First 30 days in Germany checklist

01Before arrival

Check passport or ID validity, work or study route, and the health cover needed from your first day.Confirm that your accommodation is real and that the provider can issue a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.

02Arrival

Put your name on the mailbox, collect keys and photograph meter readings and the handover record.Collect the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung and check the address, names and move-in date.

03Anmeldung

Register your address. The standard deadline is 14 days after moving in, subject to statutory exceptions.

04Health insurance

Confirm your health-insurance route, effective date and the proof your employer or university needs.

05Tax ID

Store your 11-digit Tax ID when it arrives; use the official BZSt retrieval route if it does not.

06Bank

Set up the SEPA account and payment access you actually need; compare fees, support and deposit protection.

07Work or study

Complete employer or university onboarding and keep a copy of every document submitted.

08Broadcast fee

Clarify the household Rundfunkbeitrag account; in a WG, ask whether another resident already pays.

09SIM and internet

Activate a verified SIM first, then compare full home-internet contract cost and installation time.

10Transport

Choose a local ticket, €63 Deutschlandticket or eligible €37.80 Deutschlandsemesterticket and save the cancellation date.