Arrival
Your first 30 days in Germany
A short week-by-week map of what to do, in what order, with links to the detailed guide for each step.
Welcome to Germany. Your first month is mostly paperwork. This page is the map. Each step links to a deeper guide when you need the detail.
Week 1: Anmeldung first
Book your Anmeldung (address registration) appointment the moment you know your move-in date. In big cities it can take 2 to 6 weeks to get a slot. Without it, you cannot open most bank accounts, get a SIM contract, start a salaried job, or get health insurance.
You need: passport, Mietvertrag, and a signed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord.
Deep guide: Anmeldung walkthrough
Week 2: Tax ID and bank account
After Anmeldung, your Steuer-ID arrives by post in 2 to 3 weeks. Do not lose it. Your employer needs it on your first payslip.
Open a bank account. N26 or Revolut the day you arrive (they work before Anmeldung), then a DKB / ING / Sparkasse account once you have your Anmeldung.
Deep guide: Opening a bank account
Week 3: Health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory. If you are employed, your employer handles most of it. Pick a public provider (TK, AOK, Barmer) and hand their Mitgliedsbescheinigung to your HR team.
Deep guide: Krankenversicherung explained
Week 4: SIM, transport, Hausarzt
- SIM card: Telekom, Vodafone, O2 for contracts; Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect, Lebara for prepaid
- Deutschlandticket (€63/month, all regional trains across Germany)
- Find a Hausarzt (GP) and register with them
That is it. Everything else can wait.
What to read next
- Blue Card vs Skilled Worker vs Family Reunion visas
- Apartment hunting and your Mietvertrag
- Finding Indian groceries in Germany
- Steuererklärung for Indians
Related guides on this site
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