What's the first thing to do when I arrive?

Do the Anmeldung immediately: it's the key that unlocks everything else. Before that, though, sort out the accommodation and the signed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, because without it registration isn't possible.

How long do I have for the broadcasting contribution?

You must register within two weeks of moving in. Don't wait for the letter: register online and give your contribution number (Beitragsnummer) when it arrives.

What if I don't have a job yet?

You can register as a jobseeker with the Federal Employment Agency, get access to advice and in some cases receive support. If you're entitled to benefits from your country of origin, bring the U1/U2 and S1 forms.

Which documents should I bring from my home country?

Valid passport, any visa, birth and marriage certificates (with translation if requested), S1/A1 health certificates where applicable, your tax number for certificates, and copies of employment contracts. Keep everything in a digital folder and a physical one.

Your first 30 days in Germany: what to do and in what order

Before you leave

Preparing the documents before you travel saves you weeks of delay once you arrive.

Before departure

Valid passport or ID card for travel
Employment contract or offer letter
Accommodation for the first few days (temporary rental or a room)
Health insurance: S1 or A1 form where applicable, or pending Krankenkasse registration
Birth, marriage and qualification certificates (with translations if required)
An accessible account in Europe and a card with a SEPA IBAN
Digital copies of all important documents

One practical tip

Create one folder (paper and digital) with all the documents. In Germany you'll be asked for them many times: having them organised saves hours of waiting.

The first 7 days

Get the from your landlord or host: it's needed for registration.
Book an appointment at the . Queues can be long: book as early as possible, even before you arrive if the portal allows it.
Do the with your passport, the landlord's confirmation and the completed form. You receive the .
Choose a and tell your employer which one (or complete the registration yourself if you're a student).
Open a bank account, or check that your current IBAN is accepted for salary and rent.
Get a German SIM. Useful for banking apps, appointments and alerts.
Register for the . Within two weeks of moving in: it's done online, per dwelling.

From the second to the fourth week

Check the post every day. Your , health card and official notices arrive by letter.
File your safely when it arrives (normally 2–4 weeks after the ).
Check your social insurance number. Your employer requests it from the German Pension Insurance; keep the document when it arrives.
Set up internet, electricity and gas. Compare providers and note the meter readings at handover.
Review your first payslip. Check the tax class, deductions and contributions; report any error to HR immediately.
Get to know the local bureaucracy. Sign up with the residents' registry for municipal services, libraries and waste collection if needed.
Set up your digital toolbox: banking app, insurer's app, ready to go, folders for receipts.
Take a breath. One month isn't much time to sort everything out: prioritise the key documents.

The most common scams for new arrivals

Be wary of anyone asking for money for a registry appointment, of job offers with upfront payments, and of fake flats requesting a deposit by instant bank transfer. No public office ever asks for payment via links or gift cards.

The five things that unlock everything

: without registration neither your nor many banking processes can start.
: your employer needs it to calculate tax correctly.
: insurance is compulsory and must be reported immediately.
Bank account: salary, rent, utilities and reimbursements all flow through it.
: required by law, registered online in a few minutes.

Mistakes to avoid

Leaving the to the last minute. Waiting times can exceed the statutory two weeks.
Not opening your post. Official letters contain deadlines; only ignore the advertising.
Signing contracts without reading. Rent, phone, electricity: check the term and the exit conditions.
Not asking for help. Municipalities, universities, unions and local communities all offer free advice.

Your first 30 days in Germany: what to do and in what order

Before you leave

The first 7 days

From the second to the fourth week

The five things that unlock everything

Mistakes to avoid

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

Related guides

Anmeldung in Germany: how to register your address

Steuer-ID: your German tax number explained properly

Health insurance in Germany: how to choose your Krankenkasse