First 30 days in Germany

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Before you land

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Confirm your visa or permit route (EU citizens skip this; see the visa types guide)Activate a travel eSIM before boarding so you land with dataGather documents: passport, degree certificates, birth/marriage certificates (with translations where needed)Line up Anmeldung-capable housing, even temporary - a hotel month blocks every registrationSet up an international transfer route for the deposit (up to 3 cold rents) and first expenses

Week 1 - land and connect

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Buy a German prepaid SIM (passport only - no Anmeldung needed for prepaid)Book the Bürgeramt slot NOW - the 14-day Anmeldung clock starts at move-inWithdraw €200-300 cash; Germany still runs on cash pocketsGet the signed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord or host

Week 2 - the registration cascade

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Do your Anmeldung and take the Anmeldebescheinigung in duplicateOpen your bank account the same afternoon - app banks issue the IBAN instantlyConfirm your Krankenkasse choice (your employer needs it; you are covered from job start either way)Start your personal document archive - keep every stamped paper forever

Week 3 - make yourself payable

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Tax ID (Steuer-ID) arrives by post 1-3 weeks after Anmeldung - forward it straight to HRGive your IBAN to employer and landlord; set a standing order (Dauerauftrag) for rentRespond to the Rundfunkbeitrag letter: register and pay (€18.36/month per household) or link a housemate’s payment

Week 4 - protect and settle

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Get personal liability insurance (Haftpflicht, about €5/month - the German essential)Order home internet (2-4 week activation is normal; a 5G router bridges the gap)Start your first Schufa-building contract in your name (postpaid SIM works)Get the Deutschlandticket (€63/month, all local transport) if you commuteNote the tax return opportunity: arrival-year filers average the biggest refunds

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Your moving to Germany checklist

First 30 days in Germany

Before you land

Week 1 - land and connect

Week 2 - the registration cascade

Week 3 - make yourself payable

Week 4 - protect and settle

Want the full story behind each step?

First 30 days guide

Anmeldung guide

Health insurance guide

Bank account guide