Things to Do After Moving to Germany

Your Ultimate Checklist:
Things to Do After Moving to Germany

Once you’ve arrived in Germany, follow this checklist to settle in and begin your new life smoothly:

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1. City Registration (Anmeldung)

   • Register your address at the local Bürgeramt (citizen office) within two weeks of arrival.
   • Receive your Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate).

2. Health Insurance Enrollment

   • Finalize your enrollment with a German health insurance provider if not done already.

3. Open a German Bank Account

   • Choose a bank and open an account for salary payments and bills.

4. Apply for a Tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer)

   • Your tax ID is mailed to your registered address after Anmeldung.

5. Obtain a Residence Permit

   • Apply at the local Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde) if your visa doesn’t cover long-term stay.

6. Get a SIM Card and Internet

   • Purchase a German SIM card and arrange for home internet.

7. Explore Public Transport

   • Familiarize yourself with local transportation options like buses, trains, and trams.
   • Get a monthly or yearly transport pass.

8. Enroll in Language Classes

   • Join a German integration or language course to improve communication skills.

9. Understand Local Laws and Culture

   • Learn about German customs, recycling rules, and public behavior expectations.
   • Familiarize yourself with local holidays and working hours.

10. Register with a Doctor and Dentist

    • Find a general practitioner (Hausarzt) and dentist for regular checkups.

11. Find a Job (if needed)

    • Register with the local Employment Agency (Arbeitsagentur).
    • Polish your CV to fit German standards.

12. Driver’s License Conversion (if needed)

    • Check if your current license can be exchanged for a German one.

13. Insurance Coverage

    • Explore other necessary insurance options like liability (Haftpflichtversicherung), household, or car insurance.

14. Childcare and Education (if applicable)

    • Enroll your children in schools or daycare centers (Kita).
    • Understand the German education system.

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Additional Tips

• Networking: Join local expat groups and meetups for support.
• Emergency Numbers: Save important emergency numbers (e.g., 112 for emergencies).
• Apps and Tools: Download apps like Google Maps, DB Navigator, and a weather app for convenience.

Following this checklist will help you settle into life in Germany effectively.