Moving to Germany: The Complete Checklist

Moving to Germany is a chain of deadlines that depend on each other. This checklist puts them in the right order – the same order we use with every relocation we manage.

Before departure

Visa or entry route confirmed · employment contract signed · qualification recognition started (if your profession requires it) · registerable housing secured for the first weeks – a hotel usually cannot host your Anmeldung · documents gathered with apostilles and certified translations · a first bank account opened online, if your bank of choice allows pre-arrival opening.

Week 1–2: the critical window

Anmeldung within 14 days of moving in – with the landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) in hand. Choose a health insurance fund so your employer can run payroll. Open or activate your bank account. These three unlock everything else.

Week 3–6

Your tax ID arrives by post – forward it to payroll. Apply for or collect your residence permit at the immigration office. Set up liability insurance (Haftpflicht – inexpensive and expected in Germany), a phone contract, and register for the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) that every household pays.

Day 30–90: settling in

Exchange your driving licence if required (non-EU licences generally within six months) · school or Kita enrolment for children, and Kindergeld (child benefit) application · start the long-term apartment search if you began in temporary housing · begin or continue German classes – B1 opens doors, from permanent residency timelines to daily life.

Want the printable version?

Our free first-30-days checklist (PDF) covers the arrival phase step by step. And if you would rather have professionals run this entire chain for you – that is literally our job.