The Ultimate Moving to Germany Checklist
Welcome! Bookmark this page. From navigating the Ausländerbehörde to finding your first flat, I've mapped out exactly what you need to do before and after you land.
Custom 30-Day Relocation Timeline & Expat Tools
Enter your arrival date and status to generate your personal relocation calendar. Drag and drop tasks, use specialized helpers, and export your timeline to Google Calendar or PDF!
Launch Interactive Planner1The Month Before (Preparation)
Visa & Blue Card Prep
Ensure all embassy appointments are booked and documents are translated by a sworn translator.
Book Temporary Housing
Book an Airbnb or temporary furnished flat (Wunderflats, Homelike) for the first 1-2 months. You MUST be able to register (Anmeldung) here!
Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung)
Choose between Public (TK, AOK) or Private. Get your confirmation letter (Versicherungsbescheinigung) ready.
Prepare Important Docs Folder
Birth certificates, university degrees, marriage certificates—bring originals and multiple physical copies.
2The First Week (Arrival)
Anmeldung (City Registration)
Your absolute #1 priority. Bring your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation) and passport to the Bürgeramt.
Open a Bank Account
With your Meldebescheinigung (registration paper) and Tax ID (which arrives by mail), open a local account. I recommend Santander Bank for its easy expat-friendly setup.
Open Santander Account→Get a German SIM Card
Aldi Talk, Vodafone, or Telekom. You'll need an active phone number for almost everything going forward.
The Broadcasting Fee (Rundfunkbeitrag)
Keep an eye out for the yellow/green envelope. Every household must pay this (approx. €18.36/month).
3The First 3 Months (Settling In)
Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Office)
Apply for your actual residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) before your entry visa expires.
Apartment Hunting & Bewerbermappe
Set up alerts on ImmoScout24 and WG-Gesucht. Prepare your application folder (Schufa, income proof, Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung).
Request Schufa Record
Request your free data copy (Datenkopie) online after registering—you'll need it to rent a permanent flat.
Start Learning German
Sign up for an integration course or VHS (Volkshochschule) classes to make daily life infinitely easier.
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