Congratulations, you have made it to Germany! 🎉 Whether you’re here to study, work, or start a new chapter in your life, there are a few important things you need to take care of in the first two weeks after arriving. From registering your address to setting up a bank account, these steps are crucial for settling in and avoiding future headaches. If you’d prefer a visual guide, check out my YouTube video on this topic below! Let’s dive into what you need to do during this time!
1. Registering Your Address (Anmeldung)
In Germany, it is legally required to register your address (Anmeldung) within two weeks of moving to a new residence. You’ll need to do this at your local citizens’ office, known as Bürgeramt in Germany.
It is not just a formality – this registration is required for opening a bank account, applying for your residence permit, and receiving your German tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer).
What to Bring:
- Your passport
- A form called the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (confirmation from your landlord that you are living at the property)
- The Anmeldung form, which collects your personal details (name, date of birth, nationality, etc.)
Once you complete your registration, you’ll receive a document called the Meldebestätigung. This document is important, so keep it safe—you’ll need it for almost everything related to your stay in Germany.
Pro Tip:
While Anmeldung is free at most Bürgeramt locations, some cities like Hamburg charge a small fee (around €12). Be sure to book your appointment online early since slots can fill up quickly, especially in bigger cities. If you’re living in a smaller town, you can use this tool to find your nearest Bürgeramt: Behoerdenfinder
2. Opening a Bank Account
Now that you have your Meldebestätigung, it’s time to open a German bank account. You’ll need a local account to manage your finances, including paying rent and receiving any scholarship or blocked account funds.
Popular Student-Friendly Banks:
- Deutsche Bank
- Commerzbank
- N26 (especially good for international students)
Look for student accounts with no monthly fees. When opening your account, remember to bring your passport and Meldebestätigung. Some banks might also ask for proof of enrollment from your university.
3. Updating Your Health Insurance
If you’ve read my previous blog post Your Pre-Arrival Checklist for Studying in Germany, you’ll know how important health insurance is in Germany. Whether you’re enrolling in public insurance like TK, AOK, or Barmer, or opting for private coverage, make sure your details are up to date.
You’ll need to update your new address and bank account information with your health insurance provider. You can typically do this online or by visiting one of their local offices. This is especially important because without health insurance, you won’t be able to enroll at your university.
4. Applying for a Residence Permit
If you’re a non-EU student, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit at your local Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Office). Depending on the specific office, you may either need to proactively book an appointment or wait for them to send you a letter with an appointment date.
For my first residence permit, I received a letter from the Ausländerbehörde in Schwenningen about two months before my visa expiration date. The letter included the appointment date and a list of the required documents.
Typical Required Documents:
For my first residence permit, these were the documents I had to provide:
- A Biometric Passport Photo – Not older than 6 months.
- Valid Passport – Current and valid passport.
- Proof of Financial Resources – Blocked account or Scholarship or Declaration of Commitment “Verpflichtungserklärungen”.
- Enrollment Certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung) – Proof of enrollment at a university or a certificate of successful completion of your studies.
- Proof of Accommodation – Known as the Wohnungsbescheinigung, confirming your residence.
- Proof of Health Insurance – A document showing you have valid health insurance coverage.
Note: Always check the required documents with the Ausländerbehörde in your area.
It’s crucial to have all your documents ready before your appointment to avoid delays. The residence permit process can take some time, so starting early is a smart move.
Final Thoughts
Getting through these tasks in your first two weeks will make life in Germany much easier. Once you’ve registered your address, opened a bank account, updated your health insurance, and applied for your residence permit, you’ll be well on your way to settling in smoothly.
Stay tuned for my next post on what to do after you’re all settled in!
Got any questions? Drop them in the comments below, and I’ll be happy to help! 😊
