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Summary: The more important tasks you finish before the flight, the calmer your first weeks in Germany will be. This checklist is ordered by time: from a few months ahead to the night before departure. Depending on your visa type (work, study, family, etc.) some items may not apply to you.
3 to 6 months before departure
1. Visa and residence status
Make sure your visa type or migration route is settled and your application is in progress. If you have not chosen a route yet, first read migration routes to Germany and the national visa and embassy process.
2. Official documents, translation and certification
- Prepare your birth certificate, national ID card, certificate of single status or marriage certificate, your children’s birth certificates, education documents and work records.
- Depending on the case, an official translation (sworn translator) and a certification or stamp are required; this takes weeks. Details in the embassy and legalisation document checklist.
- Make colour scans and several copies of all documents and keep the digital version in your email or cloud storage.
3. Passport
Your passport must remain valid beyond the end date of your visa; if less than a year remains, it is better to renew before travelling. If you must renew in Germany, see how to renew an Iranian passport in Germany.
4. Budget and finances
Calculate the costs of the first months (housing deposit, rent, insurance, initial purchases). Many visas require proof of funds (for example a blocked account for students or job seekers). Check the amounts against the official sources for the current year.
1 to 3 months before departure
5. Initial accommodation
Book temporary accommodation for the first 2 to 4 weeks (furnished flat, dormitory, hostel or a host you know). Important: to register your address (Anmeldung) you need a contract or a residence confirmation from the landlord; ask before booking whether registration is possible. For the full guide: address registration (Anmeldung) and renting a flat.
6. Health and travel insurance
From the moment you arrive until your main insurance starts in Germany you must have valid cover. Many visas require travel or temporary insurance. See the conditions in the health insurance guide.
7. Medication and medical records
If you take medication, bring the prescription and the generic name of the drug in English, and take enough for the first few weeks (observing customs rules on medication is important). Translate or scan your vaccination card and important medical and dental records.
8. Work or study
If you have a job, keep the contract and the start date in writing. If you are looking for work, prepare your CV and documents to German standards: guide to finding a job.
1 to 4 weeks before departure
9. Ticket and arrival time
Choose an arrival time that lets you start the essential tasks during office hours the next day; a weekend or night flight means two days with offices and many shops closed (on Sundays almost everything is closed).
10. Cash and bank card
Bring some euros in cash for the first week, but note that entering with €10,000 or more in cash must be declared to customs (details: arriving at the airport). To open a German account: bank account guide.
11. Mobile phone and internet
Unlock your phone or be ready to buy a prepaid SIM at the airport or in the city. Install map, translation and public transport apps for your destination city in advance.
12. Family and affairs in Iran
Consider a power of attorney or representative for financial and property matters in Iran, informing your bank and registering an emergency contact. Always seek legal advice when deciding on a power of attorney.
Suitcase and hand luggage
- In your hand luggage (essential): passport, visa and support letter, ticket, contract or accommodation confirmation, insurance, key documents and medication.
- In your suitcase: clothing suitable for the season (winters are cold and damp), a type F plug adapter (German sockets are 230 V), several biometric passport photos, and basic kitchen items if needed.
List of additional documents: checklist of important documents.
The night before the flight
- Check the hand-luggage documents once more.
- Print the address of your accommodation and your host’s contact number, and keep them on your phone as well.
- Note down an emergency number and the address of the embassy or consulate.
Next step
After arriving, do the essential tasks in order: your first 30 days in Germany: a step-by-step plan.
Note: this article is general guidance and not a substitute for official advice. Visa conditions and regulations may change; for legal matters consult official sources or an adviser. Last reviewed: October 2026.
