Just Landed a Job in Germany? Your Essential Step-by-Step Relocation Checklist

A recently arrived expat in Germany looks bewildered, contemplating their next steps after disembarking the plane. (Image generated by AI)

Congratulations on your new job in Germany! The excitement of starting a new chapter is thrilling, but it often comes with a wave of overwhelming bureaucracy. You've probably heard about the chicken-and-egg problem: you need a bank account to rent a flat, but you need a registered address (Anmeldung) to open a bank account. Where do you even begin?

Don't worry. This guide breaks down the essential steps in a logical order to help you navigate the process smoothly and unlock everything you need for a successful start in Germany.

Phase 1: Your First Days - Securing the Basics

Step 1: Find Temporary Accommodation Before you can do anything official, you need a place to stay. You cannot register a hotel or hostel address, so focus on short-term furnished apartments.

• Where to look:

  • Wunderflats: Popular for medium-term (1-12 months) furnished apartments.

  • HousingAnywhere: Another great option for finding temporary rooms or flats.

  • Airbnb: Good for your first few weeks, but can be expensive for longer stays.

Step 2: Get a German Mobile Number You'll need a German phone number for verifications, appointments, and contacting landlords.

• Recommendation: Start with a Prepaid SIM card. You can buy one easily at any supermarket (like Aldi, Lidl, Rewe) or mobile phone shop. You won't need a bank account or registered address for this. You can switch to a postpaid contract (Vertrag) later once you're settled.

Phase 2: The Bureaucratic Trio - Address, Bank, and Insurance

Step 3: Long-Term Housing & The Anmeldung (Address Registration) This is the most critical step. The Anmeldung is your official registration at a specific address in Germany, and it unlocks almost everything else.

1. Find a Long-Term Flat: This is challenging, so start early.

   • Where to look: ImmoScout24 and WG-Gesucht (for flatshares) are the most popular portals.

2. Get the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung: Once you sign a rental contract, your landlord must give you this "landlord confirmation form."

3. Book an Appointment: Go to your local citizen's office (Bürgeramt) website and book an appointment for "Anmeldung einer Wohnung."

4. Register: Bring your passport, the confirmation form, and your rental contract to the appointment. You will receive your official registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung).

Step 4: Open a Bank Account With your Anmeldung certificate and passport, you can now open a proper German bank account to receive your salary.

• Expat-Friendly Banks:

  • N26: A popular online bank with a fully English interface. Very easy and fast to open.

  • Wise (formerly TransferWise): Offers a multi-currency account with a German IBAN, great for international transfers.

  • Commerzbank / Deutsche Bank: Traditional banks that often have English-speaking staff and services, though the process might be slower.

Step 5: Secure Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung) Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. You cannot work without it.

• Easy for Expats:

  • Techniker Krankenkasse (TK): Consistently rated one of the best public health insurers with excellent English support and a straightforward sign-up process.

  • Feather / Ottonova: Insurance brokers that specialize in helping expats find the right public or private plan in English. You will receive a confirmation letter (Mitgliedsbescheinigung) to give to your employer.

Phase 3: Finalizing Your Work Status

Step 6: Get Your Tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer) This unique, 11-digit number is crucial for your employer to calculate your salary taxes. The good news is that it's sent automatically by post to your registered address about 2-4 weeks after your Anmeldung.

Step 7: Apply for Your Work Visa / Residence Permit (Aufenthaltstitel) If you are from a non-EU country, you must convert your entry visa into a residence permit for work. Book an appointment at the Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde) in your city as soon as possible, as waiting times can be long.

Step 8: Set up Electricity & Internet Once you have your long-term flat, you'll need to sign contracts for utilities.

• Where to look: Use comparison websites like Check24 or Verivox. You can compare prices for electricity (Strom) and internet providers and sign up online.

Phase 4: Getting Your First Paycheck

Step 9: Give Your Employer the Essential Documents To ensure your first salary payment goes through without a hitch, your HR department will need the following:

• Your Tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer)

• Your German Bank Account Details (IBAN)

• Your Health Insurance Confirmation

• Your Address Registration Certificate (Anmeldebestätigung)

• A copy of your Work/Residence Permit

A Note on Pension Funds (Betriebliche Altersvorsorge) Many German employers offer a company pension scheme. This is usually something you discuss and set up with HR after you've started working and have received your first paycheck. They will guide you through their specific provider and options.

Welcome to Germany! While the initial steps can seem complex, following this checklist will help you build a solid foundation for your new life and career.