First Month in Germany: Essential Steps for New Workers 2025 | YourEnglishJob
Complete checklist for your first month in Germany. Registration, bank account, health insurance, taxes, and everything you need to get settled.
Congratulations on your job in Germany! Your first month will be busy with bureaucracy, but this checklist ensures you don't miss anything critical. Follow these steps in order.
📋 Quick Overview
You'll need approximately 3-4 weeks to complete all essential registrations. Some depend on each other, so follow the order below.
Week 1: Critical First Steps
Register Your Address (Anmeldung)
MOST IMPORTANT. You have 14 days after arrival. Without this, you can't do anything else.
Where:
Bürgeramt (citizen's office) or Einwohnermeldeamt in your district
Documents Needed:
- Passport/ID
- Signed rental contract OR Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation)
- Anmeldung form (download online or get at office)
What You Get:
Registration confirmation (Meldebestätigung). Keep this safe—you'll need it for everything!
💡 Pro Tip:
Book appointment online 2-3 weeks in advance. Walk-ins have 2-4 hour waits. Bring a book.
Get Your Tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer)
Automatically sent to your address 2-3 weeks after Anmeldung. Your employer needs this for payroll.
What to Do:
Wait for letter from Bundeszentralamt für Steuern. If urgent, call Finanzamt and request expedited delivery.
Open a German Bank Account
Needed for salary payments, rent, utilities. Most landlords require German account.
Recommended Banks for Expats:
- N26: 100% English, instant online signup, free account
- Deutsche Bank: English services, ATMs everywhere
- Commerzbank: Good for expats, English support
- Sparkasse: Local banks, German-focused
Documents Needed:
- Passport
- Anmeldung confirmation
- Work contract (sometimes)
Week 2: Healthcare & Residence Permit
Finalize Health Insurance
You should have arranged this before arrival, but now you need to activate it.
What to Do:
- Provide Anmeldung confirmation to your insurer (TK, AOK, etc.)
- Receive insurance card (within 1-2 weeks)
- Give employer your insurance details for payroll
Register at Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners Office)
Non-EU citizens only. Exchange your visa for residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis).
When:
Within 90 days of arrival. Book appointment immediately (wait times: 4-8 weeks).
Documents Needed:
- Passport with visa
- Anmeldung confirmation
- Employment contract
- Health insurance proof
- Biometric photos (35×45mm)
- Fee: €100-110
Week 3: Essential Services
Get a German Phone Number
Needed for banking, official letters, two-factor authentication.
Recommended Providers:
- Vodafone/O2/Telekom: €20-40/month for unlimited data
- Prepaid (Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect): €10-15/month for 5-10GB
- Online (Congstar, WinSIM): Cheapest, €10-25/month
Set Up Internet at Home
Takes 2-4 weeks for installation. Order early!
Providers:
- Vodafone/O2: Cable, 100-1000 Mbps, €30-50/month
- Telekom: DSL/Fiber, reliable, €40-60/month
- 1&1: Cheaper, €20-40/month
Register for GEZ (Broadcasting Fee)
Mandatory €18.36/month per household for public TV/radio (yes, even if you don't watch).
What to Do:
Register online at rundfunkbeitrag.de within 1 month. They'll send you a letter anyway if you don't.
Week 4: Transportation & Lifestyle
Get Public Transport Pass
Deutschland-Ticket: €49/month for unlimited nationwide travel!
How to Get:
- Download: DB Navigator, BVG (Berlin), MVV (Munich), or RMV (Frankfurt) app
- Subscribe to Deutschland-Ticket (€49/month)
- Digital ticket on your phone
Register Your Car (if applicable)
If you brought a car or bought one, register at local KFZ-Zulassungsstelle.
Documents:
- Passport & Anmeldung
- Vehicle documents
- Insurance proof (must arrange beforehand)
- TÜV (safety inspection) certificate
- Fee: ~€30 + license plates €30
Optional But Recommended
📄 Get a SCHUFA Report
German credit score. Needed for: apartment hunting, financing, contracts.
Get free annual report at meineSCHUFA.de
🇩🇪 Start Learning German
Makes life 10x easier. Aim for A2-B1 within first year.
Options: VHS classes (€200-300), Duolingo (free), iTalki (online tutors)
👥 Join Expat Groups
Facebook groups, Meetup.com, Internations.org
Great for advice, making friends, and learning about events
🏋️ Join a Gym/Sports Club
Germans love sports clubs (Sportverein). Great for socializing.
Gyms: €20-50/month (Fitness First, McFit, Urban Sports Club)
Complete Checklist
✅ First Month Checklist
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Delaying Anmeldung
You have 14 days legally. Missing this can result in fines (€500+) and blocks everything else.
❌ Not booking Ausländerbehörde appointment early
Appointments book out 6-8 weeks in advance. Book within first week of arrival.
❌ Ignoring GEZ registration
They WILL find you. Back-payments + fees. Register proactively.
❌ Using foreign credit card long-term
FX fees add up. German account essential for rent, utilities, salary.
Resources for Your First Month
Use our tools to help plan your finances and understand the German system:
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