The 8 Essential Steps After Moving to Germany

Moving to Germany is exciting, but also famously bureaucratic. Whether you are relocating for work, studies, or a fresh start, there are a few essential steps everyone must take.

Your exact to-do list depends largely on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen or a non-EU citizen. This guide walks you through the key steps after arrival so you can settle in smoothly.

Step 1: Register Your Address (Anmeldung)

Who? Everyone (EU and non-EU)

Within 14 days of moving into your German address, you must register at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt).

You will need:

Passport or ID
Rental contract
Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (confirmation from your landlord)

👉 Why it matters: Without Anmeldung, you cannot open a bank account, receive your tax ID, get health insurance, or sign most contracts.

Important note: Church tax (Kirchensteuer)
During registration, you will be asked about your religious affiliation.

If you answer yes, you will pay church tax.
If you do not wish to pay it, you can officially leave the church later via a process called “Kirchenaustritt” (church withdrawal).

Step 2: Tax ID & Social Security Number

Tax ID (Steuer-ID)

Automatically sent by post after your Anmeldung
Required to work, freelance, open bank accounts, and deal with tax matters

Social Security Number (Sozialversicherungsnummer)

Issued once you start employment
Needed for pension, unemployment, and health insurance contributions

EU vs. non-EU: No difference here. Once you are legally resident, the process is the same.

Step 3: Health Insurance (Mandatory in Germany)

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany, you cannot opt out.

Public vs. Private Health Insurance

Public (gesetzlich): Default for most employees
Private (privat): Possible for high earners, freelancers, and self-employed individuals

EU citizens

Can temporarily use an EHIC card
Long-term residents must usually switch to German insurance (some exceptions apply)

Non-EU citizens

Proof of German health insurance is required for:
- Residence permits
- Visa extensions

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Step 4: Residence Rights & Immigration Status

If You Are an EU/EEA Citizen

No visa or residence permit required
Right to live and work freely in Germany
Address registration is still mandatory (Anmeldung)

If You Are a Non-EU Citizen

You must apply for a residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde
Permit type depends on:
- Employment
- EU Blue Card eligibility
- Self-employment
- Studies or family reunification

⚠️ Important: Your right to work is directly linked to your residence permit.

Step 5: Open a German Bank Account

A German bank account (Girokonto) is essential for:

Salary payments
Rent and utilities
Insurance premiums

Most banks require:

Anmeldung certificate
Passport
Residence permit (often required for non-EU citizens)

EU citizens usually face fewer checks; non-EU citizens may need additional verification.

Step 6: Family Benefits & Child Allowance (Kindergeld)

Kindergeld is a monthly child benefit paid by the German state to support families.

Who can receive Kindergeld?

You may be eligible if:

You live in Germany and
You are employed, self-employed, or legally resident and
Your child lives in Germany or in another EU/EEA country (rules differ)

Eligible persons include:

EU/EEA citizens living and working in Germany
Non-EU citizens with a valid residence permit that allows employment
Parents, adoptive parents, or legal guardians

How to apply

Apply at the Familienkasse (Family Benefits Office)
Required documents usually include:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Parents’ tax IDs
- Residence permit (if non-EU)
- Proof of address

⏳ Applications can be backdated for several months, so apply as soon as possible.

Step 7: Registering Your Car (Kfz-Zulassung)

If you bring a car to Germany or buy one locally, registration is mandatory before you are allowed to drive.

Where do you register your car?

You must register your vehicle at the local Vehicle Registration Office, called the
Kfz-Zulassungsstelle (Zulassungsbehörde).

This office is usually part of:

The Bürgeramt, or
The local district administration (Landratsamt), depending on the city

Appointments are often required and should be booked online.

What you will need:

Proof of address (Anmeldung)
Passport or ID
Vehicle documents
Proof of valid technical inspection (TÜV)
Proof of German car insurance (Kfz-Haftpflicht, via an eVB number)

Additional notes for expats:

EU vehicles: May need conversion to German plates
Non-EU vehicles: Often require import procedures, customs clearance, and inspections

👉 Important: Car insurance including liability insurance is mandatory in Germany. Driving without it is illegal.

Step 8: Pets, Animals & Required Insurance

If you own a pet in Germany, certain rules and obligations apply depending on the type of animal and where you live.

Where to register your animal

Dogs: Must be registered at your local municipality (Bürgeramt or Ordnungsamt).
In many cities, dog registration and dog tax (Hundesteuer) are handled together.
Cats: Registration is generally not required.
Exotic animals: Must usually be registered with the local Veterinary Office (Veterinäramt) and may require special permits, depending on the species and federal state.

Mandatory or recommended pet insurance

Dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflicht):
Mandatory in some federal states and strongly recommended everywhere, as dog owners are fully liable for damages caused by their dog.
Pet health insurance:
Optional, but popular due to high veterinary and treatment costs in Germany.

👉 Regulations, taxes, and insurance requirements can vary by city and federal state, so always check local rules after moving.