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Summary: The first month in Germany is full of administrative tasks and the order matters: first accommodation and address registration, then insurance and a bank account, and at the same time an appointment at the residence office. In this guide the tasks are arranged in time order and by priority. Deadlines and procedures differ slightly between cities and states; always check against your city office’s website.
Days 1 to 3: settling in
- SIM card and internet: get a prepaid SIM or a monthly contract. Many official tasks require a German phone number.
- Accommodation: if you do not have a permanent rental contract, keep the temporary accommodation for now and look for a flat: flat rental guide.
- Essential shopping: basic supplies, clothing suitable for the season, a transport ticket.
- Documents: keep the originals in a safe place and scan them: checklist of important documents.
Week 1: address registration and insurance
1. Address registration (Anmeldung)
In Germany you generally must register at the local registration office (Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt) within 2 weeks of moving to a new address. For this you need your passport, the registration form and the landlord’s confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). In large cities appointments can be booked out for weeks, so book on the very first day. Details: full Anmeldung guide.
2. Health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. If you have travel or temporary insurance, know its end date and start your main insurance (statutory or private) on time: health insurance guide.
3. Bank account
After registering your address you can open a current account (Girokonto); it is needed for salary, rent and insurance: bank account guide.
Weeks 2 and 3: residence and tax
4. Residence office (Ausländerbehörde)
A national visa is usually valid for entry only, and within its validity you must obtain a residence card (eAT). Book your appointment at the office early; it can take weeks or months, and if your visa is about to expire the office can issue a provisional certificate (Fiktionsbescheinigung): residence renewal and Fiktionsbescheinigung.
5. Tax ID (Steuer-ID)
After you register your address, this number is usually mailed to you within a few weeks. Your employer needs it for payroll: Steuer-ID and Steuernummer.
6. Work or social benefits
If you are looking for work: guide to finding a job. If you need financial support: Jobcenter and Grundsicherung.
Week 4: everyday life
- Broadcasting contribution (Rundfunkbeitrag): each household pays about €18.36 per month; the registration letter usually arrives after your Anmeldung.
- Transport: look into a monthly city ticket or the national Deutschlandticket; check the price on the official transport website.
- Driving licence: an Iranian licence is valid only for a limited time (usually 6 months after you register a regular residence); act early: Iranian driving licence in Germany.
- Family and children: child benefit (Kindergeld) and nursery and school enrolment: Kindergeld.
- Language: start enrolling in a language class or integration course (Integrationskurs) early.
Common mistakes
- Postponing the Anmeldung; many later tasks depend on it.
- Not opening letters: in Germany official correspondence arrives by post and has deadlines.
- Not booking an appointment at the residence office until the last weeks of your visa.
- Having no health insurance in the gap between temporary and main insurance.
Summary timeline
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | SIM card, accommodation, essential shopping |
| Week 1 | Anmeldung, health insurance, bank account |
| Weeks 2 to 3 | Residence appointment and application, Steuer-ID, work |
| Week 4 | Rundfunkbeitrag, transport, driving licence, language |
Previous: what to do before travelling | Next: everyday rules and etiquette in Germany.
Note: this article is general guidance and not a substitute for official advice. Procedures differ between cities. Last reviewed: October 2026.
