Moving to Germany and Getting Started
A practical plan for before departure and after arrival: accommodation, registration, insurance, university, transport and everyday matters.
Before Departure
Documents
Prepare the originals of your important documents and digital copies.
- Passport
- Admission documents / vocational training contract
- Visa
- Educational documents
- Insurance documents
Accommodation
Start looking for accommodation early, especially in large university cities where demand can be high.
Health Insurance
You need suitable insurance coverage for a long-term stay in Germany. Check when your insurance takes effect.
Finances
Make sure you can access your funds, bank cards and the required proof of funding.
Travel
Plan your journey from the airport or railway station to your accommodation and book transport in advance.
University / Vocational Training
Check your start date, enrolment procedures and the documents you will need during your first few days.
After Arrival
Move In
Arrive at your accommodation and move in.
Address Registration (Anmeldung)
Register your address within two weeks.
Health Insurance
Confirm and arrange health insurance coverage within the German system.
University / Training Company
Complete your university registration or begin your vocational training.
Banking and Mobile Services
Open a bank account and arrange a mobile phone service.
Immigration Authority / Residence Title
Begin the process of obtaining your residence title.
Address registration (Anmeldung) is usually required within two weeks of moving in.
Accommodation
Types of Accommodation
- • Student Residence (Studentenwohnheim) — accommodation provided by a student services organisation (Studierendenwerk), usually affordable
- • Shared Flat (WG) — a flat shared by several people, popular with students
- • Private Apartment — a separate apartment for rent
- • Temporary Accommodation — short-term accommodation such as a hostel or Airbnb
Important: Not all temporary accommodation, such as hotels or hostels, allows you to register your address. Before booking, check whether address registration (Anmeldung) is possible.
Take Care: Do not transfer large sums for accommodation before checking the offer, the landlord’s identity and the terms of the agreement. This helps you avoid fraud.
Registering Your Address
Registration usually requires proof of identity, such as a passport, and confirmation of occupancy (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) from your landlord or an authorised representative of the accommodation provider.
Specific requirements depend on the city and the registration office (Meldebehörde / Bürgeramt).
Settling Into Everyday Life
Transport
We explain how local public transport works, including suburban trains (S-Bahn), the underground (U-Bahn), trams and buses, and which fares are available to students or vocational trainees.
SIM Card
We help you understand the main mobile service options and the documents needed to sign up.
Bank Account
We explain which documents are usually required to open an account and what to look out for.
University Services
Student services organisations (Studierendenwerk), libraries, university dining halls (Mensa), student support and other useful university services.
Everyday Matters
Shops, doctors, pharmacies, postal services, digital services and your first practical tasks.
Language Support
University language courses, meeting local students, events and exchange programmes.
How We Help
The information in this section provides practical guidance based on standard procedures. Specific requirements, deadlines and procedures may vary depending on the city, type of education and individual circumstances.
Ready to Move to Germany?
Book a consultation and we will discuss all the details of your move.
Book a Consultation