Moving to Germany as a skilled professional involves a fair amount of bureaucracy – many processes are interconnected (for example, you often need a registered address before you can open a bank account). Below is a structured, chronological overview of the most important steps after arrival, which Pagenda supports you with.
These steps form the absolute foundation for life and work in Germany and should be completed as quickly as possible.
What: Finding a place to live is the first and most urgent task after deciding to move to Germany. Without an apartment, you cannot register your residence (Anmeldung), which blocks almost all other bureaucratic steps.
Tip: Start your search as early as possible, ideally before arriving in Germany. Popular platforms include ImmobilienScout24, WG-Gesucht, and Immowelt. Be prepared for high demand in major cities – a personal cover letter can make a real difference.
What: Everyone who moves to Germany must register at the local residents’ registration office (Bürgeramt) within 14 days.
Important: You will need a so-called Wohnungsgeberbestätigung – a form signed by your landlord. The result is the Meldebescheinigung, which you need for almost all subsequent steps.
What: Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. You must choose between statutory insurance (e.g. TK, AOK, Barmer) or private insurance, depending on your salary.
Important: Your employer absolutely needs your membership certificate before your first day of work.
What: A German or at least SEPA-compatible account is necessary for salary payments, rent, and utility contracts.
Tip: Traditional branch banks often require the Meldebescheinigung. Online banks (such as N26 or C24) are often easier to start with, as they can sometimes be opened with just your new address and passport.
What: A German phone number is important for appointments, banking (two-factor authentication), and general reachability.
Once the basics are in place, it’s time to deal with tax and residence permit documents.
What: Anyone who entered Germany on a visa must convert it into a long-term residence permit (e.g. the EU Blue Card or the Skilled Worker Visa) at the relevant immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde) before it expires.
Tip: Appointments at the immigration authority are often hard to come by. It’s best to book your appointment before or right after arrival.
What: This is a personal 11-digit number.
How to get it: You don’t need to do anything actively! Around 2 to 3 weeks after successfully registering at the Bürgeramt, your Steuer-ID will arrive automatically by post to your registered address.
What: This number is important for your pension insurance.
How to get it: In most cases, your health insurer automatically applies for this number when you register and sends the social security card by post. Alternatively, your employer can handle this.
Proof of health insurance, your Steuer-ID, your social security number, and a copy of your residence permit must be handed over to the HR department.
Every household in Germany must pay the broadcasting fee (currently €18.36 per month) for public broadcasting. Letters usually arrive automatically after registering at the Bürgeramt, but you still need to actively register yourself.
This is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended in Germany. It covers accidental damage to other people’s property or injury to third parties.
Find a GP before you fall ill. If you need a sick note (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung) for your employer, it can be very difficult to spontaneously find a doctor who is accepting new patients.
If foreign certificates or qualifications have not yet been fully recognised (and this is required for practising your profession), this step also needs to be completed.
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