Polski
Українська
Türkçe
العربية
English
Deutsch
Русский
Română
Italiano
Español
Hrvatski
Srpski
فارسی
Tiếng Việt
Ελληνικά
🛬
Arriving in Germany
🚀 First Steps in Germany — The Complete Checklist
Everything you need to do in your first weeks in Germany — from registration to health insurance. 14 steps in the right order.
German terms
Anmeldung
Girokonto
Krankenversicherung
Steuer-ID
Deutschlandticket
Meldebescheinigung
Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
Progress
0 / 10
Find accommodation
Required
Wohnung / Unterkunft
Without an address you cannot register (Anmeldung). Get the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord immediately.
Register at the Bürgeramt (Anmeldung)
Required
Anmeldung
Within 14 days! Book appointment online. Bring: passport + Wohnungsgeberbestätigung + Anmeldeformular. You'll receive the Meldebescheinigung.
Open a bank account (Girokonto)
Required
Girokonto
You need: Meldebescheinigung + passport. Online banks (N26, Commerzbank) are faster. No account = no salary.
Get health insurance (Krankenversicherung)
Required
Krankenversicherung
Mandatory in Germany! GKV (public): TK, AOK, Barmer — ~8.75% of salary. PKV (private): for income above €69,300/year.
Receive your Steuer-ID (tax ID)
Required
Steuer-ID
Arrives by mail in 2–4 weeks after Anmeldung. 11 digits. Without it your employer pays higher tax. If delayed: call Bundeszentralamt für Steuern.
SIM card / Mobile contract
Required
SIM-Karte / Handyvertrag
Prepaid (Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect) without contract — ~€8–10/month. ID needed for activation.
Buy Deutschlandticket (€63/month)
Optional
Deutschlandticket
Monthly ticket for all public transport in Germany. Available via DB Navigator app or local transport company. Monthly subscription — cancel anytime.
Register for Rundfunkbeitrag (broadcast fee)
Required
Rundfunkbeitrag
€18.36/month (2026) — mandatory per household. Registration letter arrives automatically after Anmeldung.
Set up internet, electricity & gas
Optional
Internet / Strom / Gas
Internet: compare at CHECK24.de. Connection takes 2–4 weeks. Electricity/gas: register with local provider right after moving in.
Apply for Kindergeld (€259/child)
Optional
Kindergeld
€259/child/month (2026). Apply at Familienkasse. You need: Steuer-ID (yours + children's) + birth certificates. Retroactive for 6 months.
Other checklists
Anmeldung Checklist (Address Registration)
Complete document list for registering your address at the Bürgeramt. You must complete Anmeldung wi
Chancenkarte Application Checklist
All documents and steps for the Opportunity Card application. Check off each item.
Kindergeld Application Checklist
259€/month per child (from 2026). Apply at the Familienkasse.
Residence Permit Appointment Checklist
Appointment at the immigration office — renewal or issuance of a residence permit.