Your First 90 Days in Germany
Setup steps after arrival: from address registration to the residence card, step by step.
Steps
Estimated total: ~109 days
1. Address registration (Anmeldung)
After moving in, register your address at the Bürgeramt, generally within 14 days. The Anmeldung is a prerequisite for banking, insurance and the tax ID.
Required documents- Passport
- Landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
- Rental contract
Tip: In big cities Bürgeramt slots fill fast — book online as soon as your move-in date is fixed.
~14 daysOfficial source2. Bank account (Girokonto)
Open a current account for salary, rent and insurance. Most banks require the registration certificate; some digital banks accept a passport.
Required documents- Registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung)
- Passport
Tip: If you have a blocked account, link the Girokonto for the monthly payouts early.
~7 daysOfficial source3. Finalise health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory. Most employees join statutory insurance (GKV); above an income threshold private (PKV) is possible. Students have student tariffs. Tell your employer your choice before starting work.
Required documents- Passport / residence title
- Employment contract or enrolment
Tip: Compare the Zusatzbeitrag across funds; travel insurance does NOT replace health insurance long-term.
~7 daysOfficial source4. Tax ID (Steuer-ID)
The tax ID is generated automatically after Anmeldung and arrives by post (typically 2–3 weeks). Your employer needs it for payroll tax; if delayed, request it at the Finanzamt.
Required documents- Registration certificate
Tip: If you start work before it arrives, tax is withheld provisionally at a higher class — refunded later.
~21 daysOfficial source5. Residence card (eAT) appointment
The D visa is usually valid only for the entry period; before it expires, book an appointment at the foreigners authority for the electronic residence card (eAT).
Required documents- Passport + visa
- Biometric photo
- Registration certificate
- Employment contract / proof of income
Tip: Waiting times vary a lot by city — plan your visa validity and the appointment together.
~30 daysOfficial source6. Language and integration
Set up your language plan early for long-term goals (settlement B1, citizenship B1). Depending on eligibility, integration courses or job-related language courses are options.
Required documents- Residence title
Tip: Blue Card holders can apply for settlement after 21 months with B1 — language investment shortens the path.
~30 daysOfficial source
Document checklist
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This is a general guide, not individual legal advice. For your case, the consulate or a licensed expert is decisive.
Frequently asked questions
How soon must I register (Anmeldung), and what if I am late?
Under the Federal Registration Act the rule is two weeks from moving in. With scarce appointments, proof of a booked slot matters; long unjustified delays can incur a fine. Without Anmeldung there is no tax ID and usually no bank account — plan it first.
Source: BMG §17 (Gesetze im Internet) · Valid from 2024-01-01
Statutory (GKV) or private (PKV) health insurance?
Most employees are below the income threshold and thus in statutory insurance (GKV); family members are often co-insured free of charge. PKV is only an option above the threshold or for certain groups — returning is hard. Practical rule for newcomers: start with GKV.
Are the Steuer-ID and Steuernummer the same thing?
No. The Steuer-ID (11 digits) is your lifelong personal identification number and arrives automatically after Anmeldung — your employer needs it. The Steuernummer is issued by the tax office, mainly for self-employment/tax returns. As an employee the Steuer-ID is enough at first.
Am I entitled to child benefit (Kindergeld), and how much is it?
Employees resident in Germany with a residence title permitting employment are generally entitled to Kindergeld; it is paid via the Familienkasse. The amount is a fixed monthly sum per child, equal from the first child on: €255 in 2025 and €259 in 2026. The application needs the tax IDs of child and parent — please verify the current amount with the Familienkasse when you apply.
Source: EStG §66 (Gesetze im Internet) · Valid from 2026-01-01
When can I apply for German citizenship, and must I give up my Turkish one?
Under the reform in force since 27 June 2024, naturalisation is generally possible after 5 years of lawful residence; with special integration achievements (language, work, volunteering) it is 3 years. Because the reform generally allows multiple nationality, you usually no longer have to give up Turkish citizenship. Further conditions apply — a secure livelihood, B1 language level and commitment to the free democratic order — with the final assessment resting with the authority.
Source: StAG §10 (Gesetze im Internet) · Valid from 2024-06-27
What is the integration course, how long is it and what does it cost?
The integration course comprises a 600-hour language course (target level B1) and a 100-hour orientation course (legal order, history, culture, values) — 700 hours in total (special courses may differ); it ends with a language test (DTZ) and the 'Leben in Deutschland' test. Entitlement or obligation is set by the foreigners authority or the Jobcenter. The cost contribution is, as of 2025, €2.29 per lesson (about €1,603 for the general course); those on low incomes or benefits can apply for exemption, and a partial refund is possible if the test is passed in time. Verify the current amount and conditions with the BAMF.