📦 Moving to Germany: the essential steps

Registration, apartment hunting, insurance — a checklist for a smooth start.

1. Don't forget Anmeldung

Within 14 days of moving in you must register at the Bürgeramt. Without the registration certificate: no bank account, no phone contract, no tax ID.

2. Prepare your rental application

Landlords usually expect: Schufa report, last 3 months' pay slips, a Mieterselbstauskunft form and often a debt-free certificate from your previous landlord.

3. Open a bank account

A Girokonto at a German or online bank (N26, DKB). The deposit (Kaution) often goes into a separate escrow account.

4. Check your insurance

Contents insurance for your belongings, personal liability (highly recommended, ~5 €/month), health insurance is mandatory.

5. Cancel contracts on time

Internet, electricity, phone — German contracts renew automatically. Notice periods are usually 3 months.