicherungsnummer / Rentenversicherungsnummer (Versicherungsnummer) Usually required
Needed by your employer.
- Rundfunkbeitrag (GEZ) · Rundfunkbeitrag (formerly GEZ-Gebühr) Mandatory
Every household in Germany pays the Rundfunkbeitrag broadcasting fee: one fee per flat, not per person. Amount, registration, flat shares, exemptions, leaving.
First months
- Liability insurance · Private Haftpflichtversicherung Recommended
Private liability insurance is optional in Germany but strongly recommended. What it covers, how much cover you need and what to check before you sign.
- Home internet · Internetanschluss / DSL-Vertrag (home internet contract) Optional
How to get home internet in Germany: DSL vs cable vs fibre, how long setup takes, 24-month contracts, cancelling after moving, and your rights when speed is too slow.
- Deutschlandticket · Deutschlandticket (D-Ticket) Optional
Deutschlandticket 2026: €63 per month, local and regional transport across Germany. What is included, how to cancel, Jobticket and student versions.
- SCHUFA · SCHUFA-Auskunft (credit report) Depends on your situation
What SCHUFA is, why newcomers start with no score, how to get your free data copy under Art. 15 GDPR, and how to build a credit history in Germany.