Arrival Guides

Step-by-step instructions for the most common tasks when you first arrive in Germany.

Guides for

Registration

How to Register Your Address (Anmeldung)

The Anmeldung is your first and most critical bureaucratic step in Germany. Without it, you cannot open a bank account, receive your tax ID, or access most public services.

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Registration3 min

Getting Your Tax ID (Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer)

Your German tax ID (IdNr) is an 11-digit number automatically assigned after your Anmeldung. You need it for employment, tax refunds, and pension contributions.

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Registration3 min

The TV Tax (Rundfunkbeitrag) Explained

The Rundfunkbeitrag is Germany's mandatory €18.36/month broadcasting licence fee. Every household pays it, regardless of whether you own a TV.

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Banking

Banking5 min

Opening a German Bank Account

A German bank account is essential for receiving your salary, paying rent, and accessing most German services. The process has become much easier with digital banks.

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Banking4 min

Using Your Blocked Account

If you used a blocked account (Sperrkonto) to get your student visa, you need to set up monthly withdrawals once you arrive. Here's how to unlock your funds.

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Health

Health5 min

Setting Up Health Insurance in Germany

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany from day one. As a student under 30, you qualify for the heavily subsidised student rate of around €120/month.

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Telecom

Telecom3 min

Getting a German SIM Card

A German phone number is one of the first things you need, banks, doctors, and landlords all require one. Getting a prepaid SIM is fast and cheap.

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Transport

Transport3 min

The Deutschland-Ticket Explained

The Deutschland-Ticket (D-Ticket) is a monthly subscription for €58 that gives you unlimited access to all local and regional public transport across Germany.

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More guides

Getting a job in Germany

CV conventions, platforms, Minijob & work-hour limits

How to study in Germany

Uni vs. Hochschule, uni-assist, APS, required documents

German student visa process

APS, the Consular Services Portal, and how your country differs

Hidden costs of moving here

Deposit caps, agency fees, Nebenkosten, semester fees

Insurance beyond health cover

Haftpflicht, Hausrat, Rechtsschutz — what each protects